Currently in Cuba and this beauty is at my resort

 

Check under the hood. I have seen many classics in Havana with engine transplants —especially to Mercedes.

 

I checked in to mention the same thing!

I was in South America (Lima, Peru I think) and saw more than one full size American cars still running around. It kind of throws you off when you hear them running four cylinder diesels instead of the traditional V8! It's all about keeping the cars they have running with the parts that are available. Especially in Cuba.

 

I was in Lima, Peru & La Paz, Bolivia (1981) & saw some full size American cars - catches you off guard.

 

There's something to be said about keeping these beauties on the road.

 

Beautiful indeed, and enjoy that gorgeous weather. As I write this it's in the 20s and snowing here in NYC. With the plow and salt spreaders shaking the pavement as we speak.

Oh yes, big time.

Cuba's classic car cultures existence is proof that things were built better back in the day. They have not had readily available access to US car parts since 1959. Yet "Today, over 70,000 cars out of the original 150,000 registered in 1956 are still in working condition. Many use these cars for everyday use, primarily in Havana." In a word, spectacular.

https://www.lovecuba.com/blog/cubas-...ar-phenomenon/

 

It's also a testament to how crappy Soviet stuff was.

 

Based on my observations the American car models in Cuba end with the completion of the Cuban communist takeover— around the 59 model year. Preservation of those cars is product of the American embargo against exporting replacement parts and the ingenuity of local mechanics. An intervening factor is the business of giving tourists rides in older vehicles for income.

To picture the scene, donkeys still pull carts through the streets around Havana. Yes, there is a Mercedes plant on the island, but they are not affordable for most inhabitants. To get around Cuban's pile in any vehicle until they are overloaded.

The older American cars with drivers for hire park around Hotel National which is right on the ocean. The salty air has eroded the metal panels of their cars until they are paper thin. Under the hoods are often Mercedes diesel engines.

On the wall behind the check in counter in that same, once grand, hotel are the room numbers, with pictures, used by Lucky Luciano, Frank Sinatra, etc. The old juke box in the lounge still has records from the 50s. At any moment you get the feeling that Rod Serling will appear and start a set up for his next episode.

 

I took this picture in Havana. It is very illustrative of the condition of a lot of American made vehicles.

 

And still is!