1956 Volkswagen Beetle | Braintree, Essex

A 1956 Volkswagen Beetle, the rounded, rear-engined small car known and liked for its friendly shape and the note of its air-cooled engine. This is an oval-window car: the one-piece rear window arrived in 1953 to replace the split design. It gives the back of the car a neat, period look. This car is finished in black with a red interior, a dinner-jacket pairing, with chrome trim catching the light along the body. It is in good condition, and the cabin keeps the simple, uncluttered feel of the 1950s. It is left-hand drive: the driver sits on the kerb side and the front passenger steps out on the road side, which adds a continental look in shot. Period film and TV work suits its 1950s curves, and black paint against red seats gives fashion and editorial shoots a strong two-colour contrast. Its compact body leaves the location visible around it for photography and advertising. It also makes a characterful wedding car. The car is based in Braintree, Essex.