Jalopnik: Holiday Gift Guide

Happy Holidays From Jalopnik

Ray Wert — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 12:30:00 EST

We'll be taking a quick break from the rigors of posting automotive goodness this week, taking a half-day here at Jalopnik today and tomorrow. But if you're still in the mood for what we've been wanting all year, check out our Holiday Gift Guide to see what we're hoping Santa (or Chanukah Harry) leaves under the tree (or bush) tonight. Of course Santa (or Harry) may pull something for us out of his Ho-Ho-Hummer from our Jalopnik Holiday Re-Gift Guide, which probably means we were naughty (or a schmendrick) this past year. But regardless of which list we end up on, we're hoping you're all on the good list this year and whatever holiday you celebrate (if any) is a happy one.

Holiday Gift Guide: Mario Kart Slot Cars

Matt Hardigree — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 14:30:00 EST

Though it doesn't quite have the realism or history of Gran Turismo 4, we've been addicted to the Mario Kart series for as long as we could chuck a red homing shell. We've spent countless hours unlocking tracks and cars on the digital version, which often leads to sore eyes. But what to do when you're taking a break? Why not play a slot car version of the same game? Wario v. Mario. It's a good way to keep your intricately detailed Le Mans replica track away from the kids. Chomp Chomps not included.

Product Information

The Carrera ""GO!!!"" is now available as a new starter set from Carrera in a scale of 1:43. "GO!!!" also sets new standards with regard to the speed. The turbo hand regulators included in all basic packages, all have an extra turbo key with enough power to enable you to manage 4 loops straight from the start! The track also underscores the fact that ""GO!!!"" is a perfect starter model: The completely new easy-to-fit system allows the track to be put up or taken down very easily.

Thanks to the new type of locking and support systems, the track can be constructed very quickly. Carrera fun with turbo power The new turbo hand controller is part of all basic packs and guarantees real fun. All sets come with ""Turbo speed controller"" with race boost. All sets include numerous action features like lap counter or loops. [Amazon]

Jalopnik Holiday Gift Guide: Racing Stopwatch

Matt Hardigree — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 12:30:00 EST

That egg timer you got from Target may look sweet on the dash of your old Datsun 510 when you go solo-crossing with your buddies, but it's probably not the best way to measure your lap times and the lap times of your buddies. That's where a good stopwatch comes in handy. On the low-end, most stop watches will let you keep track of multiple lap times across a single or double display. On the high end is the MultiChron, which allows you to record up to 99 laps for four different racers. It's rugged, good looking and at $145 is more than a stocking stuffer. Product details below:

MultiChron Stopwatch

The MultiChron stopwatch is a versatile hand-held digital lap timer that tracks up to four different racers simultaneously. Its generous memory lets you quickly see best laps and scroll through all of the laps to review the race, up to 99 laps per driver. But we didn't stop there - you can also have up to 9 splits per competitor, per lap.

The MultiChron stopwatch features 2 different starting modes to match a variety of racing situations.

"One Start Mode" allows you to activate the start for all drivers by pressing only one button for races where all drivers start at the same time.

"Multi Start Mode" allows you to activate the timer for each driver independently, for races where drivers start at different times.

Innovative programming allows you to select "Multi-Key" or "One Key" timing modes, depending on the racing situation, making it easy to get accurate times even when your racers are close together at the lap marker.

What's Included?

With a rugged, attractive case, and bright backlight display, the MultiChron stop watch and handheld lap timer will be your new best friend at the track. Priced at $145, the MultiChron includes a neck lanyard, batteries and is available in various colors including Titanium, Black, Yellow, Red (translucent) and Blue (translucent). [AIMSports]

Jalopnik Holiday Gift Guide: A CB Radio

Matt Hardigree — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 13:15:00 EST

While you probably wouldn't want in your new Bentley, nothing classes up an old rig for a long road trip more than a CB Radio. You can relive your Smokey & The Bandit fantasies by calling out a 'Bear in the Air' just outside Bull City, or letting others know that there's an Evil Kenevil 'shooting you in the back' along the expressway. So if that car fan in your life is driving a 70's era vintage wagon or a Subaru Brat, a CB Radio might be a nice edition. We recommend the Cobra 19 DX IV for first timers, as it comes with all the equipment you need for under $70.00. Product details below the jump.

Compact 40 channel illuminated LCD display, RF gain, S/RF meter

Reflecting the trends in new vehicle designs, sculpted features and muted graphics which give it a dynamic look that will compliment any of today's vehicles. Adjusts receiver sensitivity to match incoming signal. Allows you to decrease sensitivity for strong signals and increase sensitivity for weak ones.

