New Saab- friends from Havanna
When I noticed last autumm that winter 2016 Historic rallycalender in Finland was wery poor, I decide to make one dream true before it´s too late- a trip to authentic Havanna, Cuba. If the Cuba open its border more to international tourism (= USA) and business, its clear that some ”old good things” will be destroyed and disappeared forever.
Hole trip was amazing; beautifully country, nice peopple, lowely historically buildings and THE CARS. What a trip for car enthusiast. Old cars, mainly from 50´s are more or less modificated by using parts from different car brands. Good example was an Taxi i took one day; 55´Chevy Bel Air whit SsangYong Musso ”Mercedes” diesel engine and manual gearbox.
One of the car highlights on the trip was when I saw Saab 93-59 near by our hotell. After a typically ”tourist-day” I walked back to the adress I saw that long-standing Saab, took some photos and knock the door. I met the owner, Rolando, who show the car for me. We dont have common language, I cant spanish, and Rolando didnt understand english. Whit help his wife, we managed to communicate anyway little bit. He has own the car long time, and as a many cuban, he has faced problems with spare parts. Original 2-stroke engine has burned long time ago (he has that stored in home), and powerplant swap has made by using 3-sylinder fourstroke Daewoo engine and gearbox. Brakes, Wheelbearings and wheels are from Fiat..
Later last week, day before leaving, I met Rolando second time. This time I got ride to my hotell with his Saab. While driving (he first ask me if I like to drive! Thanks Rolando, maybe next time ) he joking that their car is more or less as a Swedish Kamikaze. Brakes ? Well something like rally V4 after long Special stage and brake pads totally wearn out. Steering then ? some allignment might be good, but is there in the country any workshops whit measurement tools or knowledge ? I must say, it was illustrative experience; how this tiny, round 60- year old rought Saab serve one family as a everyday car sametime when we in western world wonder how we can connect our iPad to our modern car´s entertainment system.
Is this all in balance ??
Thanks Roly & co for sharing this SAAB experience. Old Saab´s newer die !
Here some photos: