Despite the Anti-American sentiment felt throughout Venezuela due to a political conflict between popular President Hugo Chavez and the United States, many Venezuelans put that attitude aside when it comes to their love of retro vehicles manufactured in the states during the 1970s.
Such large gas-consuming cars produced during the 1970s like the Dodge Aspens, Chrysler New Yorkers, Ford LTD Landau, and the recently discontinued Pontiac are a big hit in Venezuelan since these wheels of the past are considered more drivable than the newer cars being produced. While the newer automobiles like the Ford Expedition S.U.V or the Hummer are favored by wealthier Venezuelan citizens, these eight-cylinder cars are favored more than the sleeker and considered more ‘environmentally friendly’ vehicles for surprising reasons.
According to an article by the New York Times, the love of these decade-old vehicles are based on the longevity of these vehicles due to the availability of spare parts which keeps these relics on wheels alive. Another astonishingly reason is the cheap cost of gas within the country. Considered one of the world’s top oil providers, the Venezuelan people reap its benefit since the lowest cost of gas is estimated to be less than 10 cents a gallon. A cost which is considered cheaper when compared to the country’s competitor in oil production, Saudi Arabia, according to a study made by the German aid agency, GTZ, in a study of global fuel prices.
Isn’t there a saying? “One man’s trash is another man’s gold?”
