Cars of Havana, Cuba In 2004, there were an estimated 60,000 American cars in use, all made before The US placed an embargo on trade with Cuba in 1962, 50 years ago. Slide show arranged by Kathy Spencer In 2012, there are about 600,000 cars on the island. Half belong to the state. The average age is 15 years.

Many of the nicer cars are used as taxis for tourists

Photo by Lou Davis, fellow National Geographic Traveler

Sometimes the car’s paint color matches the surroundings

Some show their age and hard life more than others

n/story/ /cuba-us- embargo/ /1 a discussion of the history and pros and cons of the US embargo of Cuba

Sometimes there’s no place to work on your car but the city street

For $30 an hour, you can have a private tour of the city, or just remember your first love (related to cars) Audios! Photo taken by Steve Silbert