10 gift ideas to help car enthusiasts keep sane during lockdown

In a pandemic-impacted world, car enthusiasts haven’t had anywhere near as much chance to enjoy their hobbies; in the UK at least, recorded car traffic went down to as low as 22% of pre-lockdown levels in the first lockdown. While petrolheads are still allowed to drive their cars, they have had to stay in their local area to avoid risks of hefty fines for unnecessary journeys. On the plus side, this means car fans’ travel expenditure has decreased dramatically, leading to higher disposable income for those who are lucky enough to still be in employment.

And car enthusiasts are a committed bunch (me being one of them!) so we will find any way possible to enjoy their passion for cars in a restricted world. This article details 10 gift ideas that can help you stay sane between now and when lockdown is eventually lifted:

1) Limited100 Car Prints

Based in Nottingham in the UK, Limited100 is a business that creates limited edition automotive wall art of some of the most iconic vintage cars, modern hypercars and more in a wide variety of print formats, including print-only, framed, canvas and aluminium composite. Each hand-signed and numbered photographic or digitally-drawn print is limited to 100 units, ever, regardless of size and style, and is delivered with a certificate of authenticity and aluminium decal on the reverse. The attention to detail is stunning and unrivalled.

2) Charabanc

To keep your car smelling it’s best while either in storage, or with limited use, we recommend the world’s first luxury car fragrance, Charabanc, which is is proudly handcrafted in Britain. It comprises a stencilled-steel ‘pomander’ (a perforated container of aromatic substances) and scented ceramic, encased in artisan-moulded leather. Created by a world-famous perfume house, Charabanc’s scents evoke the flora and aromatic qualities of some of the world’s most iconic drives.

3) Epic Drives of the World

This fantastic, well researched book by Lonely Planet explores and details the planet’s most thrilling car journeys, ideal for your future road trip planning for when lockdown is over. Organised by continent, each route features a first-hand account, awe-inspiring photographs, illustrated maps and practical advice on when to go, how to get there, where to stay and what to eat. From Hawaii’s Hana Highway and Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh Road, to Utah’s National Park Circuit and Germany’s Black Forest High Road, Epic Drives of the World will inspire any motorist to hit the open road.

4) Classic Racing Spirit

Housing a curated range of automotive-inspired drinking spirits, sculptures and books, Classic Racing Spirit prides itself on offering products that are intended to be practical and functional, yet employ the intentions, skills and materials from different eras. So far, their range of drinks includes Racing Spirit Gin, Oak Rested Gin and Racing Spirit Vodka, and these vintage-style beverages have already made their way across the globe and to events such as Concours of Elegance.

5) Magneto Magazine

For the car connoisseur, Magneto magazine is only a couple of years old now. More of a ‘bookazine’, Magneto is the brainchild of the founders of Octane Magazine. A quarterly publication, it includes some highly impressive artwork and in-depth stories such as about the life of Enzo Ferrari, and Steve McQueen’s escapades when filming the classic car film Le Mans.

6) Amalgam Collection

Founded in 1985, Amalgam Collection manufactures fine car models on limited run and bespoke one-off commissions for private collectors, world-famous drivers and car enthusiasts in general. The attention to detail is stunning and their model scales range from 1:18 to 1:1. Yes that’s right, they create life-size model replicas of cars such as the Ferrari 250 GTO and modern F1 cars.

7) Red Letter Days

It helps during these unprecedented times to have something to look forward to, a day in which you can get out the house and drive one of the all-time great supercars at a world-renowned racing circuit. Companies specialising in red letter days can offer driving experiences of up to 2 hours in cars such as the Ferrari F430 at Silverstone, for under £200.

8) Jerry Can Mini Bar

For those lucky enough to have their own mancave, this Jerrycan Mini Bar is a unique addition. It can house your beverage of choice, glasses and cans, and to the unassuming eye, could just house some smokeless fuel!

9) Evo Magazine Subscription

One of the all-time great car magazines for proper driving enthusiasts, Evo was founded by Harry Metcalfe of Harry’s Garage fame, over 20 years ago. It includes a mix of short and long-term driving tests of everything from little 3-cylinder hatchbacks all the way up to W16 Bugattis, and epic drives across Europe to exotic locations such as taking Pagani’s finest work, the Zonda, to the Dolomite mountains in Italy. It really doesn’t matter whether the car can break the sound barrier, what’s more important to Evo is that the car gives its driver ‘The thrill of driving’.

10) Piloti Driving Shoes

So you can hit the floor running as soon as we’re out of lockdown, Piloti driving shoes are ideal for when you need to book that trackday, or arrange your first ever trip to the Nürburgring. Founded in 1999, Piloti began by creating purpose-built footwear for professional racers for the world’s toughest tracks. Handcrafted in Europe from best-in-class materials, Piloti’s range includes sneakers and loafers, and their shoes today are a little less serious and are designed to be worn all day.