The best gifts for car lovers

Need suggestions to find the perfect present for car lovers? Check out our guide to some of the best gifts available in 2020.

The Lamborghini Sian Lego kit is a must-have for building enthusiasts.

Forgot to sort out a Christmas gift for your favourite petrolhead? Need inspiration for spending a gift voucher? Here are our pics for a car lover’s Christmas.

Lego

Lego isn’t just for kids any more, and the Lamborghini Sian Technic kit is evidence of that. Recommended for experienced Lego builders aged over 18, the Sian has nearly 3700 pieces, and features technology beyond conventional kits. You have to build its V12 engine, four-wheel-drive system, an 8-speed gearbox, scissor doors and much more over the course of many hours.

Lamborghini’s Sian Lego kit is a challenging build.

Priced for about $570, the Sian is not for amateur builders.

Younger folks might appreciate something simpler from the Lego Speed Champions range. The Nissan GT-R Nismo is a great place to start, modelled on a car that set a world record for high-speed drifting. It’s yours for $25.

Models

Having conquered racing in Australia, Supercars star Scott McLaughlin has moved to the US to take on IndyCar racing. Authentic Collectables has produced 1/18 scale replicas of McLaughlin’s Bathurst 1000 and championship-winning Mustangs from the 2019 season.

bathurst and championship-winning models come with trophies and news placards.

Featuring authentically reproduced bodywork, plus opening doors, bonnet and a boot packed with detail, McLaughlin’s Mustang is limited to 7000 examples priced from $250.

Formula 1 fans might consider a replica version of Lewis Hamilton’s 2020 championship-winning Mercedes. Hamilton matched Michael Schumacher’s seven world titles this year, driving a special black-coloured Mercedes-AMG W11. Available for pre-order ahead of deliveries early next year, the model is made by Minichamps or Spark and costs about $270.

Gaming

You could argue 2020 was the year driving simulations hit their stride. When the coronavirus pandemic took hold, professional racers from Supercars, Formula 1 and the 24 Hours of Le Mans started racing in the virtual realm – against each other, and elite sim drivers.

A professional sim racing set up can cost tens of thousands of dollars – or more. But you don’t need to spend huge money to have more fun than is possible using conventional hand controllers.

Logitech’s G923 is an excellent mid-range racing wheel.

Logitech’s G923 steering wheel is a great option for folks looking for more from their sim racing. On sale for $599 or so, the G923 offers “Trueforce” force feedback that ties into games’ soundtracks to offer more detail through the steering wheel’s rim.

We tested it with Assetto Corsa Competizione, where kerbs, bumps and changing road surfaces on Mount Panorama came to life through the wheel.

Available for PlayStation or Xbox/PC, the G923 is compatible with current and next-generation consoles, which means it’s ready for next year’s gaming blockbusters in Gran Turismo 7 (PlayStation) and Forza Motorsport 8 (Xbox).

The wheel offers loads of in-game customisation.

Families who want a more casual gaming experience might like Mario Kart Live ($150). Designed to work with the Nintendo Switch console, Mario Kart Live lets you create your own race tracks at home, and race a remote controlled toy car around your loungeroom. Steered using the console’s game controller, a camera on the front of the car shows its perspective as it races around your house.

Mario Kart Live lets you race in your own home.

Books

Motorsport journalist John Smailes tells the story of Australian and New Zealand drivers trying to win the Indy 500 in Speed Kings. Many of the region’s top drivers have attempted the challenge, including Sir Jack Brabham, Bruce McLaren and Will Power.

Australia's Will Power is an Indy 500 champion. Photo: Chris Owens

Mark Skaife is a household name thanks to his achievements behind the wheel for the Holden Racing Team, and a second career as a television presenter for Supercars. His book, Mark Skaife, tells behind-the-scenes stories surrounding six Bathurst wins and five touring car championships.

Ford fans might prefer to read “Seto”, a 320-page hardcover celebrating the career of Glenn Seton. Featuring never-before-published photos and stories from the racer’s career, the book offers insight into the life of a quiet champion.

Originally published as The best gifts for car lovers