Unit Dimensions 1.75" H x 4.5" W x 7" D (44.5 mm H x 114 mm W x 178 mm D)
Unit Weight 1 lb., 3.9 oz.
Microphone Type 4 Pin Screw-On Dynamic
Frequency Control Phase Lock Loop Synthesizer (PLL)
RF Output Power 4 Watts (Maximum FCC allowed)
CB Channels 40 channels (26.965 to 27.405 MHz)

[Cobra]

Jalopnik Holiday Gift Guide: Battery Powered Mini Convertible

Matt Hardigree — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 13:00:00 EST

This one's for the kids, though we'd imagine Santa might have a hard time carrying this one down the chimney. If you're greatest aspiration is to turn your son/daughter/neice/nephew into an anglo-autophile, a good first step might be to buy them this battery-powered Mini Cooper Convertible. For Just $350 you can have your little one outpacing and outclassing the neighbors and their boring F-150 Powerwheels. Throw in some leather gloves and an open-faced ~~Helmut~~ helmet and you'll have a little Paddy Hopkirk. Product details below:

BATTERY POWERED MINI CONVERTIBLE

Single-seater with forward and reverse gears, adjustable seat and maximum speed of approximately 2.5 mph. Batteries (and charger) included.

For children ages 3 to 5 and complies with ASTM/F963-96a. [Source: MINI MOTORING GEAR]

Booze Cruise Radio-Controlled Car Game

Murilee Martin — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 14:00:00 EST

We're not suggesting that folks playing a few spirited rounds of Radio Controlled Highball Navigation are necessarily going to feel inspired to hop in a real car and cause a gory 25-car pileup, but there's something a bit, you know, unsettling about the Booze Cruise Radio Controlled Car. It looks as if you set your drink in the roof-mounted cup holder and then attempt to drive it through an obstacle course straight to your powerful thirst. [Car Crazy Gifts]

Jalopnik Holiday Gift Guide: Exotic Car Rental

Matt Hardigree — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 13:45:00 EST

We're getting closer to Christmas Day, so it's probably time to start considering gifts that don't require that much shipping. What if you could get your significant other an Aston Martin Vanquish, Murcielago Spider, Ferrari F430 or a Benz SL65 AMG without having to get a 400 month lease? If your pockets are slightly swollen, may we recommend an exotic car rental certificate?

There are companies all over the ~~company~~ country that offer this service with varying rates and fleets. One of the larger companies is Gotham Dream Cars, which offers fleets in Florida and the Northeast. If you're in the NYC area, prices range from a somewhat reasonable $695 for a full day with a BMW M5 to an outrageous $11,950 for a week with a Lamborghini Murcielago. It's not the most original gift, but it might be nice for someone who has an important event coming up and feels a little insecure. [Gotham Dream Cars]

Jalopnik Holiday Gift Guide: The Ultimate Garage Fridge

Matt Hardigree — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 13:15:00 EST

No one likes to be troubled with getting a beer from inside whilst in the middle of serious repairs, but there's something about a yellowing Frigidaire that sort of ruins the feng shui of most garages. That's where the Microfridge Garage Refrigerator enters the picture. This 53 cu-in fridge mimics the black and red exterior of typical garage storage yet holds a world of gastronomical delights within. At just $299.00 (plus $65.00 s/h) it's a steal! Product details below:

Original Garage Refrigerator

Product Code: MFRA4GF

Beverages on Wheels for the Garage and Workshop

Single-door 4.4 cu. ft. 100% refrigerator ENERGY STAR rated - uses only 325 kWh annually.

Product Features:

* Toolbox red exterior with rugged door pulls
* Door lock
* Heavy-duty, locking casters
* Durable, easy-clean counter top surface
* Lighted interior
* Dispense-A Can can-stacker
* Upright storage of 2-liter & 1/2 gallon bottles
* 3 full-width shelves

Product Details:

* Fridge Capacity: 4.4 cu. ft.

* Height: 37 in. (with casters)

* Width: 18.625 in.

* Depth: 22.625 in.

* KWH Per Year: 325

* Weight: 55 lbs.

* Shipping Weight: 62 lbs.

[Source: Garage Fridge]

Jalopnik Holiday Gift Guide: A Big Red Bow

Matt Hardigree — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 14:30:00 EST

We're sort of being coy when we suggest a "big red bow" for a gift, as we really think a vehicle of the automotive kind is probably the best gift you can get an automotive enthusiast. That being said, we'd spawn all kind of trouble if we suggested what car to get for that special someone in your life. We'd hate for a MOPAR fan to get a Z06 when they really wanted a Charger (though, who would turn down a Vette?). With that said, here's some information on getting those large bows they use in Lexus commercials.

The company that seems to have a large selection of automotive bows is King Size Bows, which are 30" in diameter and 12" high and therefore good enough for a Fit or a 7-series. Prices range from $49 to $99 depending on size and durability, plus $10 S&H. Has anyone given/recieved a car like this?

