Not Technical and not Corvettes but interesting

[Jim S.]

Where were these pictures taken?








Maybe this one will help!


These pictures were taken by me two weeks ago in Havana and sorrounding areas. Sorry, not one Corvette in the week that I was there.

Here are some interesting facts about Communist Socialism in Cuba.
Cuban citizens are prevented from owning any vehicles! However, if someone owned a vehicle before the revolution (1959 or earlier) than they are grandfathered and may keep that one. A car can never be sold. There is no way to transfer a title. So the cars are passed around without official documentation as to sale or ownership.
You see more modern Toyotas, Hyundis, BMWs, etc. on the streets but they must be (owned?) by party officials or are being used by tourists. One rule for party members, another set of rules for the common man.
Jim

[Don S.]

Re: Not Technical and not Corvettes but interesting

yes-- interesting -- thanks --never been there.

[Paul J.]

Re: Not Technical and not Corvettes but interesting

Oh man Jim, look at all those parts!

Every time I watch "Captain Ron" I'm always pausing the disk and studying the cars...drives the kids nuts.

Thanks for the pics.

Paul

[Rich G.]

Re: Not Technical and not Corvettes but interesting

And I thought it was the South Bronx

[Michael W.]

Re: Not Technical and not Corvettes but interesting

Surprised that nobody asked- how did you legally get into Cuba and back again? US citizens are still banned AFAIK.

[George C.]

Re: Not Technical and not Corvettes but interesting

Gotta be a Corvette somewhere in Cuba.

[Pat M.]

Re: Not Technical and not Corvettes but interesting

Surprised that nobody asked- how did you legally get into Cuba and back again? US citizens are still banned AFAIK.

That was my first thought ...

[Jim S.]

Re: Not Technical and not Corvettes but interesting

The U.S. allows visits to Cuba on humanitarian grounds.

BTW, I do not recall seeing any 2-doors. 54 through 58s are very common. I did see a 59 Catalina, diesel, taxi in really rough shape but still carrying passengers. (I don't know what vintage diesel engine.) Old U.S. cars are almost 1 to 1 with newer European, Korean, and Japanese passenger cars on the highways.

Three lane roads with a center suicide passing lane are common. On rural 2 lane roads you have large trucks, horse drawn wagons, bicycles, people walking, people hitchhiking, chickens, dogs, and cows all in your lane. At night you have people on bikes (without even a reflector) riding right down the middle of your lane. I never saw any accidents but there must be a horrendous number of people killed.

Note on the 1957 Chevrolet above, the high level turn signal lamps on the rear fenders. They are quite common on most old vehicles. I don't know if they are needed because dual filament bulbs are difficult to find or if they are just decoration. For sure it isn't because of Cuban NHTSA safety requirements.
Jim

[Dick W.]

Re: Not Technical and not Corvettes but interesting

They may look like a '57 whatever, but only the owner knows what is in it for an engine, transmission, or rear end. My father took me to Havanna just a few months before Bastista was deposed. The Cubans were great scavengers even back then.

[Ronald L.]

Re: Not Technical and not Corvettes but interesting

And with the current plan for medical followed by a vote soon on the gov'ts bill that will tax the energy efficiency of your house and they decide if it does not meet their std that you can't sell??? Sounds like Che and Fidel all rolled into one.

[Loren L.]

Re: Not Technical and not Corvettes but interesting

Oh man Jim, look at all those parts!

Every time I watch "Captain Ron" I'm always pausing the disk and studying the cars...drives the kids nuts.

Thanks for the pics.

Paul

You can be reasonably sure that NONE of "Captain Ron" was shot in Cuba.

[Loren L.]

Re: Not Technical and not Corvettes but interesting

In terms of probability, like Cuba coming up again at VH, I'll take this last (and only) shot to inform the VH populace that for American cars in town for the 1960 Cuban races, their clearance for operation in Cuba was not a license plate, but a decal from the Havana Bicycle Club.

[Scott S.]

Re: Not Technical and not Corvettes but interesting

Great place to visit as a Canuck. Cigars are great, Right V.P?
Scott

[Pat M.]

Re: Not Technical and not Corvettes but interesting

Great place to visit as a Canuck. Cigars are great, Right V.P?
Scott

It's hard to beat a good stogie, especially with a dry, hearty vino. I've been holding my breath for the time when U.S. citizens can freely enjoy Havana's best!

[Edward M.]

Re: Not Technical and not Corvettes but interesting

One of Batista's sons had a 1956 Corvette.

Here is another interesting car in Cuba.

http://caristas.blogspot.com/2009/12/discovered-in-cuba-rare-mercedes-bird.html