Popular Havana Classics Display Returns

A glorious period from Havana’s rich history returns for all to behold as the Miami International Auto Show will once again present an assortment of antique cars that once graced the city’s picturesque roadways.   The nostalgic collection, named Havana Classics, showcases many of an era’s most popular vehicles.

The display is presented with the cooperation of the Antique Automobile Club of America’s South Florida Region which selects a hand full of members to participate in the Havana Classics exhibit.

Havana Classics offers such celebrated vehicles as a 1958 Mercedes-Benz 300d and 1959 MG-A among others.

The Mercedes-Benz 300d has a unique history as it was the state sedan of Cuba’s then President Fulgencio Batista until he and his family left Cuba in January of 1959. The executive limousine was priced at more than $14,000 and featured optional whitewalls, power brakes, custom wood trim, carpeting, a Grand Prix radio with rear speakers and leather interior with cream piping.

Fidel Castro confiscated the car for his own use until 1965 when it was replaced by a Mercedes-Benz 600 limousine.  It was transferred to the Cuban Embassy in Ottawa, Canada, where it remained in service until 1970. The Mercedes-Benz 300d is part of the Guy Lewis Collection.

Among the other featured cars in this nostalgic Havana Classics exhibit that traces the mostly-1950s Malecón mix include a 1950 Pontiac Catalina, 1950 Matchless G9, 1954 Buick 72R Roadmaster, 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air, 1957 MG-A and 1959 Oldsmobile 98 and 1931 Ford Model A Deluxe Phaeton.

The Antique Automobile Club of America’s South Florida Region was founded in 1955 and comprises 200 local members who are dedicated to the restoration, preservation and enjoyment of antique vehicles.  The local group regularly hosts antique car shows.  For more information, visit www.aaca.org/southflorida.