We’ve had several major features on the CCs of Cuba, but this has to be the oldest one we’ve seen so far that’s still at work on the street. This is a 1938 Ford, not exactly one of the best looking of that decade. We can only speculate what’s under the hood, but it is possible that it’s still the flathead V8, as this car looks more original than many in Cuba. Here’s some more oddballs:
A DKW F109 four door sedan. I really wonder what’s under its hood, as it would be quite difficult to replace its very compact three-cylinder two-stroke that sat right in front of the front axle center line. The larger rear tire might just be what was available, or it might be a hint that it’s been converted to RWD. But a closer look suggests these are the original wheels, so maybe they’ve found the fountain of youth for DKW engines in Cuba.
The last picture shows a pair of Peugeot 404s. These were obviously imported after 1959, although I haven’t noticed any particular preponderance of French cars imported to Cuba. The blue car has oversized rear wheels and tires, but the distinctive Peugept worm drive differential is still visible.
And there’s a ’53 Studebaker to round out this quartet of oddballs. E. Newman posted these at the Cohort.
There is still plenty of 404s Down Here.Tough As Nails&Simple Machine.
I noticed a few Peugeot 404s when I was down there. A reasonable number of British cars still about too. One of these days I’ll write up my photos as I concentrated on the oddball ones.
Ah; you’ve been. I look forward to the oddballs!
Looking at the wheels they seem to be Argentinan made 404’s
Thanks for the posting, Paul! There were a pair of those ’38 Fords when I photographed this one, the other in a driveway nearby (that photo wasn’t as interesting). One of the more interesting adventures for our group was our attending a meet of the ‘Club de Autos Antiguos”. Their cars were a mix of originality and modifications — those who can afford it keep their cars original (getting parts from, and sending re-chroming to, the US mainland); those who use them more change the power plants to Russian diesels and 4 speed transmissions, because fuel is sold in hard currency only. The actual method that many drivers get their fuel is a different tale altogether.
Havana is an old car-aficionado’s delight for sure, but folks there would sure like to see more distribution of new air-conditioned Geeley Emigrants, mostly being used as official taxis. Imagine being stuck on January 1, 1959 forever! Oh, here’s photo one more I should have posted as well
We’ve shown that Fiat Multipla before. Pretty wild.
I used to have a 1958 Multipla here in New York state, among various other 600 Fiats. Terribly underpowered but the oddest but fun car I have owned.
“…1938 Ford Still Hard at Work, Along With a DKW, a Pair of 404s and a Studebaker” – and ZIL-131
One can do an entire expose on ZIL trucks there…
The 38 Ford was one of the few misses from those mid 1930s styling studios at Ford. This car has a sealed beam conversion that appears to use headlights from a 1940-ish Ford. Those would have been quite easy to source before 1959.
I wonder what is powering the Studebaker taxi? One of those with a diesel under the hood would just sound so wrong.
I bet those 404s are from Argentina. The blue reverse light is a clue.
I’d wager you’re right. And the DKW may well be a Brazilian Vemag, too.
When I was down in Cuba a decade ago, I distinctly recall seeing one car that I never expected to see there: a late ’70s Citroen CX. No idea how it was kept on the road, but it seemed to still be in working order.
I was in Cuba maybe ten years ago. I did see a new (as in less than a few years old) Citroen vanlet, labeled for the telephone or electric company. So there are cars there. At the time, I didn’t see any Chinese cars, but I did see loeads of Hyundais.
As for the DKW, I’m guessing a Wartburg engine would bolt right in.
That was my thought – how common are East German cars in Cuba, since they were based on DKW technology to the end.
I still like the idea of a RWD DKW … powered by the flathead V8 that came out of the ’38 Ford, when it was swapped for a Russian diesel or Toyota Corolla motor.
I don’t remember Multiplas having a bulge and grill in front.
Happy Motoring, Mark
That’s because most of then didn’t have an engine grafted into them in front.
I kind of like the remodeling of the Studebaker front end.
I think it makes it sharper than the original.
Yes, the 404 are from Argentina, as are Ford Falcon and Dodge 1500.
I was in Cuba last November. There are quite a few 404’s there. Our tour guide told us that they arrived as part of a large fleet of Argentinian built Peugeot 404’s that were imported in 1974. I’d guess that we sighted 1-2 every hour serving as a taxi or private transportation.