Vintage American cars are part of the landscape of Cuba remained on the island after the revolution of 1959, are the only cars to be marketed freely. To buy a car registered after 31 December 1958, the regime of Fidel Castro forces the city to a long path full of obstacles and bureaucratic meticulous controls by the authorities, which most often ends in a negative way.
Thanks to this severity by the regime, however, a simple stroll through the streets of Havana turns into a visit of an open American vintage car museum: Cadillac Eldorado Chevrolet Bel Air are used daily by Cuban. Of course the state of conservation depends on the care of the owners: because the total lack of spare parts (due to the American embargo), drivers (especially mechanics) have become true experts in the do-it-yourself repairs, often find an old American model driven by the engine of a Lada or an old Fiat brands allowed by the regime.
But now all this could end: after many protests and declarations of citizenship of Raul Castro on the abandonment of conservation laws, the Cuban government could launch later this year a decree forliberalizing the automobiles market. If this law will be approved, in a short time the old American cars will disappear from the streets of the island.
Thanks to this severity by the regime, however, a simple stroll through the streets of Havana turns into a visit of an open American vintage car museum: Cadillac Eldorado Chevrolet Bel Air are used daily by Cuban. Of course the state of conservation depends on the care of the owners: because the total lack of spare parts (due to the American embargo), drivers (especially mechanics) have become true experts in the do-it-yourself repairs, often find an old American model driven by the engine of a Lada or an old Fiat brands allowed by the regime.
But now all this could end: after many protests and declarations of citizenship of Raul Castro on the abandonment of conservation laws, the Cuban government could launch later this year a decree forliberalizing the automobiles market. If this law will be approved, in a short time the old American cars will disappear from the streets of the island.
No comments:
Post a Comment