One of the things Cuba is best known for is its classic American cars. Watching them go by in the streets of Havana, you can tell the past is still the present there.
The cars put their horsepower to work, many as taxis all over the city. Locals say the well preserved ones are valued at more than $30,000.
Those 50 and 60 year old automobiles are family heirlooms, passed down through generations. Many are kept in near perfect condition and they mainly run on ingenuity.
“Cubans always find a way,” said classic car owner Eric Ravelo.
No new American parts have been shipped to Cuba since the embargo, so locals are accustomed to manufacturing their own or repurposing items from other vehicles.
Because diesel is cheaper on the island, many vehicles have also been converted to accept replacement engines.
Modern upgrades like air conditioning units are also common.
There are still an estimated 60,000 vintage vehicles in the communist country.