The Trials and Tribulations of a Cuban Car Owner

Sometimes we here in Europe grumble over keeping our cars properly maintained and running, but essentially we have all we need to do that, with the possible exception of enough money. I count myself very lucky to have in my Pueblo an excellent family garage run by highly experienced mechanics who are wonderfully ethical. I love my Classic Jag, but at times getting parts can be a bit difficult. However, no matter how many problems I encounter I have to remember that the issue of transportation for many other people can be a real challenge.

One of the best examples would be that of the Cuban driver. The picture that is presented to the world by American media is that of a range of American brand name cars that were operating at the time of the Revolution that started on July 26, 1953 and continued until January 1, 1959. People fleeing Cuba left these cars behind and they were commandeered by new owners who continue to operate them  today. That was sixty-four years ago that they have been kept running without manufacturer support. How have the owners managed to do this?

The answer  is through ingenuity and perseverance. The Cuban mechanic has come to be a master at  creativity, including crafting his own parts, to replacing motors and drive trains by stripping certain Russian models.

During Cuba's collaboration with Russia modern transport needs were kind of met through the importation of Russian cars and trucks. The West takes a very poor view of Russian quality in motoring, but at least Cuba could bring in vehicles and spare parts without difficulty.

One of the most common cars was the Lada which is hard to describe. I don't think I would like to be seen even dead in one, but the motors from these were often used to replace the big motors in Fords, and Chevrolet Bel Airs, the most common type of car that was left behind. Naturally those motors didn't drive the heavy Americans very fast, but at least they did move forward.

The Russians also exported into Cuba the Gaz 2410, that is being used mainly for taxi use, and The Vaz 2105 that resembles an old model Mercedes.

The principal solution to daily transport seems to come from China in the form of the Geely Emgrand EC7. This is a modern looking car along the lines of what you might expect from any of the European suppliers. The car is used by the government and it is also used as a hire-car for tourists. China also exports into Cuba a 4x4 model, the Beijing BJ212. In China this vehicle is used by the military and the police and it serves the same purpose in Cuba, although there is no prohibition against private ownership in Cuba, if you can afford the price. They will be very interested in you if you can afford it.

Cuba is a country that is 700 miles long (42,000 square miles ) and occupied by 11.2 million people. The average wage is only about $25 per month, so I find it difficult to understand why we are even discussing private car ownership in Cuba in the first place. At least gas costs about $1.20 a litre and diesel about .60 cents.

I am obviously missing a very big part of the puzzle.

Copyright (c) 2017
Eugene Carmichael