A traffic accident on Sunday afternoon in Jagüey Grande, Matanzas, resulted in injuries to two individuals and damage to a historic vehicle: a 1958 Buick Special. This car is one of the most iconic American automobiles preserved in Cuba since the 1950s. According to reports from the community page 'Yo Amo Jagüey' on social media, the collision took place around 2:00 p.m. at the intersection of 13th and 66th streets. The injured were taken to the municipal hospital, although their current condition remains undisclosed.
The classic car collided with a motorcycle, which was left sprawled on the pavement. The Buick's bodywork sustained visible damage on one side, notably impacting its distinctive chrome spear moldings and rear tailfins, hallmark features of American car design from the late 1950s. Manufactured by General Motors, the 1958 Buick Special is renowned for its striking design, featuring dual headlights, a unique chrome grille, and streamlined fins that defined an era.
More than 240,000 units were produced that year, and many arrived in Cuba before 1959, where they continue to operate thanks to the mechanical ingenuity of generations of Cubans. Onlookers gathered at the scene, while authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The American Dream on Wheels: "You Can Own a Buick"
The vehicle involved in the crash is more than just a mechanical relic; it symbolizes the automotive boom Cuba experienced in the first half of the 20th century. By 1919, Cuba had become the largest importer of cars in Latin America, with Havana emerging as a key testing ground for the U.S. automotive industry. The influx of vehicles began early; in 1902, a steam car from Locomobile and Co. of America arrived in Santiago de Cuba, and by 1910, approximately 4,000 cars were navigating the streets of the capital. By 1922, that number had soared to 20,000.
For decades, Cubans embraced a genuine motor craze, with streets crowded with Chevrolets, Fords, Oldsmobiles, Pontiacs, Plymouths, and Buicks, all competing fiercely to capture the imagination of an increasingly modernity-obsessed public. Among these brands, Buick earned a special place in the hearts of Cubans, becoming a symbol of status, comfort, and modernity. Its fame was fueled by a simple yet powerful slogan echoed across radio stations, newspapers, and magazines: "You Can Own a Buick."
With installment purchase options and brightly lit showrooms in the heart of Havana, thousands of Cubans accessed vehicles that are now considered collectible classics. In 1958, just a year before the Revolution, Cuba ranked sixth globally in cars per capita, trailing only behind powerhouses like the United States, Canada, and West Germany. Over 180,000 cars roamed the island, predominantly American, many of which remain operational today, transformed into a remarkable living museum on wheels, thanks to the resourcefulness and perseverance of the Cuban people.
Classic Cars and Cuban Heritage
What caused the accident involving the 1958 Buick Special?
The accident occurred at the intersection of 13th and 66th streets, where the Buick Special collided with a motorcycle. The specific details of the cause are under investigation by the authorities.
How many 1958 Buick Specials were originally produced?
In 1958, over 240,000 units of the Buick Special were manufactured by General Motors.
Why are American cars from the 1950s still prevalent in Cuba?
American cars from the 1950s remain common in Cuba due to the island's historical ties to the U.S. automotive industry. These vehicles continue to operate thanks to the creative mechanical skills passed down through generations of Cubans.