53 Buick

The old automobiles add to the "frozen in time" feeling of being in Cuba. The government has definitely accomplished the difficult feat of making time stand still. In the past few years many of the old cars were confiscated and turned into taxis so that tourists could enjoy their ride in a "classic." This was to the detriment of the owners of the old cars who once under the "taxi particulars" system owned their cars, could haul people, and charge for it. Everytime someone figures out a new scheme to make a little money the government comes along and imposes heavy taxes, takes over the service or business, or simply removes that particular occuaption from the list of things approved for people to participate in and develop their own business.