[DeTomaso] NPT Interesting cars in Cuba?

[Chris Difani]

Ken:

I was in Cuba 3 years ago (legally I might add), and while there are a bunch 
of 1950's era cars, they have been maintained with the best of human 
ingenuity.

And the parts that were used... very ingenious. I saw a 1953 Studebaker 4 
door sedan sitting on top of a 1947 Chevy pickup chassis... and it had been 
modified... a bunch.

I rode in many of the old cars that were used as taxis. They always coasted 
downhill, to save gas, and so forth. When the brakes were applied, everyone, 
driver and passengers, all prayed. Loud noises coming from underneath was 
always to be expected.

All the modern cars in Cuba are either imported European, or Asian. 90% of 
them are used as taxis, which are fully owned and operated by the Cuban 
military, as part of their funding system. The Cuban military owns and 
operates the tourism industry in Cuba. When a European corporation wants to 
construct a resort, they get the Cuban "Department of Defense" as their 51% 
partner.

It's a pretty interesting place.... but the cars, no. Rust is everywhere, 
since it's an island, and most of the population centers are coastal. The 
old cars are all privately owned, but not totally. Since it's a socialist 
state, the "state" owns everything. The people get to "rent", "borrow", or 
are "assigned" vehicles based on their perceived need. Talk about corruption 
and graft!!

I could go on, but this is probably enough for any of you that want to think 
about an "old car treasure trove".

Chris Difani
cdifani at pacbell.net

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Ken Green" <kenn_green at yahoo.com>
To: <detomaso at realbig.com>
Sent: Wednesday, January 31, 2007 2:02 PM
Subject: [DeTomaso] NPT Interesting cars in Cuba?


> Check out the 55 Chevy down a bit in the story.  No new parts since 1960? 
> I wonder what kind of interesting cars are sitting there?
>
>  Ken
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