What is the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about visiting Cuba? No doubt many would say the classic cars from the 1940s and 1950s that are seen in every town and city in the country. During my visit, I saw Studebakers, Pontiacs, Plymouths, Fords, Dodges, Chevrolets, and Buicks. Some are in great condition, others are about to rust into oblivion.

These cars date back to the pre-revolutionary days. Many of the best cars are reserved for doctors, Communist officials, sports stars, etc. Others are kept for the government-run tourist trade providing taxi service. In 2011, some of the restrictions on selling cars were eased. Then, in 2014, the government abolished a system that required citizens to attain a permit to buy a car, and loosened restrictions on new car imports. However, markups of four to five times the base price left cheap cars with an astronomical price in a country where a good state job pays $30 a month make buying a car an impossible goal for most citizens.

How many classic cars are in Cuba?

There are no official statistics regarding the numbers of classic cars. Most estimates say there are 60,000 pre-1959 American cars still operating in Cuba. The U.S. government eased the embargo eased, but how have the Cubans kept these cars running in the intervening years? Via many ingenious ways – cannibalizing vehicles that are beyond repair, modifying Russian car parts and engines to use in the American vehicles, crafting hand-made parts and even tools from scrap metal, and many more. Cuban mechanics use imperfect parts and keep the cars running.

In Havana, many tourists take the opportunity to hop in one of these classic cars to take a driving tour of the city. Whether you arrive by bus, cruise ship, or plane, you will see rows of beautiful classic cars lined up ready to whisk you off on an adventure. Be sure to know the price before you start out – usually set as a flat hourly rate. Don’t forget to take photos! It will be one of the highlights of your trip.

Can’t get to Cuba right now? Why not bring Cuba to your home or office. These images will enhance your room and spark conversations with fellow car buffs and anyone who appreciates these old classic vehicles. These are available as print on demand according to your style and taste – framed art print, modern metal print, acrylic and more in the size you need for your home or office.

See more images of autos and architecture around Cuba.

Whether you’ve visited or long to go, I invite you to check out my other images of Cuba. Go to https://1-dawn-currie.pixels.com/ to see more of this tropical island and its people. These artworks are the fruits of a two-week trek by the photographer that spanned the island from east to west. Share a glimpse of modern-day Cuba where time stands still, yet takes its toll. This photographic and personal journey across the island exposes just some of the rich tapestry which is modern-day Cuba. Furthermore, you can customize your art according to your needs. Fine art productions are available on paper, canvas, acrylic, metal, and wood. And while you’re there, consider ordering greeting cards of your favorites. These images will bring a slice of the Caribbean, with a Cuban flare, into your home and place of business. Bienvenido a Cuba!

Also don’t forget to check out more Travel Photography on this site!