Cubans Can Now Buy and Sell Post-Revolution Cars

October 6th, 2011 Goto comments Leave a comment Weve all seen the photos of crumbling buildings, bad streets and 1950s cars that have been made, somehow, to survive.

Picture of Cubans Can Now Buy and Sell Post-Revolution Cars [source:cargurus.com]

Like all these old cars, the economy in Cuba has been crumbling and disintegrating over the years, yet manages to hang on. Now, as of October 1, a new law permits buying and selling of post 1959 cars by the general public, which likely encourage many of the owners of pre 1959 cars to trade them in on newer ones. There are also agricultural and small business reforms.

The owners of old cars may or may not benefit in terms of resales. But the economy surely willand its about time.

This move finally opens a market closed for 50 years to U.S. auto companies and parts suppliers (to repair the old cars). It permits trading of the old cars, some of which are classics, some of which will come to the U.S. Well show you a few more pix after the break.

Other countries havent been as shortsighted as we have regarding Cuban trade policies. China has supplied thousands of buses, police cars and rental cars (over 5,000 cars to Cuba since 2008). Kias, Hyundais and Volkswagens are also there, most belonging to the government.

Though the new law will indeed change things, there still will be no private car dealerships. The government still will control supply. Most Cubans could not afford a new car.

Eventually, the American companies will get there. Until then, the old classics will stagger along, but I think many will be brought to the U.S. and preserved.

The automotive history community should realize that Cubas achievement with that fleet is one of the most important achievements in automotive history, said Rick Shnitzler, co founder of TailLight Diplomacy, a Philadelphia group that monitors the state of classic autos in Cuba.

There are perhaps 20,000 50,000 of these old 1950s cars in Cuba, including lots of 50s Chevrolets. The new law seems to permit their re exporting, so you can bet U.S. classic car lovers will take note, though most are in sad condition (the vehicles, not the collectors).

Would it be a good promotional idea for Chevrolet, say, to give Cubans a special deal and pipeline to supply parts for those old cars theyve kept alive so long?[source:cargurus.com]

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Source: http://carjake.com/cubans-can-now-buy-and-sell-post-revolution-cars

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