While Fidel Castro favored a rugged, military-style vehicle for transport in his governing days, his presidency maintained a fleet of luxury cars. Now, roughly 14 of his administration's limousines have been converted into cabs.
The luxury cars fit the flavor of the pre-embargo automobiles that motor the streets of Cuba and have become hallmarks of the country's self-reliance. About 10 limos are still on the road.
The decommissioned cars were manufactured by Russian automakers GAZ and ZIL in the 1970s and '60s before being sent to Cuba. Castro rarely rode in the luxury vehicles, which were primarily used to shuttle government officials who were visiting Cuba.
Moises Saurez, 58, a cab driver in Havana, has witnessed the astonishment of passengers and passers-by alike, as he drives one of the decommissioned limousines around Cuba.
"When I tell (travelers) where the car came from, they sit in the seat back there and ... stretch their legs and say, 'I can't believe it!' " Suarez stated.
The limousines are known as "comandante" cars, referencing past ownership by the country's previous commander-in-chief. And while some of the features of the cars may be viewed by some as outdated, Saurez stated that many motorists he encounters appreciate the unique taxi cabs.
"A lot of drivers pull up next to me at stoplights. They start laughing and they say, 'You never imagined you would be driving the comandante's car, eh?' 'You have a great car in your hands.'"
While Castro has maintained that he enjoyed a humble lifestyle and embraced frugality, a one-time body guard painted a different picture in an interview in May.
Juan Reinaldo Sanchez, 65, who said his brother's escape from Cuba resulted in his own dismissal, served as one of Castro's bodyguards for roughly 17 years.
"He always claims he lives frugally. Lies. He lives in a luxury that most Cubans can't even imagine," stated Sanchez.
Fidel Castro, 87, released the reins of his presidency in Cuba in 2008, due to health issues, after making a similar move in 2006 when he gave younger brother Raul Castro temporary power.
After stepping down the second time, Cuba's long-time president assured his country and world leaders that his resignation was permanent.
"I will not aspire to, neither will I accept -- I repeat I will not aspire to, neither will I accept -- the position of President of the Council of State and Commander-in-chief," stated Castro.
After a long period away from public view, roughly nine months, Castro re-emerged in January 2014 at an art studio in Cuba.
