Piotr Degler is an internationally awarded automotive photographer from Spain, who works for some of the most important automotive brands in Italy and around the world (see Kickstarter Bio for client list).

Two years ago, he created the Degler Calendar: an exclusive automotive calendar intended for lovers of automotive culture and art, which every year presents a different selected theme. The first edition was dedicated to ‘Concept Cars by Bertone’, and the 2015 edition featured the theme ‘Carros de Cuba’ (or ‘Cars of Cuba’). This is why he travelled the island for a whole month, searching for the most interesting Cuban cars.

“Speaking of Cuba is talking about their cars. When in 1959 a young Castro decreed a law to prevent the importation of cars, he could not see the great favor that made us all who are passionate about the 4 wheels. Unwittingly, he bequeathed us a full pre-revolutionary treasure, which now constitutes one of the tourist attractions of the island. For 10 years I had been dreaming of visiting this photographic paradise. It was something I felt inside me. 10 years longing to capture the country through its almendrones (vintage taxis), Buicks, Cadillacs and Studebakers… 10 years were expectation was mixed with desire. I had an intense month to find my treasure. Chasing rumors and opinions, I traveled the island from Viñales to Santiago de Cuba, stopping in dozens of towns and cities. As I forged friendships with enthusiasts and local mechanics, I opened doors normally closed to foreign tourists. Beyond the American classics, Cuba has put me face to face with some of the most iconic cars of Automobile History.”

The 2015 Degler Calendar featured only 12 selected photographs from the whole adventure, but more than 25,000 shots were taken during those intense days. The calendar created a huge expectation, and has been extensively featured throughout the world, achieving viral status online with the discovery of a rusted Mercedes Gullwing 300SL. It has been published by prestigious names such as Fox News, Top Gear, Classic Driver, Octane, Classic Cars, Daily Mail and Auto Bild to name but a few.

It was always the intention to turn the ‘Carros de Cuba’ project into a book, even if it started as a calendar in 2015 with just 12 images as a preview.  Now, finally, the moment for the book has arrived. We will publish a selection of the best images from the whole trip. 

Obviously, more photographs of the now-famous Gullwing are included in the “RUST IN PEACE” section, as well as other Jaguars, a Porsche, a Hispano Suiza, another 300SL, and other interesting cars found along the way. 
In the “ON THE ROAD” section, you will find photographs of great classic cars that are still in daily use today. 
A short “INTRODUCTION” section will also be presented at the beginning of the book, showing some images of the people, landscapes etc… 
‘Carros de Cuba’ will showcase around 200 never-published-before images, across more than 300 pages. The full-color images will be printed in Europe on high-quality paper. It will be the most complete project ever made about the Cars of Cuba. 

“This is a tribute to the cars that have survived over half a century on the island, thanks to the inventiveness of the Cuban people. On the one hand, you’ll see photographs showing the human side; the people; the environment; cars maintained with inventiveness and necessity for decades; real gems stored in garages away from prying eyes… On the other hand, you’ll find obsolete cars showing hints of what they once were, and dreaming of what they could be again. These are natural and honest photographs; there are no forced elements placed in the frame for the occasion. Everything you see happened by chance, with natural colors, un-retouched photographs – the pictures respectfully show the reality as it is.”

Some more photographs from the “Carros de Cuba” book:

As such, this coffee table book doesn’t only present great photography of Cuban cars; it is also an incredible historical document of the automotive and social panorama of Cuba, photographed with great taste in 2014 – before the country’s new relationship with the USA began. 

Piotr Degler has chosen to self-publish the Carros de Cuba book in a manner that will fully reflect the attention to detail and quality of materials that is so key to his work, while showcasing a larger selection of images in the book. Crowd-funding the book through Kickstarter allows greater creative freedom. It also represents a direct connection between the photographer and the final result and, by self-publishing the book, we are able to keep the retail cost of the book down while achieving the best quality you would expect from a major publishing house. As a result, we are asking for the Kickstarter community’s assistance in making this project a reality, so we can fund the considerable expense involved in creating the Carros de Cuba book.

“I am sure you will enjoy this project as much as I do. It will be the perfect book for everybody who loves Cars, Cuba, Photography or History.”

Some more samples:

 Donation options:

• Signed Postcard (16cm) with the Gullwing image. 

 THE STANDARD FIRST EDITION BOOK 50€ (RRP 65€)  

•  Signed copy by Piotr Degler.
• Over 200 photographs in over 300 pages.
• Text in English and Spanish.
• Divided in 3 sections: “INTRODUCTION” “ON THE ROAD” and “RUST IN PEACE”.
• Printed on high quality paper in Europe, finished with a spot varnish.
• Printing Press: Eight color Heidelberg Press.
• Real cloth covered hardback, foil stamping.
• This will be the first edition run only available here on Kickstarter.

• Limited prints are numbered and include a certificate of authenticity.
• Printed on high quality paper Hahnemuhle 320gr. 
• Signed by Piotr Degler.

THE COLLECTORS EDITION BOX 1600€ (RRP 2000€)

• Limited edition run of only 100.
• Book: Same as the Standard Book, but black.
• Signed copy by Piotr Degler.
• Over 200 photographs in over 300 pages.  
• Text in English and Spanish.
• Divided in 3 sections: “INTRODUCTION” “ON THE ROAD” and “RUST IN PEACE”.
• Printed on high quality paper in Europe, finished with a spot varnish.
• Printing Press: Eight color Heidelberg Press.
• Real cloth covered hardback, foil stamping.
• BOX: The book will be presented in a black fabric covered box (around 40 cm high) numbered with an elegant which remainds the old Cuban license plates.
• Box contains 5 limited prints on high quality paper (around 40cm), numbered, signed + certificate of authenticity for each one.

• Limited edition Art of only 10!
• Displaying the famous Mercedes 300SL “Gullwing” image.
• Printed on high quality paper Hahnemuhle 320gr.
• Signed by Piotr Degler.
• Numbered 01/10, 02/10…
• Certificate of authenticity.
• Exclusive handmade frame of metal, special rusted and protected.
• 75cm
• Laser cut “DEGLER” logo on the frame.

*Many art collectors, magazines and TV shows asked me about this Gullwing photograph, but I always wanted to keep the exclusivity. Now you can get it! Only during this Kickstarter campaign!

About Piotr Degler:

Raised in a family of architects and musicians in Spain and after moving to Italy for studying and working as car designer, he understood he was born to shoot.His background in car design made him a better photographer. Having captured on camera some of the most emblematic cars and prototypes ever built in history, Piotr is today a worldwide renowned photographer working at Degler Studio.

Degler Studio is an automotive exclusive media based in Spain and Italy and offers to customers (companies, private owners and editorial) worldwide services such as photography, postproduction, film production, concept ideas… 

                                                                 Clients:

 With Thanks:

I would like to thank all the people who made this adventure and project possible. It has been the most exciting project ever, and am very happy to fulfill my dream which I had since I was a kid. I would like to thank especially YOU: all the backers. By backing this Kickstarter campaign you are making the printing of the Carros de Cuba book possible. I did put so much work, time and passion into this project, so am sure YOU will enjoy it as much as I do.

Thank you for your time and all the support,

Piotr Degler

Degler Studio

Shipping and Delivery:

Delivery Dates: We estimate to start the production after the Kickstarter campaign finishes and planned to be delivered during the month of March. International Shipping costs: there will be added to your pledge, and will vary depending on destination. Prices will be shown when you choose your reward. Please note that this is a big book, we have tried to keep our shipping costs as low as possible.

Source: ICNW