If you’re a lover of classic cars, there’s no better place to see an abundance of them than in Cuba. The streets are a never-ending parade of vehicles from the 1940s and 50s, with brightly painted Fords, Pontiacs, Chevrolets, Dodges, and even Studebakers. Although some are falling apart, others are still in mint condition. But why are there so many?
After the Cuban Revolution, Cuba’s leader, Fidel Castro, put a U.S. embargo in place that banned the import of American cars and related parts. Car owners were then forced to preserve what they had. In some instances, it led to using foreign engines and other mechanical parts in order to keep them running. And, knowing that many tourists love classic cars, especially in bright Caribbean colors, a tourism industry was born in which the cars are used for city tours of Havana.
Numerous tour companies offer different versions of these excursions, with tours varying in length and offering different points of interest. Some offer individual tours, while others encourage groups. Most come with trained tour guides. It all depends on what you want to see and how much you want to spend on the tour. Old Cars Havana is a reputable tour company offering tours between 2 and 10 hours in length.