The Cuban car culture usually evokes images of pre-1959 American cars in Havana, vehicles that seem to have survived a time warp of half a century. It’s true…it is common to see fat-fenders and fins on the island, but when they drive by, don’t be too surprised if you hear the clattering of a diesel engine over the expected six cylinder or V8 noise. And don’t act too surprised to see Soviet era cars like Ladas and Fiat Polskis running around, either. Post-Revolution, the Cuban government worked with the U.S.S.R. in many facets, and automobiles were one of the many imports that came in. Unlike the flashy American cars, the Russian vehicles were basic, rugged and accessible transportation.

Marty and Moog of Mighty Car Mods went to Cuba to check out the automotive scene for themselves. Yes, part of it is due to the upcoming Fast 8 movie, but that doesn’t play that big of a role here. Instead, the two Aussies abroad check out the cars and talk with the locals as they see what the cars are truly all about. From the really clean ’55 Chevy they drive around to the absolutely sketchy Lada that Marty attempts to wrestle around. from the Fiat 126P that has to be push-started to the ’57 Chevy droptop that’s getting an engine conversion, they provide a good look into what goes on in the Caribbean island.