Outside Cuba there is a dreamy fascination with the classic American cars still tooling around the streets of Havana and beyond. The Cubans’ attitude towards their “almendrones” is much more practical and down-to-earth. In interviews with the author their voices take center stage as they discuss the realities of car ownership; the need for creative, patient auto maintenance; and the challenges of traveling from point A to point B. Often, a car is passed down through the family, not as an elegant heirloom but a necessary tool. Color photographs throughout reveal ancient models in various states of repair and glory, and candids of everyday Cubans interacting with their cars. Interior shots of threadbare steering columns and patchwork dashboards impart enduring resilience. Nuts-and-bolts car enthusiasts shouldn't expect detailed mechanics. More generally, this is an uncommonly intimate and illuminating presentation of Cuban daily life and its celebrated car culture. Bilingual in Spanish. ( )