Editor’s note: The recent announcement of normalization of relations between Cuba and the US have likely set into motion irreversible change to Cuba and her culture. Cuba will no longer be a country stuck in time. As relations improve, the trade embargo will likely be lifted. New American cars may be seen on the streets of Havana, something that has not happened in over fifty years. Except for some preserved for the tourist industry, the Yank Tanks will become but a memory, a bit of nostalgia. La Habana Vieja will be changed forever. Will these classics become objects of desire by collectors?
While this article was started before the mid-December Washington-Havana announcement, it is even more timely now.
Traffic is always heavy in Havana and the ubiquitous Yank Tanks, classic US cars from the 1950s, account for most of it. Amazingly, these Detroit dinosaurs continue to roll on like the sands of time, thanks to the ingenuity of the Cuban people. A metaphor of Cuba itself.
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 50’s 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. Fifty years and hundreds of thousands of miles later, most of these cars are still on the road. A testament to Cuban ingenuity and tenacity. It has been said that these mechanics and parts’ fabricators are the curators of the largest living classic car museum in the world.
Because of the embargo, Cubans are prevented from importing spare parts. Repairs are done with what is available on the island. These American turned Cuban cars are kept running by their owners with the help of a network of “specialists.” Chrome parts can be manufactured by hand relying on photographs, scrap metal, and homemade metal bending machines. Someone else makes brake pads by combining asbestos with resins by hand and pouring the mixture into molds and baking them in an oven. There is a glass shop where new windshields are made from shards of glass from old ones placed into handmade molds and heated in a kiln.
The drive trains of these vintage rides can be problematic. After all, engines and transmissions do wear out after several hundred thousand miles. Other cars are cannibalized and rudimentary machine shops can make most parts. But eventually, the Yank Tank’s owner may be faced with the decision of re-powering.
As luck would have it, thousands of Russian-made Ladas and Volgas were imported into Cuba, in the years leading up to the Cuban Missile Crisis, when Moscow and Havana were cozy. While practically no one will boast of being the proud owner of a Lada, many of those sturdy little diesel engines are getting a second lease on life under the hood of a vintage 50’s Buick or Packard.
Meanwhile, some new cars are being brought into the island nation although tightly controlled by the Cuban government’s monopoly. These vehicles are destined for the country’s elite. New cars are also available to anyone. The problem is that no one can afford the huge markup the Cuban government places on the imported vehicles. For example, a new Peugeot for sale at the state-run dealership in Havana cost up to $262,000. In Cuba, the average monthly wage is $20.
Looks like the Yank Tanks still have many more miles to go.
Click here for “On the Go – The Yanks Tanks of Havana, Cuba,” a lighthearted video of Havana’s classic cars.
As you read this I am in Havana for another visit. It’s the people that make a visit to Cuba most memorable. They are warm and friendly and always eager to share their stories. It will be interesting to see how the Cubanos feel about the impending lifting of the fifty-year US embargo. Cautious optimism is my guess. There’s much more to come.
anotherday2paradise
15 Feb 2015Absolutely awesome pic, Ron. These old cars really have so much character, and it’s great that they are still able to keep them in working order. I particularly love the red convertible by the beach. 🙂
fotograffer
4 Mar 2015Yes, the red convertible! That’s the one I picked you you. 🙂 Thanks Sylvia.
kerbey
15 Feb 2015Man, do they ever gleam. I bet they’ll have disappeared within 10 yrs, once the embargo ends and they start shipping in new cars.
fotograffer
4 Mar 2015I think you are right. Some will be preserved or tourist, but not many. Thanks for your comment Kerbey
Tina Schell
15 Feb 2015These are wonderful Ron – and very timely indeed! It’s amazing that they are still going strong. Largest living car museum indeed — love that!!
fotograffer
4 Mar 2015Very few Yank Tanks have their original engines. Many have been refitted with Chinese diesels or rebuilt motors from old Russian cars. They are still running from neccisity, Public transportation is woefully inadequate and these cars serve as the average person’s taxi. Many have a route similar to a bus, picking up or dropping off fares along the way.Thank you Tina.
Madhu
17 Feb 2015What a fantastic series Ron! I hope I can get there before all these beauties disappear. Look forward to more from your latest trip.
Fictionquest
17 Feb 2015I love these images. They leave me breathless/\.
fotograffer
4 Mar 2015Thank you so much Bev. What an awesome thing to say.
fotograffer
4 Mar 2015Thanks Madhu. I hope you can get to Cuba soon, too. Things are changing rapidly and will continue to do so as relations with the US begin to normalize.
Dalo 2013
21 Feb 2015Very timely post…and this it is great you focused on these vintage cars in this post as I think that would be the first thing to disappear, and it would be a shame as these beauties hold such a piece of the Cuban mystic. The culture there will always remain strong and be an amazing draw for tourist, but it is the environment around that will change…and it is this I have dreamt about seeing with my own eyes and lens.
fotograffer
4 Mar 2015I think you are right about the Yank Tanks. Just returned from my second visit in two years. There seemed to be many more newer Chinese sub com[acts on the road this time. The Afro-Cuban culture will remain strong, as you say, but as capitalism creeps in the chance to make a living and have a better life will alter all. As you have probably witnessed in China. Thank, as always, Randall.
imammaulana144
3 Apr 2015Reblogged this on klikmurah123.
fotograffer
6 Apr 2015Thank you.
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snaps22
13 Apr 2015Great photos and very informative. I think I might have to get to Cuba before too much change takes place.
fotograffer
16 Apr 2015Thanks Jean. It’s easy to get there now and things are changing rapidly. Thanks for your comment and for the visit.