The Price Of Freedom: Cuban Classic Cars Endangered

by Bertel Schmitt

Published: July 2nd, 2011

the price of freedom cuban classic cars endangered

Aren’t we all for freedom and democracy? Sure we are. But everything in moderation. And this is really getting too far: Cuba plans to lift a ban on the buying and selling of cars registered after the 1959 Revolution, Reuters reports.

Private car ownership on the island off Key West used to be a privilege of the chosen few. The only exception were cars made before 1959, which could be bought and sold by anyone. This turned Cuba into a vintage Americana paradise, which is now threatened.

Even more shocking, the prohibition on owning more than one vehicle will be lifted also.

The new rules should go into effect by end of 2011. Vintage car lovers: Go to Cuba NOW.

Murileeeeeeeeeeeeeeee !!!!

#BertelSchmitt #Cuba

Bertel Schmitt

Bertel Schmitt comes back to journalism after taking a 35 year break in advertising and marketing. He ran and owned advertising agencies in Duesseldorf, Germany, and New York City. Volkswagen A.G. was Bertel's most important corporate account. Schmitt's advertising and marketing career touched many corners of the industry with a special focus on automotive products and services. Since 2004, he lives in Japan and China with his wife <a href="http://www.tomokoandbertel.com"> Tomoko </a>. Bertel Schmitt is a founding board member of the <a href="http://www.offshoresuperseries.com"> Offshore Super Series </a>, an American offshore powerboat racing organization. He is co-owner of the racing team Typhoon.

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2 of 31 comments

Burgess on Jul 03, 2011

I am a Canadian and i can tell you that there are many old North American cars in Cuba in really nice condition.i am married to a Cuban lady and have been for fourteen years and have spent six months of every year in Cuba.We own a 1957 chev. belair hardtop four coats of base and eight clear coats.Engine,trans and rear end original.The frame is very good and the body excelent.The painters bodymen and uphols.are top notch.Before anybody says ah,you can afford it because you are Canadian,there many out there as nice as mine.When you drive to a place were there are lots of tourists,they go crazy about these old cars

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Sooke on Jul 07, 2011

Oddest car I saw in Havana was a Porsche 356. God knows how he got parts for it.

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