Look at My Flames!
Here’s a circa ’54 Buick in South Havana sporting some optimistic paint and decal work, with the implication that this old buggy goes really fast. Top speed? About 40 mph.
Blue & Shiny Bling Machine
The chrome-and-paint-job on this late 40s Chevrolet is top notch. Many Cuban/American jalopies sport similar decals on the windshield.
Cuban Cops (Undercover)
One of the last imports to hit Havana, this 1960 model Oldsmobile has been enhanced by a subtle two-tone paint job, and chrome hubs.”
This great looking, mid-50s Ford Custom 300 has a custom paint job and matching hubcaps.
Surfer Wagon
Here’s a ‘58 Cadillac gussied up by custom decals or fine art. Gives the impression of a surfer vehicle.
Just Do It
Stripped bare of visual details, this old Chevy, probably a Bel-Air, still has spirit – check out the Nike “Just do it” symbol in the rear window.
Grease Lightning (with a Roofrack)
Here’s another old car – looks like Ford taillights and a Chevy hood ornament – which has a major rack on the roof – to hold spare tires and other needed parts. Not the greatest automotive paint, but a very creative design.
Last Ride, in Style
This glorious hearse stands ready to roll at a moment’s notice. Notice the depth of the shine, and the integrity of its chrome. For a final ride, in style.
In 1959, the Revolution in Cuba led to an embargo of US products and the free trade that had once existed between Cuba and the United States came to an abrupt end. In Cuba, time stopped in the mid-20th Century, at least as far as the automobile population on the island was concerned. Suddenly, Cubans were faced with the prospect of never buying a new car. The way in which they rose to meet this challenge illustrates the creative spirit of the Cuban people, who thrive with almost no material help from the 21st Century.
The cars that remained on the island of Cuba when the political situation changed (about 150,000) could not be replaced, and so instead, they have been nurtured and repaired, restored and recreated in the decades since. Sixty thousand of these classic cars are still on the streets, and they reflect both good original craftsmanship and materials, and the ingenuity and determination to save these vehicles.
About half of these classic cars were made in the 1950’s, and half from the 30’s and 40’s. All are an extraordinary mix of necessity and invention, and bring a certain sensual satisfaction just to see them. Some survive in the United States, pampered and restored perfectly or rusting out in a field, but Americans have turned from theses behemoths, certainly wisely so, in terms of environmental impact and conservation of resources. Nevertheless, there is something about these cars that catches in your throat, something like pride and gratitude: pride in the original creations, and gratitude that this heritage has been preserved.
Images courtesy of Flickr, MSNBC and Dan Heller
