1956 Volkswagen Ghia | London

A 1956 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia, the early Type 14 coupé that put a smooth, Italian-influenced body on Beetle mechanicals. It is known for its low-set headlamps, its hand-finished steel panels and an easy, relaxed way of going about things. This car is black with a blue interior, a restrained pairing that lets the curves of the coupé body do the work. It is left-hand drive: the driver sits on the kerb side and the front passenger steps out on the road side, which gives it a continental look. There is room for four. The low, smooth silhouette suits advertising, photography, and fashion and editorial shoots, where unbroken lines give the camera plenty to work with. Film, TV and music video productions set in the 1950s get a period shape straight away, and the car holds its own as a display piece at events. A wedding or personal hire arrival is covered in one line. The car is based in London.