Discovery en Español is giving U.S car buffs their first-ever look at just how Cuban mechanics and automotive aficionados have repaired and restored the 1950s-era automobiles purchased before Fidel Castro assumed power on New Year’s Eve 1960.
Cuban Chrome, narrated by Cuba-born actor William Levy, bowed July 13 at 10 p.m. as part of Discovery en Español’s “Lunes de Motores” (Motor Monday) programming block. Discovery Channel will simultaneously air the series in English.
The docu-reality series explores the island’s classic car culture through the experiences and mechanical ingenuity of Cuban car buffs. In particular, members of the “A Lo Cubano Car Club” are profiled.
Cuban Chrome is the first U.S.-based television series to be granted government permission to film entirely in Cuba, Discovery said. Access was granted prior to the announcement earlier this year that the U.S. and Cuba would restore full diplomatic relations.
Cuban Chrome is produced by Pilgrim Studios (El duo mecánico and Carreras Prohibidas), with Craig Piligian, Sam Korkis and Eddie Rohwedder as executive producers. Louis Milito, Phil Conserva and Carlos Marimon of Rhino Pictures are also on board for production.
