Why Are There So Many Classic Cars in Cuba?

The answer to this is more than a love of cars. of Cuba complex history and its economic limitations are the main reasons why the country is a car museum.

Became an integral part of Cuba colorful classic cars Let’s continue the content for those who wonder how it exists in the country and why there are not many other types of cars.

The history of cars in Cuba goes back a long way.

Cuba has never been among the countries that produce cars and this need from automotive imports welcomed. The first car export to Cuba was made during the Cuban-Spanish-American War and was made in 1898 by an obscure French manufacturer. parisienne model The vehicle arrived.

US automobiles and parts in the early 1900s biggest importer Cuba moved to its position. Cuba is among the countries with the highest number of saddlers per capita in the world. Classic Ford Model T It was possible to see it everywhere. These cars are also known as “fotingo” in the country. “it’s a waste” He was known by his name.

In the first half of the 20th century, cars that were not offered for sale in the USA were available in Cuba. Because Cuba is owned by American automobile companies. test track It was used as. Many cars, from Ford to Chevrolet, from Cadillac to Chrysler models, found a place in the country. In Cuba in 1956 More than 140 thousand cars There were about 90 thousand of them walking around the streets of Havana.

Old friends became enemies, imports and exports were embargoed.

With the Cuban Revolution, all the cards were dealt from the beginning. With the embargo between the USA and Cuba, all kinds of imports and exports, including automobiles, were banned. Even this embargo The most enduring trade embargo in modern history It was also recorded as.

The embargo caused serious problems, especially for car owners. Car not arriving aside for repairs find parts It was impossible now. There were two options for vehicle owners. Either they would repair the parts themselves, or the cars would rust in the garage.

Creativity kicked in and restorations of classic cars began.

Repair work has begun from parts of other vehicles such as Lada, Volgas and Geely. Car owners had no choice because they needed their cars. The fact that many of the cars you see in Cuba are colorful are actually part of these restoration works. Because repairmen patches He had to close it somehow.

The mechanics, who turned into magicians, tried different methods to repair the cars. They made the parts almost from scratch. Some car engines are Toyota or Mitsubishi engines changed with . Old cast iron plumbing pipes were also replaced in damaged areas.

Old American cars in Cuba In 90% of the cases, the original engines are dismantled and repaired. It is estimated that it was replaced with engines from other model cars.

One of the reasons why there are not many other model cars in Cuba is the cost.

In 2016, the ban on buying foreign cars was eased. The way was cleared for brand new vehicles to come to Cuba, but there was a problem. That’s also the cost. Strict control of importsThe reason why car prices are high is that car sales are still under state monopoly.

Prices of non-American cars are approx. 40 thousand dollars This makes new cars a dream for Cubans. A doctor earns about $70 a month, a lawyer earns $80, and a taxi driver on a good day earns $100, leaving no choice but to repair old cars.

There is another sad reality about old cars: They are a major environmental problem.

The combination of low quality diesel and old engines causes environmental problems in the city. Snow coming out from behind old cars diesel exhaust clouds With this, everywhere smells of burnt diesel. Unfortunately, there is no way to escape from this smoke, considering that many houses and restaurants in Cuba do not have air conditioning.

How many classic cars are there in Cuba?

in cuba around 60 thousand It features a classic American car. It is estimated that half come from the 1950s, 25% from the 1940s, and the other 25% from the 1930s. So every classic American car you see on the streets of Cuba is actually a car. family heirloom

Although American car enthusiasts try very hard to own these heirlooms, according to Cuban law, the cars are It is forbidden to leave the country. We are sure that one day, when this rule changes, very high amounts will be asked for classic cars.

For those wondering about other unknown aspects of Cuba: