They are iconic symbols of Cuba like cigars and rum: pre-revolution 1950s American classic cars. <br /><br /> But the Cadillacs, Chevrolets and Oldsmobiles are not nostalgic collectors’ items on the island; they are necessities for Cubans who have no modern alternatives – and breakdowns are frequent.<br /><br /> Maintenance can be a nightmare for workshops such as “Nostalgicar” in Havana; spare parts have to be smuggled out of the US and are increasingly hard to find.<br /><br /> The thaw in American-Cuban relations has focused thoughts on the future, should trade barriers come down.<br /><br /> “What could happen in Cuba in my opinion is that modern cars will quickly follow in our streets, but there will still be a niche market for classic cars,” said Nostalgicar’s manager Julio Alvares.<br /><br /> Cuba of course faces questions that go beyond <br />the fate of the old vehicles, whose elegance has been noted by many an awestruck visitor, but which have been described as “a legacy of the country’s isolation”.<br /><br /> Asked whether he is optimis
