A video shared on TikTok by user @descubriend0cuba has stirred up controversy online by showcasing a Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 cruising through a Cuban street. This luxury sports car is an unexpected sight for many on the island.
The footage captures the striking red vehicle with a private license plate moving leisurely, accompanied by the text in the video: “L220a but with my ZL1 already in Cuba.”
The comments section quickly filled with reactions, many expressing disbelief and sarcasm about the presence of such a high-end car in Cuba’s current environment.
“And in the USA, I’m in a 2004 Toyota,” one user remarked, while another questioned the authenticity of the model, claiming, “Tell that to someone else, that’s just an SS with a bumper conversion to ZL1.”
Many users also pondered how such a vehicle could be maintained and fueled amid the country’s severe economic and energy crisis.
“Listen to how that sounds with Cuban gasoline. They need to share the secret of what they do for work here, because importing those cars easily costs about 30,000 dollars, not to mention the price of that sports car,” one commenter noted.
Questions were also raised regarding the availability of replacement parts for this type of car: “Where will they buy the spare parts?” read one of the responses.
The Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, known as one of the brand's most powerful models, boasts a V8 engine with over 600 horsepower and has a starting price in the United States exceeding $70,000. This is a figure far beyond reach for most Cubans, whose average state salary is around 5,000 Cuban pesos per month (less than $20 at the current informal exchange rate).
In recent years, the emergence of luxury cars like this one in Cuba has sparked debate, especially as the nation grapples with one of its worst economic crises, characterized by power outages, fuel shortages, and a collapsed public transportation system.
Impact of Luxury Cars in Cuba
Why is the appearance of a luxury car in Cuba so controversial?
The appearance of a luxury car like the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 in Cuba is controversial because it highlights the vast economic disparities within the country. Amid a severe economic crisis, most Cubans struggle with basic necessities, making such an extravagant vehicle seem out of place and unattainable for the average citizen.
How do Cubans manage to import luxury cars?
Importing luxury cars into Cuba is challenging due to the high costs and restrictions. Those who manage to do so often have access to foreign currency or connections abroad, which allows them to bypass the typical financial constraints faced by the average Cuban citizen.
What are the challenges of maintaining a luxury car in Cuba?
Maintaining a luxury car in Cuba poses significant challenges due to the scarcity of spare parts and the high cost of fuel. Additionally, the economic and energy crises make it difficult for owners to keep such vehicles in optimal condition.