Jalopnik Holiday Gift Guide: Transformers Generation One Box Set

Matt Hardigree — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 14:30:00 EST

As far as we can tell, the cheapest way to get into "Generation One" Transformers, a.k.a. the original Transformers series, is this Complete DVD Box Set with all 98 episodes plus the movie. That's Optimus Prime on 15 discs in an attractive tin case. Just a slight heads up, the discs are imported from China and therefore are primarily in Chinese. They do have an English audio track and we can easily vouch for it working.

You'll be the talk of the block, and you'll be able to remember how awesome it was relative to the Transformers Movie on DVD. Just saying. (thanks Vanessa).

Jalopnik Holiday Guide: Dickies Coveralls

Matt Hardigree — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 12:30:00 EST

Better than a faux-Ferrari polo made of a cheap polyester, the real grease monkey in your life could get a lot of miles out of a pair of good coveralls. We can definitely recommend any of the Dickies line of coveralls, as they offer comfort, durability and value. Murilee manages to burn through a pair of these every couple of months. It's the best way to protect your nuts and bolts during repairs.

The prices range from a little over $30.00 for the basic cotton/poly short-sleeve coveralls all the way up to around $64.00 for the fully insulated, water-repellent version. We'll take ours in brown with a "Gordon Liddy" nameplate. [Dickies]

Jalopnik Holiday Gift Guide: Speed Racer Season 1 DVD

Matt Hardigree — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 13:45:00 EST

Known as Mach Go Go Go in Japan, Speed Racer holds a special place in our hearts from when they replayed the show on MTV (we'll see about the Speed Racer) film. It was a great introduction to the world of auto racing (though, it sort of skewed our view of it for a time). Some may think the show cheesy, but the show was our Le Mans until we saw that film many years later. At under $10.00, this makes a great stocking stuffer.

Sure, the DVD speeds up some of the sequences from the last episode. But it's still the best way to get the episodes without having to go through the trouble of tracking down the torrents. And Trixie! Surely, we're not the only ones who carried the thought of Trixie in their adolescent hearts.

Holiday Gift Guide: Hydrogen Power Kit for your R/C Car

Matt Hardigree — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 13:45:00 EST

We're hoping to appeal to both the weekend R/C racers and the alternafuel fans on the site with this choice. Horizon Fuel Cell technologies offers a hydrogen fuel cell power supply for your R/C car that incorporates on board hydrogen fuel canisters! Even better, the kit is designed to fit in the battery compartment of the venerable Tamiya TT-01 chassis. This means we can live the dream of owning a hydrogen-powered Ford Escort Cosworth Rally Car. The kit promises top speed near 20 mph, quick acceleration and charges that last nearly an hour. It's a significant cost savings over the $600 monthly lease for the Clarity FCX. Product information below the jump:

Horizon built on its expertise in small-size fuel cell power systems to create a unique hydrogen fuel cell upgrade kit called the H-cell, designed for well-known battery powered model RC hobby cars you can buy in your local hobby store.

Designed to fit into the original 7.2V NiCad battery slot located on Tamiya TT-01 car chassis, the fuel cell power unit is designed as a futuristic power source using light emitting air cooling fans.

The new power source combines an ultra-compact air-cooled PEM fuel cell system with a scaled down fuel storage unit that includes a rack of 3 metal hydride canisters each including 10 liters of solid-state (low pressure) hydrogen gas. [Horizon Fuel Cell]

Jalopnik Holiday Gift Guide: Actron Pocketscan Code Reader

Matt Hardigree — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 12:30:00 EST

If you drive older cars you're going to find yourself in a situation where you are nowhere near home and a check engine light suddenly appears. What does it mean? Is it just a bad spark plug? Is your engine going to explode? That's where the Pocketscan OBD II Pocket Scan Code Reader comes in handy. For around $90.00, you can carry the power of being able to securely diagnose your ride before an out-of-town mechanic tells you that you need a whole new transmission. Of course, you're going to need an OBD-II compatible car, so your Datsun 510 wagon may not work. Product details below the jump.

First Time Diagnostic Tool Buyers will find PocketScan Code Reader is the Right-Sized Tool, at the Right Price

PocketScan Code Reader CP9125 is an easy-to-use tool for novice and light-to-moderate DIY customers. It enables the user to read diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) from the on-board computers of 1996 and newer OBD II compliant vehicles. This gives the user the ability to quickly determine the cause of the "Check Engine" light coming on. Once repairs are made, the PocketScan allows the user to clear the trouble codes and turn off the light. All Actron code readers and scan tools are CAN compliant.

