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Ultimate Christmas Gifts for the Car Guy 2009

Posted on 20 November 2009 by Chris

The Holiday season is upon us once again and what better time to give or receive that car gadget you’ve been dreaming of. I’ve compiled my top ten (at least I try to keep it at ten) gifts for the car guy to help you decide what’s hot and what’s not.

1. The Barbour International


So here we go. One of my favorite items for top down cruising is my Barbour Jacket. The Barbour International jacket is made of waxed cotton. The style and build has remained basically unchanged since the late 1930′s. It was worn by world champion motorcyclists in the most rugged conditions in the 60′s and 70′s. If you can find a used one with “patina” it’ll probably go for more than a new one!

2. GoPro Motorsports Action Camera

The world’s smallest, wireless on-board video camera. Standard lens version.

The Motorsports HERO quick-release attaches to helmets, cars, motorcycles, boats, planes, etc.  Features a 54ยบ degree viewing-angle lens and 5 megapixel sensor. Ideal for mounting on your car or motorcycle front/rear fender for filming other vehicles that may be in close formation. Also ideal as an interior roll bar mounted car camera, for the classic center cabin, roll bar mounted view out the front windshield. For full specs visit here.

3. Griots Garage Goodies

Any gift from Griots is a good one! If you’re trying all sorts of polishes, waxes and detailing products from your local autoshop let me save you the time and money and tell you to visitGriots. I’ve tried nearly every detailing product out there and Griots is hands down, the best. Honestly I could write my own top ten just from their site… Here are three items from Griots Garage.

  1. Machine One Step Sealant Kit- This kit gives you a years worth of polishing in one package
  2. Plaid Heated 12v Blanket- A vintage look that keeps your tottsie warm on those cool mornings of motoring!
  3. Beer Glasses!- Not just any beer glasses but Glasses with the full roster of Grand Prix Champions since 1950 etched into each glass!

4. Vintage License Plates

If you know the year and country of origin of your loved ones automobile, you can probably find period correct plates for it. The above picture are German Oval plates I had on my 69, Porsche. The stamp in the upper right would say what part of Germany they were from… It may take some due diligence but what an awesome and thoughtful gift!

5.Vintage Literature

As mentioned above finding period correct items is a thoughtful way of gifting your gearhead!

6. Professional Photoshoot

Hire a photographer (or do it yourself!) for your enthusiast and his or her car.

7. Subscribe!

Buy a subscription to their favorite Magazine. One of my favorites is Sports Car Market.

8. Map out a drive.

This is a great idea for those on a tighter budget or just wanting something creative. Map out a scenic drive for your enthusiast. This could include stops for pictures or a bite to eat. Get in some quality time while listening to the sound of that vintage car cruising.

9. Club Memberships

Give them a membership to their Marque’s motoring club. This brings new friends and comradery in the auto community and can even save money in the long run on maintenance and upkeep. Do a search on Google for their specific make or their are multi make enthusiast groups as well.

10. Tools.

Each Marque has its special tools. With some research you can find out exactly what fits for your car. Pictured is a Hazet collapsible toolbox. Very cool.


2 Comments For This Post

  1. jvazquez Says:

    Chris,

    Good list. Any chance of you doing a comparison piece between the 912 and the 914. It would be interesting to read your perspective.
    Keep up the good work!
    -j

  2. crunge Says:

    This is a great idea! I’ll put together some thoughts and data for the article and get it up in the next 4 weeks.

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The Motoring Journal examines the profound relationship of man and automobile, motor racing history, intriguing personalities, motoring adventures, and the many skillful forms of expression that only car culture breeds.