Havana’s ubiquitous Yank Tanks are still on the move, even after well over 50 years and hundreds of thousands of miles. Like the Eveready Bunny, they just keep going and going. Thanks to the ingenuity and tenacity of the Cuban people. It could be said that these mechanics and parts’ fabricators are the curators of the largest living classic car museum in the world.
With the advent of the Cuban Embargo in 1961, American expats and wealthy Cubans fled the island leaving an estimated 150,000 American cars behind. During the 50s, Cuba imported more cars from Detroit than any other nation in the world. More Buicks, more DeSotos, more Cadillacs. And, of course, scores of Fords and Chevys.
If you can spare about a hundred seconds please take a look at this lighthearted video of Havana’s Yank Tanks.
catbirdinamerica
11 May 2014Wonderful photos, Ron, capturing a bygone age in today’s Cuba. I would really love to go and see these old cars! 🙂
fotograffer
12 May 2014Thanks Cathy. The whole Cuban experience was wonderful. Hope you get the chance to go.
catbirdinamerica
15 May 2014I hope so too, Ron!
The Wanderlust Gene
11 May 2014The height of retro chic, Ron. I particularly like the white soft top, though I don’t recognise it (or is that because I don’t recognise it?). Fantastic to see so many of them, all so lovingly cared for. They’re quite a testament to the way the cars were originally built, don’t you think. I doubt, even with the Cubans’ skill and determination, modern cars would last the distance. 🙂
fotograffer
12 May 2014I don’t know the white car either, I just liked the photo. 😉 Indeed, a testament to these classic’s durability, but also to the ingenuity of the Cubans. Many have had their engines replaced with Diesel engines from old Russian cars. Retro chic – I like that.
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Lana: Living with Post Concussion Syndrome
12 May 2014Classic Beauty
fotograffer
12 May 2014Thank you and thanks for visiting.
Lana: Living with Post Concussion Syndrome
12 May 2014You’re welcome
Tina Schell
14 May 2014Loved the video Ron – and you’re right, it IS a classic car museum. Well done!
fotograffer
16 May 2014Thanks Tina. I am happy you liked the video.
Why?Matters!
15 May 2014That is great!
fotograffer
16 May 2014Thank you. It was fun to put together.
John
15 May 2014Great video and I love the motion in the first photo.
fotograffer
16 May 2014Thanks John. I am happy you enjoyed the post.
mithriluna
15 May 2014Terrific post! So much fun!
fotograffer
16 May 2014Thank you. I am happy you enjoyed it.
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