1989 Fiat Panda | Bedford, Bedfordshire

A 1989 Fiat Panda, the boxy Italian hatchback that put practicality ahead of polish. It is known for flat glass, a plain fabric-covered dashboard and a rear seat that folds or lifts out. The design took the Compasso d'Oro in 1981, and the car reads as honest, cheerful everyday transport. This car is Blue outside and Blue inside, with a 999cc petrol engine and room for four. The upright body and large windows give a bright cabin and a good view for interior shots. Its short length makes it easy to place in a tight frame. Film and television productions set in the 1980s can use it as shorthand for ordinary daily life, while advertising and photography gain from its square, friendly proportions. Fashion and editorial shoots get a playful small-car look with an Italian accent. It also suits a relaxed wedding or a birthday outing. The car is based in Bedford, Bedfordshire.