1971 Volkswagen Beetle | Eastbourne, East Sussex

A 1971 Volkswagen Beetle, the rounded, rear-engined small car that grew from people's car to 1960s counter-culture favourite. Its air-cooled engine sits at the back, and the friendly shape is easy to place in a period scene. Disney's Herbie, a fictional 1963 Beetle, starred in The Love Bug. This car is red with a beige interior, a warm pairing that stands out clearly on camera. It has a 1.2-litre engine and seats four. The cabin has generous glass, since the windows were enlarged in 1965, so light reaches the interior and subjects are easy to see from outside. That red paint and rounded body give film and TV, music video and fashion work a clear 1970s subject, and advertising a friendly retro look. It brings the same character to a wedding or a birthday. The car is based in Eastbourne, East Sussex.