Motors

Top Gear: The Best Christmas Gifts For Car Lovers

Issue 97

Gift-giving at the best of times can be tough – but how about for those with a love for their four-wheeled friends?

From branded gadgets and gear, video games and track day experiences to the in-car accessories you never knew you needed, there’s certainly plenty of choice.

But what are this season’s star buys?

Jardine Motors nominates a sackful of Christmas presents that are guaranteed to thrill the petrolheads in your life.

The driving experience

With 78% of millennials saying they prefer “experiences over things”, the track day driving experience has long been a Christmas morning staple. These come in many different flavours from the supercar track day and off-road adventures to themed days such as those inspired by James Bond or the Italian Job.

For those with a real need for speed, head to Goodwood for the quadruple platinum supercar thrill of the Ferrari 458, McLaren 570S, Lamborghini LP570 and the Audi R8.

Perhaps your loved one prefers something a little more off-road? Grab the wheel of a used Range Rover car and hit the slopes of the countryside with one-to-one tuition from a seasoned instructor.

Car branded clothing

Car-branded clothing has become a real hit this year with fashion-forward car enthusiasts parading their wares everywhere from TikTok to the pitlane.

According to google search data, the search term “Ferrari Jacket” clocks up a whopping 9,900 monthly searches alone. A brand synonymous with Formula 1, Ferrari would appear to be as famous away from the circuit as it is on it.

So, whether your loved one is looking to show support for their F1 constructor of choice or simply looking to make a fashion statement, some chic car-branded clothing can make for a stocking filler with style.

Video games

Of course, Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without the latest video game releases hitting the shelves.

Forza Motorsport is the latest instalment in the racing simulation series, famous for its graphics and immersive racing experience. This new entry has been widely touted as one of the best yet with the best looks and sound quality to date in addition to wide-ranging online multiplayer game modes.

500 cars and 20 spine-tingling race circuits await.

Car toys

For those looking for something a little more old school, the classic Lego set never goes out of fashion.

And if you’re after a real project, it doesn’t come much better than the 2236 piece, Land Rover Classic Defender 90 – perfect for kids, Land Rover enthusiasts and casual builders alike.

This 32cm Lego model comes with an impressive attention-to-detail, replete with accessories such as a roof rack, front bumper with working winch and fully-functioning steering and suspension.

Equally as fun to construct over the Christmas holidays as it is to look at when the job is complete!

Car books

Sometimes, it’s the companionship of a good Christmas read that sees you through the holiday season.

Variable Valve Timings is Top Gear presenter, Chris Harris’, romp through his own eccentric car history. From the Scalextric track to race driver podiums, the memoir charts Harris’ life-long obsession with cars and delivers an engaging story of petrolhead joy.

With Michael Mann’s impending biopic Ferrari slated for release this winter, it’s an apt time to brush up on the man behind the machines. Brock Yates’ definitive biography Enzo Ferrari: The Man and the Machine tells us more about the film’s eponymous subject soon to be played by Adam Driver.

A museum trip

Another experiential option, step back in time with a visit to the British Motor Museum or the Silverstone Museum, where the heart of British Motorsport beats passionately.

At Silverstone, immerse yourself in racing history with interactive exhibits and a treasure trove of memorabilia. A state-of-the-art simulator experience also allows you to drive your choice of car around the famous circuit.

Alternatively, how about the British Motor Museum? Delve into the fascinating journey of British motoring, spanning vintage classics and modern heroes. This collection showcases the motoring evolution of design, engineering, and culture and is sure to rev up the festive season.

Car accessories

Finally, an in-car gadget can really enhance both the driving experience and overall enjoyment of your vehicle.

Why not give the gift of peace of mind with a high-quality dash cam? These compact devices capture footage of the road ahead, providing invaluable evidence in the case of accidents and ensuring that memorable drives are saved for posterity.

If you’re after something a little more luxurious, how about Audi’s Handpresso auto hybrid coffee maker? Simply connect your car and brew up a delicious espresso in a matter of minutes.

And should you really get stumped, these cute personalised number plate keyrings from Etsy are a great choice for those on a budget. Seasons G R 3 3 T 1 N G S!

Conclusion

So, if you’re still scrabbling around for inspiration – fear not. These car-loving gifts are real Christmas crackers.

Sign-up to our newsletter

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.