The 1955 Chevrolet here seen in Cardenas is a popular model in Cuba. Note that most of these old cars are equipped with chrome wheels made in China. And you may or may not know that these same wheels can be bought in Canada…
You’ll also come across a number of 1957 Chevrolets in Cuba. This model, part of the Triv-Five group, is popular among the locals.
This 1958 Chevrolet Impala 1958 is an actual convertible, meaning it’s not a coupe that lost its top. But judging by the exhaust coming out of it, I’d say it’s lost its original V8 in favour of a 4-cylinder diesel. What you also don’t see here are the repaired rust holes behind the rear wheels. Plus, the car has a Florida licence plate! Curiously, you don’t find many 1959 Chevrolets on the road in Cuba, though there are several Ford Galaxies from the same year.
Even in North America this car is a rare sight, so I did a double-take on spotting this Lincoln Zephyr (either 1947 or 48) roaming the streets of Havana. In this case as well, the V12 has been switched out for a diesel engine.
Ford convertibles from 1955, 1956 (the one we see here) and 1957 are very commonplace in Cuba, and most of them run on a transplanted diesel engine!
A truly rare sight in Cuba, this 1959 Ford Thunderbird convertible still benefited from its original gas-powered V8 under the hood.
Chrysler responded to the challenges presented by Chevy and Ford in 1959 with the Plymouth. In general, though, Chryslers are less sought-after by Cubans. This convertible was once a coupe; it too lost its head.
Here’s another rare sight in Havana. This Chrysler Imperial convertible still has its original V8, but it now works with a manual gearbox. My guess is the automatic transmission gave up the ghost years ago and was replaced with a manual unit take from an Asian or Soviet pickup. Certainly, burn-outs are not recommended!
You will notice a number of British-made small cars in Cuba, including Ford Consuls and Zephyrs and Vauxhall Crestas. Quite often, though, their condition leaves a lot to be desired!
There have been sports models sold in Cuba, but not many. This MG-A, restored with what materials were available, is one of the relatively few survivors still on the road!
If you were in Cuba recently and thought you spotted some contemporary Cadillac models, chances you were looking at a Chinese-made Geely model very similar to the recent CTS.
Cars are available for rent in Cuba, including the latest version of the Suzuki Jimny, a small 4 x 4 that would certainly be a big hit in Canada if it were available there. Organized tours are available in the Varadero region, but the four-wheel-drive mechanism has been disabled on small vehicles. In any event, 4x4 trails are almost non-existent in Cuba!