Cuban cars - picture special

Cuba has lifted a 50-year-old ban on importing new cars into the country.

The move will now allow Cuba's residents to get their hands on new cars, and will mean the end of the road for most of the vintage American cars currently being used on the island.

Autocar chief photographer Stan Papior recalls some of the weird and wonderful examples he found roaming the streets during a holiday to Cuba.

Papior, an incorrigible traveller, became so mesmerised by the capital’s rich collection of ‘50s and early ‘60s American cars that he found himself standing for ages on street corners, just snapping ‘Detroit iron’.

His photos make such a rich collection that we’ve decided to post a few dozen for your enjoyment over the festive season.

“I’d heard the cars in Havana were special,” says Papior, “but nothing prepared me for how many there were, and how great they looked. The newest is 50 years old now, so they’ve all done huge mileages, especially as many are used as taxis to attract tourists.

"But quite a lot have been done up, and most still have original trim parts, wheels, hubcaps and badges. If you like ‘50s Yank cars — and I do — Havana is the world capital.”