Most of the cars you will see in Cuba date back to the 1950s, before the Revolution. In the 1990s, after the collapse of the Soviet Union, aid to Cuba ended and cars truly became outdated. Most Cubans travel by foot, bicycle or horse and carriage.
Ladas
Older Russian Ladas are seen frequently on the poorly maintained streets of Cuba. The Lada was an economical option meant to mimic the Fiat in size and looks. It’s boxy looking, but easy to maintain while getting relatively good gas mileage.
Ford Zephryr
Britain’s Ford Zephryr was a six-cylinder sedan that found its way to Cuba in the 1950s. You’ll see quite a few of them in the area.
Chevrolet Bel Air
Produced by General Motors in 1953, the Chevrolet Bel Air came in two-door and four-door sedans, station wagons and convertibles. Many Bel Air’s are found in Havana and other towns.
Ford Edsel
While it proved to be a flop in the U.S., Ford’s Edsel is still seen on the roads in Cuba. Manufactured from 1958 to 1960, you’ll see plenty of 1958s along the streets.
Studebaker Packard
Studebaker entered the automotive market in 1902 with an electric vehicle. Their final Packard was build in 1956, but Cubans still love them.
Packard Caribbean
Packard also released the 1953 Caribbean. The leather interiors made these a car to own, and many Cubans still do.
Austin A30
In the 1950s, Austin and Nissan Motor Company reached a deal allowing Nissan to manufacture a new line of Austins. These cars are still popular in Cuba.
Ford Consul
From 1951 to 1956, the Ford Consul was a heavy competitor among family vehicles. The Consul is still found on the streets of Cuba.
Chevrolet Suburban
Chevrolet Suburban first hit the market in 1935. It is the 1959 model that is spotted frequently. The Suburban seats a crowd and withstands the rough roads.
Ford Woody
The Ford Woody is found frequently in Cuba. This bulky station wagon fits a number of passengers and included a manual start in case your battery died.
Wages in Cuba are generally lower than those in the UK or the US. This limits the number of households that are able to purchase vehicles. Those who do own cars stick to vintage cars that they restore.