The recent surge in American tourists in Cuba has seen an increase in pristine American classic cars on the streets of Havana.
The recent surge in American tourists in Cuba has seen an increase in pristine American classic cars on the streets of Havana.
Courtesy Patrick Oppmann
Cuban entrepreneurs are restoring American cars imported before the US' 1960 embargo on exports to the island in a bid to appeal to Americans tourists.
Cuban entrepreneurs are restoring American cars imported before the US' 1960 embargo on exports to the island in a bid to appeal to Americans tourists.
Courtesy Patrick Oppmann
The going rate for tourists to ride in a classic car is $30 an hour, or about the same as what a Cuban doctor makes in a month.
The going rate for tourists to ride in a classic car is $30 an hour, or about the same as what a Cuban doctor makes in a month.
Courtesy Patrick Oppmann
The profits from these cab rides encourage Cubans to search the island for old cars to fix up.
The profits from these cab rides encourage Cubans to search the island for old cars to fix up.
Courtesy Patrick Oppmann
This increased demand has also created more work for the talented restorers who breathe new life into the old cars.
This increased demand has also created more work for the talented restorers who breathe new life into the old cars.
Courtesy Patrick Oppmann
Because of the embargo, American-made parts are difficult to source through regular channels. Restorers can locate parts on Cuba's black market, or pay "mules," Cubans who travel between the island and the US, to smuggle in pieces.
Because of the embargo, American-made parts are difficult to source through regular channels. Restorers can locate parts on Cuba's black market, or pay "mules," Cubans who travel between the island and the US, to smuggle in pieces.
Courtesy Patrick Oppmann
In other instance, restorers rely on Russian or Chinese parts. The less elegant hybrids are nicknamed "Frankensteins."
In other instance, restorers rely on Russian or Chinese parts. The less elegant hybrids are nicknamed "Frankensteins."
Courtesy Patrick Oppmann
It's not just tourists enjoying the return on these mid-century models. Many Cubans have retained an affinity for the old American cars, too.
It's not just tourists enjoying the return on these mid-century models. Many Cubans have retained an affinity for the old American cars, too.
Courtesy Patrick Oppmann
"For every one tourist who comes here, riding in an old car has become something traditional and symbolic," said Nidialys Acosta Cabrera, whose company, NostalgiCar, offers classic car tours.
"For every one tourist who comes here, riding in an old car has become something traditional and symbolic," said Nidialys Acosta Cabrera, whose company, NostalgiCar, offers classic car tours.
Courtesy Patrick Oppmann
"If you don't do it, it's almost like you didn't come to Cuba," she added.
"If you don't do it, it's almost like you didn't come to Cuba," she added.
Courtesy Patrick Oppmann