A red classic car and the colonial architecture of Cienfuegos

Free Computer Desktop Wallpaper Wall Paper Travel Photos Cuba Cuban Spanish Speaking Countries Latin America Cienfuegos Vertical Antique Car Parque José Martí Parque Jose Marti Daytime Sunny Red Car Latin American Architectural Art Cityscape Classic American Cars Classic Cars Downtown Historic District Landmark Old Car Town Square Zocalo Vintage Car Old American Cars Classic Automobiles Vintage Autos Tourist Attractions Yank Tanks Máquinas Maquinas Architecture Stock Photos Fine Art Prints Image Licensing Stock Photography Photographs Fotos Pictures Pics Pix Images

Cienfuegos, Cuba - A vintage red American car sits parked in Parque Jose Marti in downtown Cienfuegos, a city on the southern coast of Cuba and capital of the province of Cienfuegos. 

Classic American cars are seen throughout Cuba, a throwback to the days before the embargo.  Before the Cuban revolution, there was a strong US presence on the island - both culturally and commercially.  After the revolution, trade ceased and the influx of cars stopped.  With a limited supply of new cars due to embargoes and limited buying power due to the economic situation under communism, Cubans have held onto the vintage automobiles by necessity for many decades. As a result, Cuba is in the unique position that pre-1959 cars are the standard, rather than an exception, although this is changing. These cars are generally referred to as yank tanks or maquinas and often used as taxis.