Vintage cars of Cuba

[kerouac2]

I hope that nobody thought that they were actually going to escape this subject. It is simply impossible not to take all of the pictures when you go to Cuba. I have been to plenty of ultra poor countries where people drive really old cars, but absolutely nothing matches this living car museum of Amercian automotive grandeur.  However, the spectrum is vast, from the lovingly restored bright and shiny vehicles that the owners spend all of their time polishing and wiping when they are not driving to the most incredible rust buckets that you cannot imagine still being serviceable.  There are also plenty of new cars on the streets now and also an intermediate zone of aging Soviet bloc cars from a variety of countries, but it's the old American ones that captivate one's eye constantly.  So this will just be a display of those cars, although I would absolutely not rule about the occasional Canadian Studebaker.

First, seen from above from the balcony of the first apartment

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To fully appreciate them, though, you must be down at ground level right next to them.

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The design details are always very impressive.

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[onlyMark]

*Orders popcorn*

[mich64]

Were you able to talk with any of the owners Kerouac?

[bixaorellana]

I have lots of pictures but no automotive comments, due to my being unable to tell one car from another, although of course I spotted and was amazed by all the old cars I recognized from my youth.

In Havana there are lots of opportunities to go for a pricey ride or tour in a vintage car. As both of us remembered riding in those cars for free as children, we weren't tempted. Amusingly, on the trip back to the airport when leaving, we suddenly realized that we were in fact riding in a vintage car.

[bjd]

Some of them are definitely impressive, especially the bright pink convertible with the tail fins.

[kerouac2]

Jan 16, 2018 18:27:41 GMT mich64 said:

Were you able to talk with any of the owners Kerouac?

Since I have no interest in motor vehicles, I didn't really care about their motivations, even though I greatly admired their dedication. So, no, I never talked to any of the owners.

[kerouac2]

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just a little contrast of vehicles at a service station on the motorway

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[bixaorellana]

[kerouac2]

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finally, the inside of the taxi to the airport

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[bixaorellana]

[tod2]

Oh my goodness! I can see us going to Cuba and Mr.Tod riding in one beautiful vintage car after another. Just looking would not be enough. I think he would even pay to drive one around the block.
Fantastic array of photos - thank you so much!

[kerouac2]

All of the touts seemed to be announcing a rate of 50 euros for a half day of riding around Havana. I suppose that means something like 30 euros after bargaining.

[bixaorellana]

Thank you, Tod!

You can google classic car hire in Havana to see prices. Longer hires mean cheaper hourly fees.

[fumobici]

Sweet buncha cars! The Peugeot 404 in black is a picture of understatement in that company.

[Deleted]

I had anticipated this thread at some point and it did not disappoint.
Super array and brings back many childhood memories.

The fuschia convertible is magnificent!!

And yes, the details are always impressive. All those classic chrome ornaments one never sees on autos anymore.
My brother who is rabid about vintage autos has a small collection of some really cool old ornaments cleverly displayed in his office.

Thanks for a great report.

[bixaorellana]

Thanks, Fumobici and Casimira!

Here is one I missed posting ~

[tod2]

I would love to give Mr.Tod a nice long sleek number like this last photo. Got to win the Lotto first....