They are iconic symbols of Cuba like cigars and rum: pre-revolution 1950s American classic cars.

But the Cadillacs, Chevrolets and Oldsmobiles are not nostalgic collectors’ items on the island; they are necessities for Cubans who have no modern alternatives – and breakdowns are frequent.

Maintenance can be a nightmare for workshops such as “Nostalgicar” in Havana; spare parts have to be smuggled out of the US and are increasingly hard to find.

The thaw in American-Cuban relations has focused thoughts on the future, should trade barriers come down.

“What could happen in Cuba in my opinion is that modern cars will quickly follow in our streets, but there will still be a niche market for classic cars,” said Nostalgicar’s manager Julio Alvares.

Cuba of course faces questions that go beyond
the fate of the old vehicles, whose elegance has been noted by many an awestruck visitor, but which have been described as “a legacy of the country’s isolation”.

Asked whether he is optimis