Classic Cars

Trinidad, Cuba - An old blue Chevrolet sits parked in a cobblestone street in Trinidad. Classic American cars are seen throughout Cuba, a throwback to the days before the embargo. Before the Cuban revolution, there was a strong US presence on the island - both culturally and commercially. After the revolution, trade ceased and the influx of cars stopped. With a limited supply of new cars due to embargoes and limited buying power due to the economic situation under communism, Cubans have held onto the vintage automobiles by necessity for many decades. As a result, Cuba is in the unique position that pre-1959 cars are the standard, rather than an exception, although this is changing. These cars are generally referred to as yank tanks or maquinas and often used as taxis.


1938 Phantom Corsair "Cartier Style et Luxe" Classic cars at Goodwood festival of Speed


The Classic Car Museum Hakodate is situated within a building complex on the Hakodate bay side. It traces the history of vehicles from a horse-drawn carriage made in 1750 to the automobiles of the 1950's, and also exhibits classic cars such as small-sized sports cars and a nostalgic T-Model Ford. The collection includes over 200 vehicles, and there are approximately 60 cars on constant display.
@Hakodate, Japan


What can be lovelier than a leather lady leaning beside a classic car?


Flickr Explore: 12 February 2007, #489 (highest)