Features
# Reads and erases Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) and turns off check engine light

# Displays MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp) status

# Displays supported emissions readiness monitor status (I/M Monitors)

# Bilingual Manual of DTCs and Definitions (English and Spanish)

# Enables user to quickly and easily link to their vehicle

# Compact tool, fits in your palm

# Includes CD software that contains 3,000+ Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) and their descriptions

# Attached OBD II 16-pin connector cable provides both data and power connections

# 1 year warranty [Actron]

Jalopnik Holiday Gift Guide: Autobahn Adobe

Matt Hardigree — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 15:00:00 EST

If you're disgustingly wealthy, a Lego version of a Ferrari F1 Car may not leave the same impression on you that it would on the average car nut. For that reason we recommend a luxury condo at the Autobahn Country Club Joliet in lovely Joliet, Illinois. For just $300,000 you can own a condo with storage for your vintage race car and enjoy racetrack privileges. Of course, then you have to go to Joliet, Illinois. Product info below:

"Own a luxury condo starting at $300,000 in the Autobahn Country Club Joliet with permanent indoor auto storage space. Imagine driving your exotic sports car or racecar on a safe, fast road racing circuit on your own schedule! There are 40 luxury condos within the 125,000 sq. ft. speed pavilion."

[DuPont Registry]

Jalopnik Holiday Gift Guide: Meguiar's Ultimate Car Care Kit

Matt Hardigree — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 14:30:00 EST

If there's someone in your life that has a show car, or even just treats their 2001 Focus ZX3 like it's a show car, you might try getting them them the "Ultimate Car Care Kit" from Meguiar's. When it comes to car prep products, Meguiar's is no joke and for about $40.00 you get a nice mix of waxes, tire gels, scratch removers, a cleaning cloth and a carrying case. It's not the most original gift, but it beats the hell out of using an old wadded up t-shirt. Product info below the jump:

The Meguiar's Ultimate Car Care Kit includes products for cleaning, polishing and protecting your car or truck's interior and exterior surfaces. ScratchX removes fine scratches and swirl marks from paint in minutes. NXT Tech Wax 2.0 is next generation of Meguiar's famous polymer car wax, which boasts superior technology for months of mirror-like shine and protection. Both ScratchX and Tech Wax 2.0 have been reformulated to work with Dual Action (DA) sander/polishers and foam pads for the fastest, easiest application imaginable.

Meguiar's new Ultimate Quik Detailer keeps your paint looking freshly waxed between washes, and is engineered with Hydrophobic Polymers that repel water and make washing and waxing quicker and easier. Meguiar's All Wheel Cleaner is safe for any type of wheel, and it cuts through brake dust and road grime without harming your wheel's finish. Simply spray it on, then hose off and dry. Once your wheels are sparkling clean, Hot Shine Tire Gel will make your tires glisten with maximum shine and luster, without the mess and "sling" normally associated with tire shines. Last but not least, Meguiar's Quik Interior Detailer spray is the perfect product to wipe down interior surfaces and is safe for leather, vinyl, plastic, even nav screens and other electronics. Spray on, wipe off with a clean dry towel, and your interior will look like new.

Jalopnik Holiday Gift Guide: Xbox 360 Wireless Wheel

Matt Hardigree — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 14:30:00 EST

Because we can show love to the Xbox fanboys out there, our gift list also includes this mighty fine peripheral, a must have for any serious Project Gotham or NFS racer. In their review last year, Gizomdo called the Xbox 360 Wireless Wheel "the best racing experience we've ever had." And good news, you can get it for just $129.99 online.

The tech junkies later went on to say that "Long story short, this is the best thing to happen to Xbox 360 racing games. Ever. If you're a racing fan &mdash or just want to become a racing fan &mdash get this controller. Seriously." So yeah, seriously get this for the Xboxer in your life.

Jalopnik Holiday Gift Guide: XMODS R/C Race Cars

Matt Hardigree — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 14:30:00 EST

If you're in the market for a small R/C car for you or someone you love, but you're not really willing to make the $200 investment in one of the larger gas-powered setups, we can easily recommend the XMODS R/C series from RadioShack. Powered by small electric motors, these kits come in under $30.00 and are exceptionally customizable.

We're currently pushing a RWD Mustang upgraded to the stage 2 motor kit with foam tires and a tighter suspension. If you're really insane, there's a company in Houston that offers Lithium-polymer-batt-powered super machines and a host of other aftermarket upgrades. It's a nice option if you don't have a garage but your hands need to tinker with something.

Jalopnik Holiday Re-Gift Guide: The Worst Car Gift Revealed

Matt Hardigree — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 15:15:00 EST

We were shocked, absolutely shocked the fake sunroof lost out to both Fast & The Furious-merch and the Fake Spinners, the eventual winner with 28.1% of the vote at 287 votes out of more than 1,000 votes. There were also a few of you that shared our disdain for Chicken Soup for the NASCAR Soul, though people generally could stand the car seats.

