Epic Drives Season 1 Episode 1 Coches de Cuba! Classic American Cars in Cuba!

Epic Drives Season 1 Episode 1 - Coches de Cuba! Classic American Cars in Cuba!

In the first episode of Epic Drives, we follow host Arthur St. Antoine as he travels to the fascinating nation of Cuba to explore its unique car culture. For decades, the trade embargo between the United States and Cuba prevented new cars from being imported into the country, leaving its citizens to find clever ways to maintain and repair the vintage American vehicles that were already there. Today, Cuba boasts one of the largest collections of classic American cars in the world, making it a truly breathtaking destination for automotive enthusiasts.

As Arthur embarks on his journey, he is immediately struck by the stunning beauty of Cuba's capital city, Havana. He is even more impressed by the parade of gorgeous cars that line the streets, many of which are more than 60 years old. From the bright pink 1959 Bel Air to the sleek 1957 Chevy, each car tells a story about the history and culture of this fascinating country.

Arthur's first stop is at a local garage, where he meets three expert mechanics who specialize in restoring classic American cars. The team provides invaluable insight into the challenges of maintaining these vehicles, from the difficulty of finding replacement parts to the highly creative methods they use to manufacture them from scratch.

Throughout the course of the episode, Arthur explores Havana and its surrounding countryside in several different vintage cars, each with its own unique personality and backstory. He visits a plantation where a 1960 Pontiac is used to harvest sugarcane, and later takes a ride in a beautifully restored 1955 Ford Fairlane. He even has the opportunity to drive a 1957 Corvette through the winding roads of the Cuban countryside, experiencing firsthand the thrill of these iconic cars.

In addition to the incredible cars, Arthur also explores the vibrant culture of Cuba, immersing himself in the rich history and traditions of this vibrant nation. He visits a local dance hall where he tries his hand at the salsa, and even sits down with a group of Cuban musicians who perform traditional son music.

Throughout the episode, Arthur pays tribute to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the Cuban people, who have managed to keep these classic cars running for so many years despite their many challenges. And while the cars themselves are certainly a major draw, what really shines through is the warm and welcoming spirit of the Cuban people, who are eager to share their love of their beautiful country with visitors from around the world.

Overall, Coches de Cuba! Classic American Cars in Cuba! is a thrilling and heartfelt exploration of one of the most fascinating car cultures in the world. With stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and of course, some of the most beautiful cars you'll ever see, this episode is a must-see for anyone with a love of adventure and an appreciation for true automotive craftsmanship.