The answer to this is more than a love for 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 one of the countries that produce cars and have this need from the import of cars welcome. The first automobile exports to Cuba occurred during the Cuban-Spanish-American War and were made in 1898 by an obscure French manufacturer. Parisian model The vehicle arrived.

Parisienne 1898

American cars and parts early 20th century largest 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 called “fotingo” in the country. “it’s a waste” He was known by his name.

In the first half of the 20th century, cars were available in Cuba that were not offered for sale in the US. Because Cuba is owned by American car companies. test track It was used as. Many cars, from Ford to Chevrolet, from Cadillac to Chrysler models, found a home in the country. In Cuba in 1956 More than 140 thousand cars There were about 90,000 of them walking the streets of Havana.

Old friends became enemies, imports and exports were embargoed.

US President Dwight D. Eisenhower and Cuban leader Fidel Castro

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

The embargo caused serious problems, especially for car owners. Car won’t pull over for repairs find parts It was impossible now. There were two options for vehicle owners. They either repaired the parts themselves, or the cars rusted in the garage.

Creativity started and the restoration of classic cars began.

Repair work has started on 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 is actually part of this restoration work. Because repairmen band aids He had to close it somehow.

The mechanics, turning 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 drain pipes were also replaced in damaged areas.

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

One of the reasons why there aren’t many other model cars in Cuba is the cost.

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

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

There’s another sad reality about old cars: they pose a major environmental problem.

The combination of low-quality diesel and old engines causes environmental problems in the city. Snow comes out from behind old cars diesel exhaust clouds This makes it smell like burnt diesel everywhere. Unfortunately, there is no way to escape this smoke as many homes and restaurants in Cuba do not have air conditioning.

How many classic cars are there in Cuba?

in Cuba about 60 thousand It features a classic American car. It is estimated that half are from the 1950s, 25% from the 1940s and the remaining 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 go out of their way to own these heirlooms, under Cuban law the cars are It is forbidden to leave the country. We are sure that one day, when this rule changes, very high prices will be asked for classic cars.

For those wondering about other unknown aspects of Cuba: