Hopes ride high for classic car boom in Havana

Hopes ride high for classic car boom in Havana

Havana is a rolling car museum.br br These so-called 'yank tanks' are one of the most symbolic images of the communist-led country -- and a major draw for tourists seeking a tour of old Havana.br br Now that Cuba and long-time foe the US are looking to restore diplomatic ties, owners are hoping it will spark new life in the vintage vehicles.br br (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) OWNER OF A 1959 DESOTO CAR, REGIS DE LA MAZA, SAYING:br br "Hundreds of tourists will come and all of these cars that sit here all day because there is no work because there is so little tourism -- sometimes I go out just once a day, sometimes I don't go out at all - we won't be able to keep up and we will have work all day long."br br An estimated 60,000 1950s-era vehicles roam Cuban roads transporting tourists for up to $30 a ride.br br (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) ITALIAN MAN LIVING IN CUBA AND WHO DRIVES TOURISTS IN A 1950 CHEVROLET, AMADEO ALLEGRETTI, SAYING:br br "This car represents the country's soul.


User: Reuters

Views: 4

Uploaded: 2014-12-24

Duration: 01:43