evo Christmas gift guide 2018 - the best presents for car fans
We've picked the best car-related gifts on offer this Christmas and even provided exclusive discount codes for some of them...
Stuck for what to get your car-loving friends and family for Christmas this year? From really useful stocking fillers to thrilling, unforgettable driving experiences, here are some of the most imaginative gifts the petrolhead in your life will love you for giving this festive period.
Check out guide for the best 2018 festive season gift guide below:
Jean-Yves Tabourot Bespoke Art
Petrolhead Christmas gift perfection from just £79! F1 engineer-turned artist JYT has created a globally recognised style with his iconic automotive paintings, attracting numerous private and corporate commissions of Ferraris, Porsches and more. These are now available in high-quality limited-edition giclée prints. Order by 22 December for guaranteed Christmas delivery.
AlcoSense Excel
This Christmas, give the gift of safety and prevent unintentional morning-after drink-driving with the AlcoSense Excel, which was named Best Buy in the 2018 Auto Express group test. The device delivers class-leading accuracy; a smaller version of the sensor in the Excel is used in several police breathalysers. It’s £99.99 from Halfords stores nationwide, as well as Amazon.
Disklok Security Lock
Disklok is the leading vehicle security lock, with insurance and police approval. It has picked up multiple awards, with its unique full-cover design preventing thieves from cutting the wheel or braking the vehicle’s own steering lock. In the new age of ‘keyless entry’ thefts, fitting a Disklok is the ultimate deterrent to thieves. Use voucher code EVO10 before 31 December 2018 to benefit from a 10% discount at:
AutoSock Textile Sock
Worried about driving on ice or snow? Pull super-strong textile AutoSocks over the driving wheels of your car, and you get immediate grip. Priced from £49.99, they are supplied in pairs, are reusable and take up minimal space when not in use. Most drivers are astonished at the difference they make to overall grip, cornering and braking. Better still, there’s a special offer for evo readers; use code EVO5 at the checkout when buying over the phone on 01539 621884 or online from:
Dreamscience iMAP handset
The tuning wizards at Dreamscience have developed the iMAP handset. This gives you the ability to map your own car, whenever and wherever. The iMAP comes preloaded with specifically developed tune files that maximise your engine’s performance. Cars supported include the Ford Fiesta ST Mk7, Fiesta ST Mk8, Focus ST225. Focus ST250, Focus RS Mk3 and Mustang GT and EcoBoost.
www.dreamscience-automotive.co.uk
RSRSpa track experience at Belgian GP race circuit
The spectacular Belgian Grand Prix race circuit at Spa-Francorchamps is the favourite track of many drivers. So isn’t it time you experienced it for yourself? That’s exactly what you can do with RSRSpa. Drive the circuit in your own car, hire one from the company’s extensive fleet of sportscars, or even try an ‘extreme’ taxi lap. No matter how you make your way around some of the most famous corners in motorsport, an unforgettable experience is guaranteed. Prices start from €199 for a taxi lap. Email sales@RSRSpa.com or phone +32 8727 5116 for more details.
Nextbase Dash Cams
The hot present for any motorist this Christmas is a dash cam, so we’ve picked some of the best from market leader, Nextbase. Now available in Special Edition White and Rose Gold, the multi-award-winning Nextbase 312GW has received great reviews thanks to its full-HD video recording and simple car mount. The 412GW, with its 1440p video resolution, is a great option for those looking for even higher quality. Or why not treat someone special to the Auto Express Product Awards winner, the 612GW, with 4K resolution? All make great gifts, with up to 25% off any of the company’s dash cams. The Nextbase Dash Cams range priced from just £49.99, available from Halfords, Argos, Very, John Lewis and Currys.
Autoglym Ultra High Definition Collection
Christmas isn’t a competition, but the satisfaction you feel when you’ve clearly outdone family and friends by giving the best gift on the big day is second only to the feeling you get when you see the finish left by an Autoglym Ultra High Definition product on your car. And Autoglym now offers these products as a collection, including 120g UHD Wax, Ergonomic Applicator, Hi-Tech Finishing Cloth and one-litre UHD Shampoo, all packed in a special water-resistant, UHD logo lined bag and available online.
Haynes Bugatti Type 35 Manual
Haynes’ new Bugatti Type 35 manual takes an in-depth look at the design, engineering, operation and restoration of the legendary pre-war grand prix racer, and details its history, the variants produced and the anatomy of the car, with input from engineers, owners and drivers involved with the Type 35 today. This fascinating read costs £22.99.
