It’s always fun to take a look at motoring Christmas gifts, but after the year everyone’s had, a nice present or two under the tree will be needed more than ever. Which is why the Mike Brewer Motoring team has been out searching for the best stuff to buy for the car-mad person in your life.
We’ve come up with some crackers, so whether it’s something to look at, read, or play with – or even a gift they can look forward to enjoying in the year ahead – we’ve got Christmas covered! Here’s our Motoring Christmas Gift Guide.
If they’re just into cars…
British Motor Show Tickets (From £18.50)
Many car shows have been cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic, and sadly this long-awaited event was one of them. But now it will happen from 19-22 August next year, so give the car fan in your life something to look forward by buying them tickets. There’s a huge amount planned, from a celebrity-packed live stage to car clubs and supercars, and we can’t wait. You could even treat someone to a VIP package… Plus, Mike Brewer is going to be there!
Buy at www.thebritishmotorshow.live
Bentley Calendar 2021 (£19-29)
Is there a classier way to keep track of what day it is? We don’t think so, which is why we recommend this brilliant gift. The calendar is celebrating Bentley Mulliner, which means the images cover a range of stunning models, including the gorgeous Bacalar, and you can pick from desk or wall sizes. Either way, they are printed on high quality paper and with a metal binder.
Buy at www.shop.bentleymotors.com
MINI Lifestyle Collection T-Shirts (various prices)
When summer finally returns the MINI fan in your life will be happy to have one of these stylish T-shirts ready to wear. Perfect for men and women and available in various sizes, you can choose from round-neck or polo styles and a selection of different MINI designs, all of which we think look pretty cool. And made from organic-quality cotton they’ll be great to wear. We’ll be adding these to our own Christmas present lists…
Frank Stephenson Design Artwork (£35)
Frank Stephenson is responsible for designing some of the world’s most desirable cars, so the chance to own such a special piece of artwork is a real treat. Each is A5-sized and is printed on top-quality paper, and they are accompanied by a handwritten Certificate of Authenticity. Five designs are on offer – the Ferrari F430, Ford Escort Cosworth, Maserati MC12, McLaren P1 and MINI – but be warned, just 100 of each are available so you’ll need to be quick!
Buy at www.frankstephenson.com
Scalextric DeLorean (£45.99)
Okay, so this gift isn’t actually available until 2021 but you can pre-order now and give a film-buff something to look forward to – in fact, we reckon it’s a must for fans of Scalextric and Back to The Future. Alongside working lights and the ‘Mr Fusion Home Energy Reactor’ this detailed model of the iconic DeLorean looks terrific and will be great fun to race on track.
If they’re just into classic cars…
Napier Railton Brooklands Mug (£10)
You might already be familiar with the Brooklands Circuit and the amazing racing exploits that took place there, and now you can celebrate them every time you have a brew thanks to this lovely mug. From an original painting by Stephen Millership, it depicts the amazing Napier Railton that was driven to a lap record of 143.44mph in 1935 by John Cobb. That’s something to raise a glass to….or mug.
Jaguar D-Type Owners’ Workshop Manual (£12.50)
Fans of classic Jaguars will need no introduction to the legendary D-Type, a racer that took victory at Le Mans on three occasions between 1955 and 1957. Written by Chas Parker, this terrific manual provides a fascinating insight into what’s beneath that curvaceous skin, and with plenty of detail and accompanying images it’s a must for any enthusiast’s bookshelf.
The Best of Range Rover DVD (£19.99)
While the rest of the family settles down to watch their favourite Christmas movie, we’re pretty sure that car nuts would rather be watching this instead. The world’s most famous 4×4 celebrated its fiftieth birthday this year, and this brilliant DVD is a chance to enjoy a selection of promotional films and TV ads from the Land Rover archives. With a running time of 80 minutes, it’s the perfect stocking-filler for any Rangie fan.
Buy at www.shop.britishmotormuseum.co.uk
Lancia Integrale Socks (£8.33)
Being given socks for Christmas is a well-worn cliché, but we can guarantee that any car lover will be happy to unwrap these on the big day. Various designs are available, but this Lancia pair is a definite favourite of ours, as they recall one of the greatest cars ever to take to the rally stage. And being in the famous Martini livery is just perfect. The seamless design means they’ll be super-comfortable, too.
Irvin Flying Jacket (£810)
Do you know a classic owner who enjoys driving their convertible throughout the winter? Then they’ll certainly appreciate this superb jacket, a modern interpretation of a famous design dating back to wartime. It’s beautifully made and will last a lifetime, and guaranteed to keep the recipient snug whatever the temperature. Available in various sizes, regular or long lengths and with or without pockets, it’s a present to treasure for years to come.
Sub-zero motoring will never have been so comfortable.
If they’re just into motorsports…
Formula 1 Tyre Bracelet (£195)
Know someone who enjoys their motorsport? Then they will love this. It’s made from a genuine F1 tyre which has been upcycled to turn it into a fine bracelet instead, and with a sterling silver and black rhodium clasp and great stitching detail, it’s a cracking present. Designed in Monaco, made in Italy and presented in a luxury gift box we want one ourselves.
The Mechanic – The Secret World of the F1 Pitlane (various prices)
Fans of Wheeler Dealers will know by now that when the show returns to the UK in 2021, it will have a new master mechanic – Marc ‘Elvis’ Priestley. But before TV, he was best known as a mechanic for the McLaren F1 team, and you can read all about his adventures in this excellent book. Lifting the lid on what happens in the F1 pit lane, the drivers he worked with including Lewis Hamilton, it’s a terrific insight into the high octane, high pressure world of top level racing.
