Cuba was an enthusiastic consumer of American vehicles from the teens to the 1950s, but the Cuban Revolution in 1959 changed all that. With the country’s transition to a Communist government under the leadership of Fidel Castro, its relationship with the United States soured, and before long the U.S. government had banned all trade with Cuba. Not only were new American cars no longer available to Cuban customers, replacement parts became inaccessible as well. And, the country’s shift to a socialist government meant that resources became rather scarce all around for most Cubans.

After the American trade embargo was enacted, Cuba turned to other countries for its automotive needs, but all those American cars weren’t just put out to pasture. The average Cuban citizen has little to no disposable income, and Cuba’s semi-tropical climate means old vehicles don’t deteriorate as quickly as they do in less-hospitable locales. Using plucky, shadetree-mechanic ingenuity and whatever parts and supplies they can get, Cubans have become very adept at keeping their tired old machines running.

Though there are some surprisingly well-preserved examples, most of these cars are far from pristine, and factory originality is far less important than basic functionality. Body-trim pieces are often missing or “improvised,” and non-stock headlights, taillights, and turn signals are often adapted to fit. Modern-day off-brand aftermarket wheels and tires are commonplace, as are engine transplants.