1950s American Classic Cars: Alive and Well In Cuba

I stumbled upon Dan Heller's photography site yesterday. His automobile shots from Cuba are spooky; almost like he stepped into a time machine. Here are his comments:

"Up until The Revolution in 1960, Cuba was the largest importer of American Cars, mostly the huge, gas-guzzling, multi-ton pile of metal that so many of us look back on today as a romantic relic of the past. After the embargo, Cuba has had cars from other countries—most notably, Russia—but few of them have ever been able to last but a few years. The American cars, however, have lasted through the years, and still run perfectly today. For most Cubans, this is their main source of revenue, since they can operate a taxicab, taking tourists around, and taking in up to $50/day in an economy where the average Cuban makes $15-25 a month. Of course, the cost of owning a car is high, especially with gasoline costing $4/gallon. But, with prices this high, it's not surprising to see a beautify gas station with a mini-mart and fresh, clean paint on the walls, popping out conspicuously from a scene of intense poverty along rural roads."

Dan Heller's Photos: 1950s Classic American Cars In Cuba
Commercial photography books by Dan Heller