It’s that time of year again, so in case you’re still struggling for gift ideas, here are a few of our favourites for that last-minute present buying that we all do (don’t we?).
Obviously we’d recommend a gift subscription to Magneto… or perhaps a loved one would like a copy of our Concours Year 2022 book? We’re sure that nothing says ‘I love you’ like the chance to look through the stunning winning cars of the year’s best events.
But if you’d like something else, too, then we have a neat selection here, from purple ink – as famously used by Enzo Ferrari – to bespoke car covers (the links below connect directly to the retailers). Don’t say we don’t look after you. And good luck with the shopping!
David Lillywhite, editor
Go purple in all sectors with Mont Blanc’s Enzo ink
Mont Blanc has added Enzo Ferrari to its series of Great Characters special editions. The 50ml bottle contains Enzo’s trademark purple ink – fittingly, ‘going purple’ means setting the fastest sector times over a timed lap in Formula 1. Sure to add the extra vim and vigour that is easily associated with Enzo Ferrari’s creations, this is a neat stocking filler at £33. The wider Great Characters: Enzo Ferrari collection includes a ballpoint pen, a rollerball pen and a fountain pen in either medium or fine nib widths.
Dig deep into the collectible car’s legacy with Miles Collier
Miles Collier knows a thing or two – or more than 100 – about collecting cars. He’s the man behind the Revs Institute, an automotive museum in Naples, Florida, that hosts an epic collection of cars dating from 1896 to 1995. He’s now put his thoughts on the cultural impact of the automobile together in a series of scholarly essays that form The Archaeological Automobile: Understanding and Living With Historical Automobiles. This engrossing read delves deep into what makes old cars so enchanting. The 500-page labour of love costs $106.
Give your classic the cover it really deserves with Goodwool
Goodwool takes a novel approach to car-cover construction – its indoor covers use pure Merino wool. Each shell is unique, because it replicates every detail of the car thanks to a 3D digital-layering programme. Merino wool is lightweight, super soft and breathable – it keeps the humidity value between 40 and 60 percent inside the car, regardless of the outside temperature. The outer layer uses a blend of polyurethane and elastane to provide a snug yet adaptable fit, as well as water resistance. The best news is that the level of customisation is unlimited – just like the Porsche 928 cover shown here.
Bring your year to life with McKlein’s Motorsport Calendar
A highlight of every wall space, the McKlein Motorsport Calendar doesn’t disappoint with its 2023 edition. Whether your passion is for the glory days of endurance, Formula 1 racing or the gritty adrenaline of rallying, this 26-page calendar has it all, from thunderous Ford GT40 to cheeky Mini Cooper. The spectacular driving talents of the likes of Graham Hill, Pedro Rodríguez, Walter Röhrl and François Cevert are captured in stunning black-and-white imagery, doing what they do best. It costs $51.
You’ve heard of a Ferrari flat-12, well here’s a Richard Mille flat watch
Richard Mille has teamed up with Ferrari to produce this – the RM UP-01 ultra-flat watch. Measuring just 1.75mm thick, it’s machined from grade-five titanium. It is the result of 6000 hours of development and laboratory testing and uses the RMUP-01 calibre, which provides a manual winding movement with hours, minutes and function selector. It’s limited to 150 pieces and, sadly for those who got their hopes up, Carlos Sainz junior doesn’t come with it.
The return of Fope’s jewellery for men
Fresh from producing a set of bespoke jewellery for our inaugural Concours on Savile Row event, Fope has created a range of enticing bracelets and cufflinks perfect for seasonal partying. The 18ct rose gold Prima bracelet features black diamonds and costs £2700, while the 18ct white gold Eka bracelet with a black-diamond rondel costs £3790. Looking for a set cufflinks to complement them? Then take a look at the set of 18ct white-gold cufflinks with 1.36ct black diamonds from the Solo collection (£3430).
Be at the vanguard of style with Franck Muller’s Racing Collection
Franck Muller’s latest iteration of its popular Vanguard series takes the model line into automotive-inspired territory. Its hand-applied indexes and numbers have been inspired by motorsport aesthetics, while the regular spring-bar strap, the Racing Collection models feature a strap that’s integrated into the case with two unseen screws. The rubber strap is designed to hug the wrist as closely as a racing driver on apex. The movement is automatic, and the model range is available in 18k rose gold or stainless steel, with a chronograph or classic hours, minutes and seconds. A variety of colours are available, and prices begin at £9200.
Immerse yourself in the full story of Porsche’s indomitable 962
The Porsche 962 came, saw and conquered – this Group C endurance racer pretty much obliterated the opposition throughout the 1980s and beyond. Behind that imperious history lies a human story filled with the full gamut of emotion – triumph, tragedy, sacrifice, success and everything in between. The first volume sets the scene for the car, and covers the works years (1984-1988), while volume two moves on to the Joest racing teams (1989-1994), and the final section covers the cars and people involved in detail. Starring the likes of Peter Falk, Norbert Singer, Jacky Ickx, Derek Bell and more, this limited-to-962 copies book costs £850 via publisher Porter Press.
Revel in this miniature masterpiece from Abas Engineering
Abas Engineering hand-builds reduced-scale replicas of the ’32 Ford Model B. Aimed at those aged between six and 12, they are built bespoke to the customer’s specification, and are powered by a 48v 40Ah lithium-ion battery with a two-speed reversible motor. Although the top speed can be 45km/h, this can be reduced upon request – and there are hydraulic brakes to rein things in. Three models are available: the roadster with a picnic basket, the hotrod with custom paint if required, and the banger-racing style, with stickers and decals. Prices start at £8500.
Shelter from the elements in style with Arne
Keeping warm this festive period doesn’t have to mean wearing coats where aesthetics are an afterthought. Arne’s mid-length parka is made from 100 percent Polyamide, and features insulated panels to keep you extra warm. It featured a fixed hood with adjustable drawcords, plus a detachable fur hood trim and front upper slanted welt pockets. There are also front lower pockets with a flap, as well as a side entry to keep your hands warm. The coat pictured is finished in Stone; other hues are available in sizes XS to XXL for £95.
Drop everything for Aranyani’s clutch bag collection
Aranyani’s Stone Drops Tote 17 collection offers a soft and supple feel to the touch thanks to its handcrafted calf nappa leather. The antique gold-finished decoration is bejeweled with smoky quartz gemstones, while water-resistant leather lines the interior, where you can find card slots and a secure zipped compartment. It can be held by hand or worn across the body with the detachable chain finished in antique gold. All cost $1450 each.
Spark a friend’s enthusiasm with a Magneto subscription
If you’re enjoying Magneto, why not share it with a friend? Every issue is carefully curated, offering an eclectic mix of cars, events, personalities and the greatest stories from more than 100 years of motoring – and now you can enjoy a 25 per cent discount with the promotional code MAGELF25.