See all Motoring NewsWe don't mean to alarm anyone but there are only a few days left until Christmas. No need to fret though, as we have your back with a list of the best gifts to get the petrolhead in your life. Just don't wait too long to pick them up - nobody wants to unwrap a Pine Tree air freshener and a bottle of anti-freeze on Christmas morning.
Lego Volkswagen Camper
With the cold weather and excess of alcohol taken over the festive period your petrolhead is likely to be stuck indoors just itching to do something car related. This should keep them busy for many hours. This gloriously detailed T1 'Splittie' is made up of over 1,300 pieces, which should see them through another rerunning of It's a Wonderful Life. Lego also produces a 1,000-piece classic Mini Cooper set (complete with picnic set), or for true decadence there is an 1,800-piece Batman 'Tumbler' set, but we reckon the timeless VeeDub will cover most bases.
http://shop.lego.com/en-IE/Volkswagen-T1-Camper-Van-10220?fromListing=listing
Car movies
We love Indiana Jones as much as the next man, but let's face it, there are only so many times you can watch it over a two-week period. What your petrolhead needs is a high octane, blood pumping car movie. There are tons to choose from here - from classics like The Italian Job and Steve McQueen's Le Mans to more modern movies like Ronin and The Bourne Supremacy. One film we would give a nod to is the original Gone in 60 Seconds. Not the CGI-filled Nicholas Cage remake, but the 1974 film that is really just a 40-minute car chase scene with a loose plot wrapped around it.
A place in history
There are few things more important to petrolheads (and men in general actually) than bragging rights. It is the grown up version of Top Trumps and with this gift your petrolhead will be unbeatable. A simple £15 (approx. €19) will see your petrolhead's name added to the tailfin of Bloodhound SSC - the car that is aiming to break the 1,000mph barrier. All those nominated will receive a certificate to mark their name being added, which has to be the ultimate conversation starter "I helped Andy Green break 1,000mph you know..."
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/bloodhound-ssc-the-1000-mph-car
Some natty threads
Car-branded clothing has historically been a bit gauche with little more than an oversized logo emblazoned on a polo shirt. Car manufacturers have begun to get into the whole 'lifestyle' thing of late though and are turning out clothes you wouldn't be too embarrassed to be seen in. Some of the best are the cool duds offered by Jaguar heritage. Designed to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the D-Type winning Le Mans, the range includes driving shoes, bomber jackets and the ubiquitous polo shirt - only much nicer than usual.
Classic car hire
Driving a supercar on track is one thing but taking one to the open roads is something completely different and that is exactly what is offered by Heritage Sports Cars in Limerick. Ok so you are unlikely to find a McLaren P1 or even Ferrari 458 Italia on the fleet but your petrolhead can choose from the likes of a 1983 Lotus Esprit Turbo, 1978 Porsche 911 Targa, 1970 Jaguar E-Type or a Ferrari Mondial from 1990. Winter booking runs from €160 per day for a MGB Roadster up to €355 for a DeLorean DMC-12, but how often does your petrolhead get to go Back to the Future?