Cuba is known for its great culture of classic cars and is full of curiosities about these vehicles. Here are some of the most interesting things you should know about classic cars in Cuba:
1. Did you know that the first car to circulate in Cuba dates back to 1898 and was of French origin?
In December of 1898, José Muñoz caused a sensation in Havana when he presented the first automobile to arrive in Cuba. It was of French origin. The two-horsepower vehicle had been produced by the workshop of La Parisiense. It cost one thousand dollars! Despite its high price at the time, it could only reach a speed of ten kilometers per hour.
2. Did you know that the Locomobile brand and Co. of America introduced the first American car in Cuba in 1902?
On May 30, 1902, the United States of America marked its entry into Cuba with its first brand of automobiles: Locomobile & Co. of America. This luxurious car was owned by Don Rafael Arazoza, editor of La Gaceta de La Habana. He had bought it for a high price between three and four thousand dollars. The company was producing approximately fifty units annually at the time.
3. Did you know that the first-ever recorded car crash in Cuba was an unfortunate incident involving a President of the Republic of Cuba?
In 1906, the first recorded car accident occurred in Havana. Justo Fernández, an employee of the trade, died after being run over on Monte y Ángeles by a car driven by Luis Marx that was transporting President Estrada Palma.
4. Did you know that the first cab recorded in Cuba was a Cadillac car?
On May 19, 1907, a revolution of sorts occurred in the small town of Guanabacoa near Havana. On that day, the first car to offer cab services in Cuba took to the streets. This luxurious Cadillac was an unexpected source of surprise and joy for the citizens of Guanabacoa.
5. Did you know that the Cubans call classic cars manufactured before the 1940s “Fotingo”?
In 1912, the iconic Ford T graced the streets of Cuba, making a significant mark on American automotive history. Its dependability and endurance were coupled with an accessible price tag, earning it its beloved nickname “fotingo” (derived from its slogan: “Foot it and go”). To this day, all pre-1940s American vehicles in Cuba are affectionately referred to as ‘fotingos’.
6. Did you know that the first woman from Latin America to drive a car was Cuban?
In 1917, Cuban Maria Calvo Nodarse, famously known as “La Macorina,” made history as the first woman to receive a driver’s license while aboard a Ford T. La Macorina was a sought-after escort from Havana. It is remembered for being Latin America’s pioneering driver. Additionally, she was famed for having nine cars that were given to her by wealthy businessmen and politicians who had been captivated by her.
7. Did you know that, in 1919, Cuba was the first Latin American importer of American cars?
Cuba was a paradise for American brands: Chevrolet, Ford, Cadillac, Dodge, Buick, and Chrysler. Modern and comfortable cars such as Plymouth, Oldsmobile, Pontiac, Mercury, Studebaker, and Packard were sold in luxury agencies. It came to pass that American cars circulated in Cuba before they did in the United States itself. The parts or accessories could be ordered in Havana and could arrive within just hours or days. The United States was the origin of more than 70% of the products consumed in Cuba, and cars were part of that reality. Some Americans bought their cars in Havana and took them to the U.S. on ferries from the Cuban capital to Florida. Already in 1919, Cuba was the largest importer of American cars in Latin America and one of the first worldwide in terms of its vehicle-population ratio.
8. What were the most requested cars in Cuba?
In 1956, an impressive 143,000 vehicles were on the roads of Cuba – an incredible 95,000 in Havana alone. The people’s favorite car brand was Chevrolet. Ford came in second place for popularity, and Buick and Plymouth trailed behind that. Interestingly enough, per capita, there were more Cadillacs driving around Havana than in even New York City!
9. Did you know that a classic car company gave a name to a hotel in Cuba?
A curious fact is that the Iberostar Grand Packard Hotel, located in front of Havana’s Paseo del Prado, bears the name of the famous American car brand because Porsche and Packard car dealerships were in its basement.
10. Did you know that Ernest Hemingway owned seven classic American cars in Cuba?
The Nobel Prize for Literature-winning writer Ernest Hemingway, who lived on a farm outside Havana for two decades, had seven cars. Among them was a yellow 1953 Plymouth Cranbrook convertible, driven by his wife Mary, and a luxurious 1955 Chrysler New Yorker – one of the two that entered Cuba – which Hemingway himself drove.
11. Did you know how these classic cars can still circulate on the streets of Cuba?
Many of the classic cars in Cuba are older than the drivers who drive them. To keep these vehicles running, Cuban drivers must find ways to source parts or replace them with handmade alternatives. Unwittingly, this has made classic cars a defining symbol of the island nation; therefore, it is not surprising that the streets of Havana come alive thanks to the colorful and charming transit of these classic cars through Cuban streets!
12. Did you know that there is a car museum in Havana?
You can carefully appreciate these antique pieces at the Automobile Museum “El Garaje”, located very close to the Plaza de Armas in Old Havana. At the museum, you will find an authentic 1925 Rolls-Royce – a divinely preserved piece of the collection – next to which you can take a photo. Moving through the exhibition, you will also find a 1933 Packard, one of the finest antique cars in Cuba, like Al Capone’s. On display are vintage Cuban cars which tell interesting stories about Cubans; for example, Celia Sánchez’s 1960 Oldsmobile and three Peugeot Popemobiles used in papal visits to Cuba.
13. Did you know that classic American cars are still used as taxis and tour vehicles in Cuba?
Today, these classic American cars are still a mainstay on the roads of Cuba. As well as being used as private vehicles, they have become an icon of Cuban tourism – many owners rent their classic cars out to tourists looking for a unique way to experience the country. This is one of the best ways to get around Cuba and explore its cities, culture, and countryside.
VC Tours is a travel agency that offers classic car tours of Cuba for visitors. With us, you can explore the vibrant cities and countryside from inside a timeless classic American vehicle! Plus, our experienced drivers and expert guides will ensure your trip is one you’ll never forget. We strive to provide impeccable customer service. So, if you’re looking for an unforgettable way to explore Cuba, this is a perfect choice!
We hope this article has helped you to understand more about classic American cars in Cuba. Don’t hesitate to book your trip today and create lifelong memories on Cuba’s roads. Happy travels!