A trip to Cuba is definitely a trip to the ’50’s. It’s the land of an old car lover’s dream. An abundance of American cars such as the ones of my teenage years–Chevys, Fords, Cadillacs, Pontiacs–all the cars that Dad owned and then some. Many are in excellent condition, others smoking monsters. Some are called Chevys or Fords but have so many makeshift parts that they are hardly recognizable. Others are in pristine condition. Most are used as taxis so there are very few two-doors and they are usually convertibles. This is not to say that convertibles are bad. In fact, riding in the back seat is a special way to view Havana.

This ’57-’58 (I’m taking liberties here) Ford Fairlane was the vehicle of choice to take five people to the Parque Nacional Topes de Collantes for a hike to a stunning waterfall and pool for diving and swimming. Pride of ownership was very much in evidence when we all piled in and asked questions of the driver/owner. He did not shy away from answering the questions nor from asking his own. Being the “senior” member of the group, I got them–“Are you older than this car?” What? As though that was not personal enough–“Do you remember when this car came out?” He received lots of tsk, tsks from the other driver but I gave him his answer. I did refrain from divulging the year of the model of my first car memory. Some secrets should never be told.

As the Ford was the clear favorite, an exchange of riders was arranged. Off went the Ford.  Not so the remaining what I believe to be a ’40’s Chevy or its assembled parts.  First gear refused to cooperate. Many ground gears and false starts later, the car managed to lurch along the dirt road. Two more episodes of ramming the gear into place got us into Trinidad within walking distance of our casa particulares then the car would go no more. A valiant effort. It was still on the road the following morning.  If you are traveling to Cuba, bring spare parts.