Mercedes F1 Monopoly (£47.50)
Remember those family games of Monopoly that seemed to go on for ever, and involve frequent arguments? We do, but this brilliant set from Mercedes F1 should be different. The second edition has been updated for 2020, and not only is it the perfect pressie for racing fans but it’ll be fun to play, too. Suitable for those aged eight and above, it’s a top quality game that you’ll want to play again and again.
Buy at www.shop.mercedesamgf1.com
How Not To Be a Professional Racing Driver (various prices)
Jason Plato is one of the most popular drivers in the British Touring Car Championship, and a two-time champion, so anyone that has enjoyed his exploits on track will love this. The book is a cracking account of his life on and off the racing circuit, and it’s packed with great stories that will make you laugh out loud. For an insight into a colourful life and the world of motorsport, it’s highly recommended.
Tamiya Porsche 935 Martini (From £120)
The 935 is a legendary racer, and for anyone that enjoys model making it’s going to make for a great addition to their collection. In 1:12 scale, there’s the usual excellent detail we’ve come to expect from Tamiya, with the engine, suspension and interior superbly represented, plus the doors and front/rear hoods all open, too. And the famous livery is all present and correct, of course. It would keep us amused for hours!
LEGO TECHNIC McLaren Senna GTR (44.99)
We know this is the second LEGO set in our gift guide, but we just couldn’t resist it. More affordable than the bigger models, it’s a great chance for supercar and motorsport lovers to assemble their own version of this stunning McLaren. Packed with authentic details, it’s made up of 530 pieces and while it’s suitable for children aged ten and over we guarantee adults will love it too, us included. It’s available from January so order now.
If they’re just into Supercars…
LEGO Lamborghini Sián (£349.99)
As you’ll have noticed from the price, this isn’t the cheap LEGO set you might remember from your own childhood, but it really is brilliant. Car fans will know that the Sián was a hugely powerful, hugely fast V12 hybrid and this is a chance to treat someone to one of their own…well sort of. In 1:8 scale and comprising 3696 pieces, there’s plenty of realistic details and this recent addition to the Technic range even features a unique serial number to access exclusive on-line content. Should keep them quiet after the Christmas dinner!
F4 Master Driving Experience (£245)
If the car-mad person in your life can’t quite stretch to their own supercar you could always treat them to a go behind the wheel instead. Taking place at the Brands Hatch circuit, they’ll receive expert tuition in a BMW M4 before being let loose on track in a 165mph F4 single-seater. Plus, there’s a full briefing, high-speed passenger lap in the road car and a certificate to commemorate the occasion. Vouchers have been extended to 18 months, too.
Buy at www.msvdrivinggifts.com
Porsche Wheel Rim Wall Clock (£1500)
Our own Mike Brewer is a true Porsche nut, and we reckon he’d love to have this on his wall. Okay, so it’s not the cheapest way to tell the time but if buying a loved one a whole 911 is a bit beyond your budget at least they can admire a genuine part of one. This fine clock is made from an original RS Spyder wheel rim – an option on the current 911 range – and is guaranteed to look great in any home or office.
McLaren Speedmark Cuff Links (£200)
For the sharp dresser in your family, we think this would make for the perfect gift. And they happen to love supercars, too? Even better. In McLaren’s well-known ‘Speedmark’ design, these elegant cuff links are made from 100% polished aluminium so they feel as good as they look. Rather smart, don’t you think?
1984 Ferrari Testarossa Poster (£40)
This superb image of one of the 1980’s most iconic supercars is by Darren Curtis, the designer behind the Motive Culture brand, and it’s one we’d love to have on our wall. All of his posters are terrific, but this is definitely one of our favourites. Measuring 50cm x 70cm and printed on top-quality 250gsm paper, this is a real treat for those that enjoy motoring art.
If they’re just getting started…
Youngdrive! Experience (£85)
We know that young car enthusiasts can’t wait to get behind the wheel, and now they can with this cracking gift. Suitable for 11-17 year olds, the session lasts for around two and half hours and begins with an instructor briefing, and then it’s time for them to drive a dual-control MINI. That lasts for around 35-40 minutes, and a certificate at the end will remind them of a great day. Available at a variety of British circuits, including Brands Hatch, Oulton Park and Donington, the vouchers are valid for 18 months.
Buy at www.msvdrivinggifts.com
PLAYMOBIL Playset (£56)
It’s never too early to get young ones interested in great cars, so this fun set from Porsche should be just the ticket. Various sets are available, including a police 911 and a fire service Cayenne, but this one is our favourite. It’s based on Porsche’s 911 GT3 race car and comes with an action figure, working lights, and plenty of accessories. In fact, we might just fancy a go ourselves…
VW Money Box (£12.99)
If you’re looking for a way to encourage little ‘uns to save their pocket money – the MBM team always spent theirs on comics, sweets and model cars – then this will be perfect. In sturdy ceramic and with a design that recalls the legendary VW Beetle, they can start saving up for their own motor now…
MINI Baby Racer (£81)
We can’t think of any little ones that wouldn’t be thrilled to find this under the Christmas tree! Suitable for those aged 18-months and above, the non-toxic plastic bodywork features Chilli Red paint and white stripes, so it’s just like the real thing. And with low-noise rubber tyres and a detachable, washable seat cushion it’ll be nice and easy to use and look after. You can even add an optional push bar for when the little car fan runs out of steam…
Build your own V8 kit (£49.99)
There surely can’t be a better present for the car-mad youngster in your family. Suitable for those aged 10+ this excellent kit from the Haynes Museum comprises more than 250 parts, and once assembled results in a fully-functional motorised V8 engine. It comes with a Haynes manual-style instruction book, too. Guaranteed to provide hours of amusement for any budding car mechanics, it’s one we rather fancy ourselves!
Happy shopping!!!