To quote AL_Beaton on why he chose the spinners: "like giving a rural relative a fur coat and a set of deer antlers, nothing says, "I sincerely wish to see you die in a hail of gunfire" like the gift of Fake Spinner Wheel Covers." It is a fair point. Keep your eyes here for gifts that car enthusiasts actually want.

Jalopnik Holiday Gift Guide: Gran Turismo 4 (GH Edition)

Matt Hardigree — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 14:45:00 EST

Until someone at Bentley goes crazy, Gran Turismo is the only way we're going to get to flog a Speed 8 around some of the world's best race tracks. We could go on and on about the improved engine, the increased dynamics, the sharper graphics and better sounds &mdash but we'd rather talk about the cars. For GT4 there's 720 of them, ranging from the small and odd like the Autobianchi A112 to the ferocious and rare like the CLK GTR.

You're going to need a Playstation 2 to play one, but it's totally worth it. I mean, you've got to do something until GT5 comes out. And it's only $20.00 in Greatest Hits form. What are you waiting for?

Today is "Cyber Monday" — the internet's ...

Ray Wert — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 10:30:00 EST

Today is "Cyber Monday" — the internet's "Black Friday." So, if you're looking for what to buy your auto-obsessed love one, may we suggest our very own Jalopnik Holiday Gift Guide? Or, if you're looking for what not to buy said auto-obsessive, may we also suggest our very own Jalopnik Holiday Re-Gift Guide?

Jalopnik Holiday Gift Guide: O'Reilly Auto Parts Gift Card

Matt Hardigree — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 14:30:00 EST

If you're not sure what the ideal gift would be for the gear head in your life, a gift card is always a good way to go. But how to know if it's the right gift? If someone in your life goes to the auto parts store more than they go to the Safeway, they might like an O'Reilly Gift Card. If they wear a jumpsuit more than any other type of clothing... well you see where we're going with this. It's also scalable to however much you want to pay/how much you like the person.

Jalopnik Holiday Gift Guide: Matchbox 50th Anniversary Commemorative Edition Book

Matt Hardigree — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 14:30:00 EST

Whether you're merely a novice Matchbox collector with a Rubbermaid container full of well-worn cars, or you're a pro carefully dusting your mint condition 1966 Open Diplomat, we think you'll enjoy this tome dedicated to the die-cast toys that filled our dreams. Filled with more pictures than details, the Matchbox 50th Anniversary Commemorative Edition Book will take you back to a time when your garage included a Porsche 914 and could fit under your bed. Product details below.

Product Description

For over half a century Matchbox vehicles have entertained children and collectors of all ages. This book is a celebration of the classic toy car from its inception to today.

Take a historical journey through the past fifty years with Matchbox vehicles. Along the way, you'll read about how Matchbox cars were invented, the history of diecasting, and the large variety of vehicles produced over the years.

Have you ever wondered why certain vehicles are considered more collectible than others? Or why Matchbox cars are numbered and what those numbers mean? The answers to these questions and more can be found throughout the pages of this authoritative book.

Accompanying the informative text are photographs of more than a thousand spectacular vehicles from throughout Matchbox history and its diverse product lines.

What's the Worst Car Enthusiast Gift?

Matt Hardigree — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 12:15:00 EST

There are just some gifts that are so bad you have to take them back the day after Christmas. And when you're a car nut, you could be the victim of a lot of crap that exists in the universe of automotive-related gifts. Since we've shown the world what you might want with our Holiday Gift Guide, we're going to mix things up on Black Friday by broadcasting to the well-meaning but ill-informed the gifts we absolutely do not want and we need your help. What are the worst car enthusiast gifts you've seen, received or given? What's the most awful crap that has been gifted in the name of automobilia? We'll be picking the best/worst you all come up with and counting them down this Friday. Click below the link to see what we've recommended already:

2007 Jalopnik Holiday Gift Gift Guide So Far

Jalopnik Holiday Gift Guide: LeMans on DVD

Matt Hardigree — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 14:30:00 EST

Le Mans is the racing movie of choice according to you, so it is more than appropriate to suggest the film as a stocking stuffer for the racing fan. Sure, there's no dialogue for the first 38 minutes. But wouldn't dialogue just interfere with glorious sounds coming out of the Porches and Ferraris?

You can own this classic for $12.99 at Amazon, but if you live near a Borders we've confirmed rumors that it can be had in the bargain bin for just $9.99. At that price, you might as well get two so you can play it in stereo.

