Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

IntrepBerkExplor · Joined: 05 May 2016 Posts: 22

https://www.flickr.com/photos/24826422@N00/26782971922/in/datetaken/

In Havana I really liked this pink convertible. Probably goes back a ways, the 40s or early 50s.

Belongs in my video and stills gallery.

But what is it?

Dave

stuchamp · Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 546 Location: Iowa, USA

1954 Chevy Bel Air

IntrepBerkExplor · Joined: 05 May 2016 Posts: 22

Thanks for the last identification.

Here is another one, from the age of huge fins:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/24826422@N00/26801591812/in/dateposted/

My guess is late 50s. Am I close?

V8 Nutter · Joined: 27 Aug 2012 Posts: 605

I would say a 53 Bel Air. The front bumper and grill curve round the front fender a bit more on a 54.

The other car is based on a 59 Cadillac but Cadillac never produced a 4 door convertible. So it is either a very special custom built body, or more likely a 4 door Sedan de Ville with the top cut off

IntrepBerkExplor · Joined: 05 May 2016 Posts: 22

Thanks for the Cadillac identification.

The car was being used to make money, tourists paying to be photographed standing up in it. I have that video. So the top needed to be removed, making such photos possible. It all fits together. This capitalistic endeavor was being carried out next to Revolution Square in Havana.

Here's another one, which I can come close on, mid to late 50s Chevy:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/24826422@N00/26896493065/in/dateposted/

Am I in the vicinity of being right?

stuchamp · Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 546 Location: Iowa, USA

1955 Chevy Bel Air

My bad, V8 Nutter is correct, the convertible is a 1953.

IntrepBerkExplor · Joined: 05 May 2016 Posts: 22

I can't remember seeing a car this old while growing up.

From the 40s perhaps:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/24826422@N00/26880956046/in/dateposted/

stuchamp · Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 546 Location: Iowa, USA

1950 Chevy Bel Air

IntrepBerkExplor · Joined: 05 May 2016 Posts: 22

Thank you. 1950 as the oldest car so far will not last long.

Still at Revolution Square, a hot spot for classic cars, was this lovely, well maintained antique:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/24826422@N00/26312804634/in/dateposted/

I couldn't even guess about the right decade.

V8 Nutter · Joined: 27 Aug 2012 Posts: 605

That last one has been altered so much it's difficult. I am guessing it may be a Ford Model A which would put it between 1928 and '31

Rick · Site Admin Joined: 27 Apr 2005 Posts: 22829 Location: UK

roverdriver · Posted: Tue May 10, 2016 10:32 am Post subject:

The 'Model A Ford' certainly looks queer. It looks as if the chassis, drive train and front axle and suspension are proper A, as is the radiator and cowl, mudguards along with the bumper bars, but pretty well everything else is altered, modified, or just plain replacements. VW wheels on a Ford? Shame!
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Dane- roverdriver but not a Viking.

IntrepBerkExplor · Joined: 05 May 2016 Posts: 22

I believe the Cubans do whatever is necessary to keep their classic cars going, unable to obtain/afford proper replacement parts.

The alternative is horse/donkey carts, of which I saw a great many, especially outside of Havana.

Another approach is turning the classic cars into taxis. Here's an example, perhaps in the vicinity of 1950. No idea what this is, my best taxi still:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/24826422@N00/26903137076/in/dateposte/

V8 Nutter · Joined: 27 Aug 2012 Posts: 605

I would say that is a 1952 Buick, either a Special or a Super. Some of the trim has been modified or lost which makes it a bit difficult.