1957 Volkswagen Beetle 'Oval Window' Coupe

The "People's Car" was designed and developed in the 1930s by Dr. Ferdinand Porsche for the Nazi regime but the outbreak of World War 2 meant production of the Volkswagen Type 1 for civilian use didn't begin in earnest until 1946. As cheap transportation for the masses, the Beetle - so called on account of the shape - proved remarkably successful and more than 20 million units have been made to date. Powered by an unbreakable air-cooled horizontally-opposed four-cylinder engine located in the rear of the car, the Beetle became a huge hit in America, becoming the ideal second car for many families. Although the basic concept remained unchanged over the years, the Beetle was constantly being refined and each year saw various improvements take place. The windows were enlarged several times to improve visibility, the gearbox had synchromesh added to all four gears and the engine power increased, along with niceties such as side mirrors and a glovebox. The Beetles made in the Fifties are generally regarded as the most desirable, built to the highest standards and these cars command a premium over later examples. The Beetle is the perfect classic car for the modern era - inexpensive to maintain and run, lots of fun to drive and with a cult following to ensure values remain strong in the future.