1962 Fiat 500 | Upper Heyford, Northamptonshire

A 1962 Fiat 500, the Cinquecento: a small rear-engined Italian city car liked for its rounded shape and cheerful manner. Its doors are hinged at the rear, a period detail that draws the eye as soon as it pulls up. There is room inside for four. This car is cream with a blue interior, in excellent condition. The pale paint holds light softly, and the blue trim gives a clear contrast whenever a door is open. It is left-hand drive: the driver sits on the kerb side and the front passenger steps out into the road, which adds a continental look. A small 500cc engine sits behind the rear seat. Photography and fashion editorial work gain a compact subject that leaves plenty of room in frame for the location. The 1960s Italian look suits period film and TV sets and music videos, and its size makes it a neat centrepiece at events and brand activations. Weddings and personal hires get the same continental charm. It is based in Northamptonshire.