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It may have escaped your attention but there are only two days left until Father's Day, that day when we set aside all of our usual Sunday afternoon plans to lavish attention on one half of the reason we are here in the first place. No need to go into a wild panic though as we have the ideal gifts for the car loving father in your life. You can thank us later!
Drive a classic Porsche
Possibly the only occasion more important than Father's Day in 2013 is the 50th anniversary of the iconic Porsche 911, so why not mark both occasions by getting Dad a spin in a classic 911? Sounds expensive, and will look it too, meaning you earn extra brownie points, but sticking dad behind the wheel of a 1978 Porsche 911 SC Targa is not out of reach thanks to Adare-based Heritage Sports Cars.
Among the fleet of this classic car hire firm are icons like the Jaguar E-Type and Triumph TR6, but dads of a certain vintage will love the 2+2 Targa 911 that allows the wind to blow through what little hair they have left.
Hire starts from €109 per day for a 1973 MG B GT with the 911 coming in at €209. However, to mark the 911's significant birthday, Heritage is running a two-for-one offer on the 911 meaning he can enjoy the car twice as much.
Classic car show
Maybe driving a car that is 35 years old is not up your dad's alley, but getting up close and personal with such cars in a family friendly atmosphere may suit. In that case get him down to Mondello Park this weekend for the Carole Nash Classic Car and Motorcycle Live show.
Now in its sixth year this event has become an important part of the Irish Classic calendar. What separates the Mondello event from other classic car shows is the ability to see the models of your dad's youth in motion with high-speed track sessions, lower speed parade laps, Historic and Vintage Car racing and Classic Motorcycle racing demonstrations.
Mondello Park will also host Porsche's anniversary by staging the largest Irish gathering of the 911 across all generations.
Sunday's event will run from 11:00 till 17:30 with admission costing just €10 for adults and under 16s get in free.
Fire up the Quattro
If your car-loving Dad was in his prime during the 1980s it is a safe bet to assume he watched in awe as Group B rally machinery tore up the special stages of the world. So fast were the cars of the era that they were eventually banned, but your dad can still make out like he is Stig Blomqvist or Walter Röhrl thanks to the good folks at Rally School Ireland.
At the purpose built facility in Monaghan, your father can get to experience the full fury of Group B machinery such as the Audi Quattro Turbo and Metro 6R4.
Prices start from €150 for a Single Stage Detail, running up to a Full Day Course that includes time behind the wheel of a MkII Ford Escort, Subaru Impreza Turbo, BMW 325i and the Group B monsters.
Spanners at the ready
If your father's idea of 'quality time' involves hours spent in the garage tinkering with his toys then treat him to a new set of tools. We would recommend the rather fetching set of Caterham branded Draper tools, but as that involves buying a new Caterham Seven it may be a bit out of reach. Best to settle for some non-Caterham branded Draper items instead. Best of all, with prices starting from less than €30 there is something there for every budget.
Shine it up
Surprise dad this Sunday by shining up his car for him! Take a trip to your local motor factors/Halfords and pick up something like an Autoglym detailing kit to give his pride and joy the shine it deserves. Just don't forget the interior and under the bonnet.