Jalopnik Holiday Gift Guide: Hoon Street Sign

Matt Hardigree — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 08:30:00 EST

Whether of divine creation or just miraculous happenstance, no gift could be more appropriate for the hoon in your life than this novelty "Hoon Dr." garage street sign. On sale at the low-low Amazon price of $12.95, you're saving $7.00 off the list price (no, we're not taking kickbacks from Amazon). No reviews on the product yet, so we can't vouch for quality of product though we can glowingly recommend it on quality of idea. Full product details below.

Product Description HOON Street Sign, A BRAND NEW SIGN!! Made of aluminum and high quality vinyl lettering and graphics this sign is 4 x 18 inches. Made to last for years outdoors the sign is nice enough to display indoors. Comes with two holes pre-punched for easy installation, corners are rounded. Great gift idea!(thanks NotFord)

Jalopnik Holiday Gift Guide: Simpson Fusion Racing Shoes

Matt Hardigree — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 14:30:00 EST

While our version of a racing shoes is a pair of chucks with extremely worn soles, the real racers out there need a bit more support. A good pair of racing shoes not only protects the foot from injury and soreness, it may also reduce your lap times by helping provide a better feel when it's time to put foot to clutch. We're partial to the Fusion by Simpson, which has an attractive mid-top design that would make it a capable off-the-track shoe.

The shoe also comes complete with a hidden lace system that clamps down tightly on the knot, because there's not always time to retie a lace during a pit stop. As with most racing shoes, the heel is reinforced and the sole is both non-slip and super-sensitive. It comes in black, red or blue so you can match it to your driving outfit of choice. At $139.95 it's about the midrange of driving shoes and a nice gift for that racer that spent all of their money fixing up their ride.

Jalopnik Holiday Gift Guide: Skip Barber Racing School

Matt Hardigree — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 14:30:00 EST

Though slightly more expensive than most of the gifts making our annual "Holiday Gift Guide," a trip to the Skip Barber Racing School is kind of a dream gift. Whether it's just one day of hoonage in a formula 2.0 or a full three days of whipping an MX-5 around Road America, you'll make your significant other forget that time you let their pet rabbit Mr. Pilkington get away.

There are currently five major locations (Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, Road Atlanta, Road America, Sebring International Raceway and Lime Rock) serving your driving needs, as well as satellite schools. They're offering gift certificates at a discount for the holidays, so now is a good time to buy. Discounted prices range from $495 for the Introduction to Racing course all the way up to $3,795 for the Mazda MX-5 Cup Racing School. You can read about Mr. Lieberman's good times at the Two-Day High Performance Driving School, which is a pretty good gift for the car nut with no real racing intentions at just $2,795.

Jalopnik Holiday Gift Guide: Lego Ferrari F1 Racer

Matt Hardigree — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 14:30:00 EST

Though you don't quite get the low wind resistance of the real thing, this gorgeous 1:8 scale Ferrari F1 model from LEGO is a lot more than just a toy. Or maybe it's just a toy, but it's a fantastic one. Over two feet in length, this great clone features a working steering wheel, suspension and moving pistons. Having toyed around with one of these, I can tell you that you'll have as much fun putting it together as you will showing it off to friends. Product details below:

Build the sleekest Ferrari F1 Racer!

Bigger, more detailed, and with more built-in functions than ever before, the 1:8 scale LEGO® Ferrari F1 Racer is the ultimate driving machine! With a working steering wheel, engine and suspension, a removable engine cover, spoiler and nose, this authentic model captures all the sleek details of the real-life Scuderia Ferrari F1 race car. For a LEGO builder, Ferrari collector or racing fan, this is a great addition to any collection!

* Remove the engine cover to see the moving pistons!
* Includes real working suspension!
* Model measures over 24" (61cm) long!
* Detailed tires measure over 3" (8cm) wide!
* Working steering wheel turns front tires!
* Built in realistic 1:8 scale!

Jalopnik Holiday Gift Guide: Encyclopedia of American Cars

Matt Hardigree — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 14:30:00 EST

Though the Internet has mostly limited the need for printed materials, there's just something appealing about five pounds of inky paper dedicated to the American automotive experiment (j/k, keep reading blogs). There are many great resources out there for the car fan, but the "Encyclopedia of America Cars" is one of our favorites. Compiled by the auto editors of Consumer Guide, this beauty weighs in at nearly 900 pages and includes detailed descriptions of every car by every major American brand for the last 70 years.

Our own personal copy is of the 1996 vintage, and thus includes hilarious paragraphs such as this "At this writing there's talk of yet another Imperial, only spun from the striking "cab forward" of the 1994 New Yorker and LH-S. Perhaps that one will be a happier chapter in the history of Chrysler's premium make."

