1969 Fiat 130 berlina | North Benfleet, Essex

A 1969 Fiat 130 berlina is Fiat's large four-door executive saloon, with a front-mounted V6 and rear-wheel drive. Independent suspension at all four wheels gave it handling and road holding that British testers of the time admired. It was Fiat's serious attempt to compete in the executive class. This car is black with a beige interior, so the dark, straight-edged body sits against a pale and roomy cabin. Chrome accents catch the light along the sides. It seats four and is in very good condition. It is left-hand drive: the driver sits on the kerb side, so the front passenger steps out on the road side, and the car carries a continental look. Its upright, boxy outline suits film and TV productions set in the late 1960s and 1970s, as an official's car, a diplomat's or a company director's. Fashion, editorial and photography work gets clean lines and a strong black and beige contrast. At events it makes a formal arrival car, and for a wedding it is a composed alternative to the usual bridal car. The car is based in North Benfleet, Essex.