Hopes ride high for classic car boom in Havana
Reuters
2014-12-24
Views 4
Havana is a rolling car museum.
These so-called 'yank tanks' are one of the most symbolic images of the communist-led country -- and a major draw for tourists seeking a tour of old Havana.
Now that Cuba and long-time foe the US are looking to restore diplomatic ties, owners are hoping it will spark new life in the vintage vehicles.
(SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) OWNER OF A 1959 DESOTO CAR, REGIS DE LA MAZA, SAYING:
"Hundreds of tourists will come and all of these cars that sit here all day because there is no work because there is so little tourism -- sometimes I go out just once a day, sometimes I don't go out at all - we won't be able to keep up and we will have work all day long."
An estimated 60,000 1950s-era vehicles roam Cuban roads transporting tourists for up to $30 a ride.
(SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) ITALIAN MAN LIVING IN CUBA AND WHO DRIVES TOURISTS IN A 1950 CHEVROLET, AMADEO ALLEGRETTI, SAYING:
"This car represents the country's soul. I'm not cert
These so-called 'yank tanks' are one of the most symbolic images of the communist-led country -- and a major draw for tourists seeking a tour of old Havana.
Now that Cuba and long-time foe the US are looking to restore diplomatic ties, owners are hoping it will spark new life in the vintage vehicles.
(SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) OWNER OF A 1959 DESOTO CAR, REGIS DE LA MAZA, SAYING:
"Hundreds of tourists will come and all of these cars that sit here all day because there is no work because there is so little tourism -- sometimes I go out just once a day, sometimes I don't go out at all - we won't be able to keep up and we will have work all day long."
An estimated 60,000 1950s-era vehicles roam Cuban roads transporting tourists for up to $30 a ride.
(SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) ITALIAN MAN LIVING IN CUBA AND WHO DRIVES TOURISTS IN A 1950 CHEVROLET, AMADEO ALLEGRETTI, SAYING:
"This car represents the country's soul. I'm not cert
Report form
RELATED VIDEOS
