I had assumed it was still a myth that the old Chevvies, Pontiacs and Buicks of the 50’s would be around still but I was pleasantly surprised to see them in evidence albeit most were taxis and some in better condition than others.
Now my recognition of car types from the 50’s is relatively limited purely as I wasn’t around, not to appreciate them at my age anyway, Dad never owned one of them and lastly I am not really interested in cars of this era.
Of course I can recognize a Lada, as that’s the most common car here and its been spawned across most of eastern Europe.
There is a beautiful Buick with purple exterior and white leather interior parked up by revolution square and although at a distance looks perfect closer inspection reveals that its in need of some TLC. What’s also amazing is that you never see the same car twice as there are just so many of them. Where you see a fully restored 50’s American classic there is easily two hundred odd rust heaps held together with Cuban ingenuity. Some of these cars don’t even sport their original axles/wheels as they are either set forward or back depending on where they have been welded on the chassis. Those set back look like cartoon acceleration where the body is moving faster than the wheels. What you do not see is the equivalent of the beige Morris Marina with a purple door. Here the doors get re-cut from sheet metal and banged into shape, in some cases not quite fitting, but at least they match the cars body colour as its subsequently been re-sprayed. The ostentatious hood furniture is extremely alien but here it seems to work although I haven’t a clue what it represents. I am sure an aficionado of hood furniture exists especially with these iconic 50’s classics.
Take your life into your own hands and get in one of the mustard coloured tennis balls set on three wheels. Slight weight disadvantage on the left but helped going left for the driver, little tougher on hills and attempting right turns. Once was enough but if there is no other alternative then I guess that’s the best for the occasion.
But a ride in a 54 chevvy is a must or rather rust. This one took us from the San Carlos La Cabana back to the hotel. All parts of the car seem to be magically held together and the exterior paint job applied with a wall paper brush; not the highest quality. From the sharp rasp of the engine and the juddering into motion it ticked along at a fair lick. Thunderous echo as we entered the tunnel heading for Malecon. Hill climbs not a speciality and when it came to announcing the cars intention two wires had to be held together for the horn to sound, whilst still steering and changing gear. Needless to say he couldn’t separate them for a few seconds. He was very proud of his fifty five year old car even though he was quick to offer it for sale, “good price”.
These classics will be on the streets still in years to come as long as they continue to tinker and repair and not sell them.