The Last One Standing by wysiwig
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Description
After my long walk to the embassy I was in desperate need of hydration. I stopped at a gas station near the hotel looking for something cold to drink when I came across this old warrior. As I snapped a picture I heard a voice behind me ask, “Do you know what it is?” Searching my ancient memory banks I replied, “It’s a Studebaker, isn’t it?” My interrogator turned out to be the owner. “The last Studebaker in Havana.” he said.
After fifty-four years of embargo Cubans have become pretty resourceful. Replacement auto parts have been impossible to get or very expensive when available so there is a thriving market for replica parts. Still some resort to other means to keep their treasures in running condition. Note the beer can substitute.
Comments (11)
giulband
Absolutely wonderful car !!!!!!
durleybeachbum
I remember seeing these in adverts in the Natioal Geographic mags that my mother took when I was little. Even then I thought how odd the shape was! I also remember the adverts for refrigerators, we didn't have one till I was about eighteen in 1962.
anahata.c
car-show photography is a whole genre, and it's wonderful to see those engines shine like something from paradise, looking like big abstract sculptures---it's beautiful. But here you show an engine that's been used: As in used. This engine has lived. It's almost like Cuba, a society that knows what endurance means. And the old cone-nosed car has been kept well, considering its age---your top shot shows a great deal of care put into a very old car. (And I love seeing "CUBA" on that license plate. You don't see that in the States, that's for sure.) Your top shot gives us the front half jutting forward on an angle, which emphasizes its beautiful nose. The bottom shot is a truly worn engine, and I love the beer can and the general ambience. The back "wall" of the engine makes this look like a captain's chamber, like a person could be standing in there. Delightful shots, and gritty. And a delightful description, telling us more about the inventive determination of a people we've ignored for way too long. Again, I'm just loving this series
Richardphotos
the cars there have been altered so much, they hold very little value for classic collectors around the world
ArtistKimberly
Outstanding,
Faemike55
Wonderful find Great captures
MrsRatbag
I love that model style, with the pointy spaceship nose...what a cool find and great shot.
Cyve
Absolutely fabulous and I love these old mecanics !!!
stick
I remember this car, with a straight 6 motor probably with a three speed manual transmission on the column. Haven't seen one in years. Great picture.
kgb224
Stunning captures my friend. God bless.
auntietk
I'm up to date on your Cuba trip now. What a terrific series of shots! I love the old hotel, the embassy, the pier ... it's magical to see these pictures and think about what it was like to be there.