Opentrack track days - Caterham hire
Hire a Caterham sports car on a track for an amazing all-inclusive £999. The price covers a full day on track for two drivers, and photography and tuition are thrown in, too. This incredible deal is available throughout the year at most circuits around the UK.
Dura Racing Simulator Gift Experience
Dura Race Performance Simulator (RPS) is a state-of-the-art facility offering authentic track experiences – a unique gift for racing enthusiasts. From its suite in Brackley, Northants, you can drive any of 130 circuits around the world in its single-seater F1 cockpit. To buy vouchers, or for further details, call 01280 706050.
CATACLEAN Engine, fuel & exhaust system cleaner
This ‘little bottle of magic’ is the perfect stocking filler. Cataclean is an 8-in-1, pour and go fuel additive that cleans, restores and protects a car’s entire engine, fuel and exhaust system. Blitzing resin and carbon deposits from cylinder heads, fuel injectors, intake valves, DPFs, catalytic converters, oxygen sensors and exhausts, it can reduce emissions by up to 60%, improve MPG and BHP, torque and throttle response. And on top of that, it can prevent MoT emissions failures. Used every 3 months, Cataclean will keep your vehicle at peak performance. Versions are available for petrol and diesel cars.
Motor Folios Automotive Portfolios
Catalogue your cherished vehicle documents in a personalised Motor Folio. Each Folio is hand finished in the UK from bonded leather, and comes in a choice of traditional colours with matching suede-effect lining and nickel corners. There’s also an engraved plate to your specification, unique to your vehicle.
evo subscription
Christmas presents for petrolheads don’t get any better than a subscription to the very magazine you’re holding in your hands. In fact, an evo subscription is better than your average stocking filler because it’s a gift that’ll keep giving to the keen driver you love; it’ll come through their letterbox month after month. Prices start from just £25.99, and you can save up to 17% on the shop price by ordering now.
CarLock GPS Solutions
CarLock aims to take traditional GPS security to the next level. It connects via the on-board diagnostic port to monitor the vehicle, and alerts owners through the app on their smartphone if the car is moved, when the engine starts, if any unusual vibration is detected and even if the device is disconnected. False car alarms are often ignored by owners, but the CarLock notification system only sends an alert when it detects a real problem. CarLock usually costs £75, but evo readers can save £20 using code ‘carlock20’ when buying on the Amazon UK link below.
Playseat Racing Simulators
Experience the thrill of Formula 1® at home with the first racing simulators officially licensed by the sport. The Playseat® simulator brings superior realism and fun to driving games. It’s available as an official Aston Martin Red Bull Racing edition and in silver, red, black and white at the links below.
Opentrack track days
Established 10 years ago, Opentrack holds track days at the best circuits around the UK, and also at Spa in Belgium. All of its events are operated with an open pit lane format, so participants can come and go as they please. Tuition and photography are included, meaning there are no hidden extras to pay. Opentrack is a member of the Association of Track Day Organisers and its track days allow owners to drive their car in a safe environment to its full potential. They make ideal gifts, and start at £99.
Gtechniq Training Course
Know someone who wants to learn how to detail? Gtechniq, the leading ceramic coating formulator, is offering a one-day training course for £185 – a great gift this Christmas. The company’s total surface care course is perfect for anyone who wants to learn professional methods of taking care of their car using the best-performing detailing products available. It’s a fast-paced, hands-on course that is suitable for everyone. On the day you will not only learn how to clean your car correctly, but also how to apply Gtechniq ceramic coatings. The price of the course even includes a goody bag worth £50. Get more information, check outavailable dates and book a place now at the link below.
Black Art Graphics Engineered Art Plaques
While its main focus is producing gift merchandise for brands such as McLaren, Lotus and Aston Martin, Black Art Graphics offers its unique ‘Engineered Art’ blueprint plaques on a commission basis. Featuring high-definition technical illustrations and detailed technical specifications, these bespoke, laser-etched aluminium plaques are a superb way to catalogue your automotive history, with each piece documenting details like VIN, number plates, factory options and date of purchase. They’re the perfect gift for any petrolhead this Christmas. A wide variety of performance models are available on a custom commission basis, and evo readers can get 10% off their first order by using the discount code EVO10 when buying at the link below.
