Here's ten Father's Day gift ideas for the rev-head dad
1. Brock A9X Torana die-cast model
With A9X Torana prices out of reach for mere mortals, another way of fulfilling your dream of ownership is through Classic Carlectables. This month’s release is a 1:18 scale die-cast model of Peter Brock’s 1979 Hang Ten 400 winning A9X hatch. It’s beautifully made and truly authentic, sans the Marlboro logos on it that are a no-no these days. Nevertheless, this model of one of Australia’s most successful cars is a must-have for any Holden fan. Around $300 from classiccarlectables.com.au
2. R/C Alpine A110 rally car
The French Alpine A110 earned fame by winning the inaugural World Rally Championship in 1973. Tamiya has created a radio-controlled version of this iconic rally car. The body is polycarbonate and stickers recreated with the sponsor logos and race numbers. The engine is rear mounted and it has double wishbone suspension, deep dish wheels with soft radial tyres up front and hard radials at the rear. The steering is a 3-piece linkage setup. Get yours from metrohobbies.com.au
3. Torana Anniversary print
To celebrate the 55th anniversary of one of Holden’s most successful models, Bradford Exchange has released a print of the Torana. Limited to 199 units, the 55x55cm main image shows two SL/R 5000s passing the chequered flag at Mount Panorama, where the Torana took five victories. The print includes the Torana ad slogan along with accurate renditions of the badges covering the 13 years of Torana production. Included with the print is a 24-carat gold ingot and the numbered gold frames come with a matching certificate. Cost $599 bradford.com.au
4. Metalmaster English wheel
Hare & Forbes Machinery shop has everything for the professionals and handymen alike. The Metalmaster EWHD-65 English Wheel comes with a heavy-duty frame and twin 8mm plates. It has the rigidity of steel plate design machines at a more attractive price. It can shape metal up to 1.6mm or 16-gauge, and its 650mm throat lets you shape medium-size panels. The upper wheel and seven lower anvils are hardened for longer life, with a quick release anvil cradle for rapid and easy panel removal, adding to its versatility. Cost is $1529 including GST from machineryhouse.com.au
5. Street Machine Torana t-shirt
This was the catch cry for the LJ series Holden Torana that is celebrating its half century this year. The LJ is best remembered as the car that Peter Brock steered to his first Bathurst victory. To celebrate, Ten Tenths creative has teamed up with sister mag Street Machine to produce this limited edition Torana Tee, depicting a rather heavily modded LJ GTR XU-1, complete with guard filling hotwires and under door exhaust. The high-quality tees have a range of sizes and will sell fast. Forty bucks gets you one. shop.whichcar.com.au/products/street-machine-hot-torana
6. Ryobi 18V grease gun
Adding to the Ryobi range is this 18V grease gun making the chore of greasing equipment better than the old manual method. The gun produces 10,000 PSI, easily pushing through crusty fittings and force grease into the tightest places. Plus, it has an LED light to illuminate hidden or hard-to-see greasing points. It takes 450g cannisters that can be bulk filled from a drum, has a 76cm hose to reach difficult areas and has a locking feature to prevent spillage and waste. Available through a range of retailers and priced at $319. ryobi.com.au
7. Porsche Collector’s watch
One of Porsche’s most successful race cars was the 956 built in 1982, finishing 1st, 2nd, and 3rd at LeMans the same year. Aussie Vern Schuppan won LeMans in 1983 driving a works 956. To celebrate the 956, Porsche lifestyle has produced a German-made timepiece, limited to 1956 units. It features a stainless steel case, silver brushed metal dial with the racing logo on the 42mm diameter face. The Porsche crest is engraved on the crown and ‘Porsche’ engraved on the clasp. Each watch is numbered. Available for $776.80 through porsche.com/Australia
8. Chenille microfibre wash mat
Our mates at Mustang Motorsport are selling a chenille microfibre wash mat from the garage of world-famous petrol head, Jay Leno. Essentially a mitt, it makes washing your car a breeze and is extremely gentle on paintwork, glass, plastic trim and wheels. The soft microfibre strands help remove stuck-on dirt, bugs and any other souvenirs you’ve collected between washes. Use a quality cleaner, like the ones offered by Mustang Motorsport. The $22 wash mat measures 9×7 inches. Get it at mustangmotorsport.com.au
9. ‘Gentleman Jim‘ book by Jim Richards
Known as ‘Gentleman Jim’ this book, written by Aaron Noonan and Will Dale spans his early racing days in NZ and journey to Australia and subsequent amazing career. Included are his cars like the Sidchrome Mustang, that established him here, his era at JPS BMW and track and tarmac rally success in Porsches. His seven Bathurst wins, four touring car titles, other championships and Targa success feature prominently. A must for any racing fan, Richards will sign a limited number of copies. Order it now for $79.95 at v8sleuth.com.au
10. Moffat GT-HO T-shirt
In 1969 the Phase I Falcon GT- HO lost at Bathurst to Holden and their GTS 350. Armed with a more potent XW Phase II, Allan Moffat blitzed the field in 1970, driving the 500-mile race solo, capturing his first of four Bathurst wins and becoming a Ford hero. This officially licensed Allan Moffat organisation tee shirt commemorates that famous win. The tee is from the well-known Gilden brand and features the famous car and driver front and back. A must for any Moffat, touring car or Ford fan. Priced at $35 plus postage from tcmmerchandise.com.au
From Unique Cars #468, Jul/Aug 2022