The writing is honest and sometimes quite funny, but the best part is the inclusion of the variations, weight, price, production and engine variations of every model from every manufacturer included in the book. This also includes photos of every major deviation, so you can compare a 1974 Mustang II Mach 1 Hatchback coupe to a 1974 Mustang II "Grande" Prototype. If you've got the money to spend, it'll occupy a treasured space on any true car lover's garage bookshelf.

Jalopnik Holiday Gift Guide: Hoonage Now Available in RC Form

Matt Hardigree — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 14:30:00 EST

If you love Rock'em Sock'em Robots and R/C cars, we've got the product for you: Stock Cars. It may be a boring and non-descriptive name, but these awesome little remote-controlled cars come complete with four passengers connected to ejection buttons within the doors. The first person to eject all of their opponents passengers wins! It's like real stock car racing, except the passengers can't throw their helmets at you after ejection. Details below the jump:

Product Details: * Two RC 4 wheel drive cars. * RC navigates the cars forward, backwards, left and right. * 1 driver and 3 passengers per car. * Crash into the side of your opponents? car to depress the sensors on the door. * 4 sensors per car, each correlating to a passenger/driver. * Requires 8 x AA Batteries (not included). * Suitable for ages 8 years+. * Size: 16 x 8 x 8cm (each car).

[IWantOneOfThose]

Jalopnik Holiday Gift Guide: Jeremy Clarkson's "The Good The Bad The Ugly"

Ray Wert — Fri, 22 Dec 2006 07:21:02 EST

We were lucky enough to receive an awesome gift last night, the seventh of the crazy eight-day candle-gasm (yes, we just used a Jewish holiday and one of the blogging no-no's — so sue us, we're busy being overjoyed) that is Hanukkah. Apparently the new Jeremy Clarkson DVD, The Good The Bad The Ugly, is only available in the UK (don't know that for a fact — it's merely what we've heard). But whatever the availability state-side, it matters not because we got it. Eighty minutes of Clarkson ripping through cars like the Corvette Z06, the Chrysler 300C SRT8, the Jaguar XK — and ripping up cars like the Toyota Prius with high-caliber ammo. But one of the segments features the drop-topped "concept" of the Ford GT, the GTX1. We've had the opportunity to see in person twice — once at the Woodward Dream Cruise, and once at SEMA this year — but we've never seen it in the hands of someone like Jeremy. Enjoy my pseudo re-gifting above. – Ray Wert

Jeremy Clarkson - The Good The Bad The Ugly [2006] [Amazon.co.uk]

Jalopnik Holiday Gift Guide: The Hot Rod World of Robt. Williams

Mike Bumbeck — Fri, 15 Dec 2006 19:58:21 EST

Hot rods and customs were not always as awful as the worst of them are today. If the latest from the hot rodding or custom car world leaves a sickly paint-by-numbers feeling in your gut then this book is for you. Gearhead Magazine Publisher Mike LaVella, Motorbooks, and Robt. Williams himself have teamed up to create the first book to examine not just the art of Robt. Williams, but also the events and people such as Von Dutch and Ed Roth that helped forge William's tenured position of artist and hot rodder. The book is chock full of color illustrations of Robt. Williams artwork and his hot rods, along with never before published photos from a period in American history that well deserves a chronicle. A steal from 27 to 40 bucks.

The Hot Rod World of Robt. Williams [Gearhead Magazine]; Also Available Here [Amazon]

Related:
Coop on Jake's '34 Fordor [Internal]

Jalopnik Holiday Gift Guide: Kumakubo and Tanaka Endorse Antonio's Drifting Book

Mike Bumbeck — Fri, 15 Dec 2006 17:56:56 EST

With the D1GP World Championship and World All Star events rolling out at Irwindale Speedway this Saturday and Sunday, it seems only fitting to have Team Orange drivers Kumakubo and Tanaka along with Antonio Alvendia himself wish you all a jingle bells. Antonio's book Drifting: Sideways from Japan to America is available at three different levels of amusement - 19.95 for the book itself, 22.95 for the book signed by Antonio, and 24.95 for a special edition book with a signature customized for you. The book can also picked up this weekend along with a pair of slightly used tires for that special someone out at Irwindale Speedway.

