Stuck for a last-minute Christmas present idea? Allow our automotive gift guide to ride to the rescue!
We start with that festive present staple, the calendar. The McKlein photo agency’s offerings are some of the best in the business and include rally calendars in panoramic ‘Wider View’ and desktop formats, plus our favorite, the ‘Motorsport Classic 2013’ edition (pictured above). Measuring a mighty 67cm x 48cm and featuring two alternative images per month from the 1950s-70s, this is classy indeed. Available from www.racingwebshop.com.
Not everyone loves a White Christmas but youngsters in snowier climes might appreciate a sledge with a difference. Audi’s range of Yuletide merchandise includes this Auto Union streamliner-styled number; apparently it “handles slippery surfaces without the tenacious grip synonymous with quattro” – entertaining slip angles ahoy! Aimed at children aged 6 and above, it’ll survive Dads of up to 100kg, too. Empty your wallet at www.audi.co.uk/merchandise.
Also suitable for kids of all ages is the latest Carrera slot car. Manthey’s 911s are so fast that the team will be helping run the factory Porsche WEC effort in 2013. Following that argument to its logical conclusion, the 1:32 slot racers in the Meuspath squad’s famous yellow-and-green colors should send your rivals spinning into the gravel/carpet as they try to keep pace. Order from Carrera dealers, part number 30609.
Meanwhile in the kitchen, your post-race espresso awaits in a new Bentley china cup and saucer. Launched to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Bentley’s victory in the Le Mans 24-hour race, the four cups are decorated with images from the race, while the saucers carry the car numbers, 7 and 8. Head to www.shop.bentleymotors.com for a range of upmarket merchandise from the crew in Crewe.
And finally to another anniversary, this time 20 years of the Goodwood Festival of Speed, which will be celebrated in 2013. If you can’t wait till next summer’s event (recently rescheduled to 11-14 July), how about a 360-page book or two-disc DVD featuring highlights from the first two decades? Both can be found in West Sussex’s very own corner of cyberspace: http://shop.goodwood.com/products/.
Merry Christmas!
