Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Old Cars
No doubt you have seen postcards, photos and videos of old American cars still
operating throughout Cuba. This is not a myth. Antique American and Russian
vehicles dominate the traffic on the streets throughout the country. The classic
American cars are relics of a time before the revolution when economic relations
between Cuba and America were close. After the revolution and subsequent trade
embargo, Cuba was thrown into economic disorder and the population was forced
by necessity to continue using and maintaining these antiquated vehicles, having
limited means to purchase newer ones.
The old, American vehicles are colloquially known in Cuba as
Chebi
's, owing to the
popular Chevy brand. They are also referred to as
maquinas
or
almendrons
(be-
cause of their large, almond shaped bodies). However, while these cars look ori-
ginal superficially, under the hood they have been greatly modified. The original
gasoline engines were all replaced with diesel engines in the late 90's in order to
reduce fuel costs and increase efficiency. As a consequence, they now rumble
around the city, creating much more noise than they did originally, and often leav-
ing a dark trail of smoke in their path. Most drivers of these old vehicles buy low
cost heating oil type fuels through a black market network rather than buying offi-
cial diesel fuel at state prices.
The next most popular vehicles are Russian Lada and Moskvich brand cars, char-
acterized by their signature boxy look and delicate features. These were imported
throughout the 70's and 80's as relations between Russia and Cuba solidified.
Currently, Cuba has fostered close relations with China and the prevalence of
modern looking vehicles under popular Chinese brands such as Cherry and Geely
is increasing. These cars are especially common in the rental car market. It is also
not so unusual to see expensive European sports cars and luxury vehicles driving
around, especially in large cities. These vehicles are usually imported by foreign
embassies that have staff conducting business on the island.
Interesting Fact:
Any motorized vehicle, no matter the age or type, is considered a
prized possession in Cuba. Old vehicles from the 1960's are commonly listed for
sale for tens of thousands of dollars. The reason these vehicles are worth so much
is because of the income potential they can provide as taxis. While the average
state job might pay no more than $30 per month, a taxi driver can potentially make
$30 per day, if he owns and operates his own vehicle. This would equate to about
$10 000 per year, an almost unheard of sum of wealth in Cuba. All cars are cher-
ished and rigorously cared for, passed down from one generation to another, usu-
ally sustaining the livelihood of several families.
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