Drifting: Sideways from Japan to America [driftingbook.com]

Jalopnik Holiday Gift Guide: Vintage HO Slot Cars

Mike Bumbeck — Tue, 12 Dec 2006 16:24:30 EST

For those who have just about given up on ever owning a '68 Firebird comes vintage HO slot cars. The original HO slot cars were from England, and powered by some manner of electrically powered vibrating reed and gear system. They didn't work very well. Aurora Model Motoring racing sets featured the much improved Thunderjet series of cars, and coincided nicely with a boom in American HO Scale railroading in the '60s. As time went on the cars went faster and stuck to the track a bit better. These improvements eventually led to day-glo track and wall-climbing silliness as the great age of HO slot cars jumped the shark. The gift of vintage slot cars is easier to give than ever thanks to the miracle of computers. Around 10 dollars and up on eBay. Cars shown from the Jalopnik Collection. – Mike Bumbeck

Pre-1970; Post-1970 [eBay]

Related:
Jalopnik Holiday Gift Guide [Internal]

Jalopnik Holiday Gift Guide: Kim White Handbags

Mike Bumbeck — Wed, 06 Dec 2006 15:40:28 EST

Even though the new Camaro won't be available for a while, Kim White has a bit of the old Camaro available right now. It seems Kim unearthed enough OEM automobile interior fabrics of genuine vintage to fill a warehouse then hit the loud pedal on making handbags and belts out of the stuff. As these fabrics and materials were originally manufactured to grace the seats of AMC Javelins and other fine automobiles they feature SUPER DURABILITY along with style. The Camaro Special Edition Cut-Out Clutch comes in three colors, a zoomy interior zipper pocket, and some manner of trick snap-closing mechanism for 225 bucks. Scads more clutch stuff over at Kim White Handbags. Crafted with quality, right here in the USA. – Mike Bumbeck

Special Edition Red Cut-Out Clutch [Kim White Handbags]

SUPER TOPPO AMUSEMENT! Mitsubishi Minica Toppo on eBay

Mike Bumbeck — Wed, 06 Dec 2006 13:25:56 EST

Rated at near 50 mpg thanks to its whopping 657cc five-valves for each of its three cylinders super powerplant, this mighty Minica Toppo might be just the thing for inner-urban travel while wearing an towering chapeau, or similar style of hyphenated driving. This keicar may also make the perfect holiday gift for your friend, Hello Kitty. We're saving our bottle tops for the Minica Dangan ZZ-4 to pop up on a search one of these days. – Mike Bumbeck

Mitsubishi Minica Toppo [eBay]; Minica Dangan ZZ-4 [autospeed]

Related:
Keicars; Jalopnik Holiday Gift Guide [Internal]

Jalopnik Holiday Gift Guide: Sizzlers Lucky Best Super O!

Mike Bumbeck — Wed, 06 Dec 2006 12:29:01 EST

Long before plug-in hybrids or electric rocket sleds like the Tesla were the talk, a smaller and much faster plug-in was available for use by kids not even old enough to drive. Hot Wheels Sizzlers relied not on sponge rubber wheeled launching devices or setting up 20 feet of orange track on the staircase for velocity. Sizzlers were powered by wee electric motors and on-board rechargeable batteries. A minute or so of charging with the Juice Machine and the cars barrel-assed around the track for up to five minutes. As the Sizzlers were not confined to slots or lanes racing action held SUPER PASSING POTENTIAL! The good news? Hot Wheels has re-issued Sizzlers and Sizzler accessories. Now go buy four sets and make a wicked huge track. At 25 bucks a set you can't lose. Lap counter may be sold separately. – Mike Bumbeck

Hot Wheels Super O Race Set [Target]; Sizzler King's Ultimate Sizzlers Reference Site [External]

Related:
Jalopnik Holiday Gift Guide [Internal]

Jalopnik Holiday Gift Guide: SUPER SLOT CAR SET!

Mike Bumbeck — Tue, 05 Dec 2006 14:35:11 EST

While racing around in pixel-perfect versions of F1 cars via PS3 is all fine and good, nothing beats physically flipping your opponent's highly detailed, 1/32 scale model of a Ferrari — out of which a certain stoic German recently retired — right off the track. With a price tag just a shade over 120 clams for this starter set, sharing the gift of mowing over action figures or launching McLaren F1 cars nose first into the the fruit cake has never been easier. $124.99.

SUPER SLOT CAR SET [Target]; SCX

Related:
Jalopnik Holiday Gift Guide: Slot Cars [Internal]

Jalopnik Holiday Gift Guide: Boz Bros. Hats

Mike Spinelli — Mon, 04 Dec 2006 15:51:56 EST

Brothers Ben and Eric Bostrom are motorcycle racers (Team Ducati and Graves Yamaha, respectively) and adventure seekers who were fed up with the lack of anything approaching style in the motorcycle industry. Setting out to reverse that trend, they launched a line of caps just as the trucker-hat phenomenon was finalizing its Kutcher-induced slide into uncool. But they're just in time for a niche resurgence. Adorning the headwear are stylized images of the BozBros and family in mid thrash. Our favorite is the "Dad" hat (pictured), which features a shot of papa Bostrom rocking the narsty Triumph in a 1960s-era TT race at Gardena, California's Ascot Park. It's Perfect for those who've been particularly naughty and aren't real broken up about it. $35. – Mike Spinelli

"Dad" hat [BozBros]