The recent addition of a car to the collection of the Centro Fidel Castro Ruz sparked a significant debate on social media regarding the brands of cars that the historical leaders of the "Cuban Revolution" have driven.
The vehicle that has been added to the exhibition is a Mercedes Benz model 500 SEL armored, series 126 that belonged to Fidel Castro for over two decades. It was his favorite work car due to the comfort and security it offered. It was part of a fleet that generally consisted of three cars.
For decades, the Cuban regime portrayed its leaders as austere men, detached from luxury. However, historic photos, official records, and heritage collections reveal a different reality.
The main leaders of the Revolution traveled in high-end American cars, military jeeps, and, later, Soviet vehicles reserved for the elite. Far from the narrative of equality, the automotive history of power in Cuba tells a parallel truth about revolutionary privilege.
The jeeps from the struggle and the entrance to Havana
Before coming to power, the revolutionary leaders traveled in American-made Willys MB jeeps, which were operational symbols of the guerrilla struggle and a visual emblem of the Caravan that brought Fidel Castro to Havana on January 8, 1959.
These units, used in World War II, were widely utilized by Cuban rebels. Fidel was photographed several times driving these vehicles, and they also served as military propaganda tools to attract attention.
The power on wheels: American cars after the triumph
In the early years of the regime, the high-ranking officials used confiscated cars or those inherited from the previous era. Many were luxury models manufactured in the United States, reflecting a revolutionary paradox.
Ernesto “Che” Guevara was captured at the wheel of a 1948 Chevrolet Fleetline Deluxe, accompanied by his wife. The sleek sedan was a symbol of American elegance.
Camilo Cienfuegos used to drive a 1959 Oldsmobile Dynamic 88, green in color, with an elongated body and powerful engine. This vehicle is now part of a heritage collection at the Automobile Museum in Havana.
Celia Sánchez, a key figure in the power structure, drove a sleek, white 1960 Chevrolet Impala with an official license plate. Its use reinforced her central role, even if not publicly recognized.
These cars represented status; they were embraced as "tools of work" for the new revolutionary power.
As the alliance with the USSR strengthened, the vehicle fleet underwent a transformation. The GAZ Volga M21 became the quintessential official car. Moskvitch, Lada, and other models were also introduced, assigned in a hierarchical manner.
A Fidel Castro liked to drive. He was photographed behind the wheel of various car brands. One of the iconic photos shows him sitting on an Alfa Romeo.
In rural areas, he preferred to be seen in UAZ jeeps, to reinforce his image as a military commander, while in the capital he typically traveled in armored Soviet ZIL limousines for several years.
German cars in Cuba: Privileges at the top
Decades later, the automotive scene shifted towards a greater use of luxury vehicles from German brands Mercedes Benz and BMW.
One of the figures fond of expensive and powerful cars is Raúl Castro. During his time as president, he traveled in a BMW X5 model, reportedly armored. He had a fleet of at least three cars.
The commander Ramiro Valdés was photographed in Havana getting out of a Mercedes-Benz E-Class after a traffic accident.
The controversial grandson of Fidel Castro, Sandro Castro, is also a lover of the Mercedes Benz brand. He generated a media scandal with a video in which he boasted about driving on the National Highway. "You know we are simple people, but now and then we have to take out these little toys we have at home," he said while speeding down the road.
Miguel Díaz-Canel: BMW or Mercedes Benz?
The Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel uses fleets of Mercedes Benz and BMW cars for transportation. It is estimated that, in his case, they are also armored models.
However, unlike Raúl and Fidel Castro, who used to travel in groups of three cars at high speed, Díaz-Canel's convoy during a visit to Eastern Cuba consisted of up to seven vehicles.
Leaders in cars and the people on foot
Throughout the regime's history, the leaders' car has been more than just a means of transportation. It is a symbol of power, hierarchy, and disconnection from the people.
While millions of Cubans struggle to get on a bus or have to pedal on a bicycle, the leaders travel in state cars.
In the past, the vehicles were generally Russian cars, but currently, the regime is changing its fleet, and it is quite diverse. One can find Chinese, Russian, German vehicles, and even the country imports some American cars that surprisingly are part of the state motor pool.
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