Although most of us would probably not qualify these objects as “archival”, a historian sees in them the opportunity to document the struggles that Cubans face in an economy defined by austerity, scarcity and intense creativity. I first came across one of these cars at the Aguada de Pasajeros, a major gas station and lunch counter at the crossroads of Cuba’s national highway system in 2011. While his dad pumped gas, a little boy played with a bright green and red replica of his dad’s 1950s car made from beer cans in front of me! To my delight, the boy offered to “gift” me [regalar] the car after proudly explaining his dad made it for him, complete with a tiny paper license plate just like the real thing. Instead, I asked his dad to make me one and a couple more. I would pay him $20 US each two weeks later and meet him on my way back from Trinidad, on the southern part of the island. He was thrilled and tickled silly with my awe and excitement. As planned, he showed up two weeks later with three cars, including two roadsters, one made from Cristal beer cans and the other Bucanero, both government beer brands. When I got home, it was virtually impossible for my own son to avoid playing with them!
