The classic cars of Cuba — in pictures

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  It is estimated that up to 60,000 American cars from the 1950s era are still running in Cuba. Adalberto Roque / AFP

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  The 1959 law that Fidel Castro implemented also banned the import of parts, which meant repairs of American cars and replacements often had ingenious and creative qualities. Enrique De La Osa / Reuters

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  Drivers stand near their vintage cars waiting for clients in Havana. Reuters

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  In 2011, Cuban individuals were allowed to buy new cars provided they had permission from the authorities but with almost no new imports this has led to a waiting list of five years. Yamil Lage / AFP

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  It is estimated that up to 60,000 American cars from the 1950s era are still running in Cuba. Reuters

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  In 2011, Cuban individuals were allowed to buy new cars provided they had permission from the authorities but with almost no new imports this has led to a waiting list of five years. Yamil Lage / AFP

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  Above, the front end detail of a classic Chevrolet with a decorative licence plate frame. Javier Galeano / AP Photo

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  Tourists often visit Cuba for the opportunity to admire and ride in classic cars. Javier Galeano / AP Photo

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  Cubans talk near a broken car in Havana. The 1959 law that Fidel Castro implemented also banned the import of parts, which meant repairs of American cars and replacements often had ingenious and creative qualities. Enrique De La Osa / Reuters

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  In 2011, Cuban individuals were allowed to buy new cars provided they had permission from the authorities but with almost no new imports this has led to a waiting list of five years. Desmond Boylan / AP Photo

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  Taxi drivers wait for clients next to their classic American cars in Havana. Ramon Espinosa / AP Photo

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  The classic American cars are usually used as taxis to shuttle tourists around Cuba. Yamil Lage / AFP

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  Taxis with tailfins are a common site in Cuba, as the styling has been a popular during the 1950s before the embargo against Havana was imposed. Ramon Espinosa / AP Photo

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  It is estimated that up to 60,000 American cars from the 1950s era are still running in Cuba. Enrique De La Osa / Reuters

For over half a century, Havana’s roads have been jammed with classic cars from Pontiacs, Studebakers, Oldsmobiles, Chevrolets and Soviet imports. But that may change with the recent reversal in American policy towards Cuba.