Six cool auto-related gift suggestions for the Christmas stocking
1. MOFFAT AUTOBIOGRAHY
Many words have been spoken about motorsport legend Allan Moffat. Now for the first time, his extraordinary career – from his famous Trans-Am Mustang, to his four Bathurst crowns and four Australian Touring Car Championships – has been captured in a book.
The man who changed the face of Australian motorsport sat down with respected journalist John Smailes, to tell the tale of his life behind the wheel and beyond. It’s the story every motorsport fan has been waiting to read. www.booktopia.com.au
2. AINTREE DOWN UNDER
Here’s the definitive book about one of Australia’s greatest motorsport circuits, Warwick Farm.
Where Jack Brabham, Graham Hill, Jackie Stewart and Jim Clark raced F1 cars around the sinuous 3.6 kilometre circuit, built around a horse race track, in outer Sydney.
Noted motorsport historian Andrew Moore has superbly captured the magic of Warwick Farm in his book Aintree Downunder. Paperback edition is $50 from www.wallawallapress.com
3. AXE YOUR FALCON GT
Want to know everything about the Falcon GT you own or are about to buy?
You can with an ACCHS report (pronounced ‘axe’ – short for Australian Classic Car History Services Pty Ltd).
According to Allan Moffat, “An ACCHS report is the only way to verify a Falcon GT.”
Sourced from official factory production records, the report shows production information, options, relevant statistical data, even how many other GTs were built just like it. For $99 the ACCHS report is a wise investment. www.acchs.com.au
4. FLAT AS A TACK
The sun is up and you are ready for a drive. Turn the key… nothing. A flat battery, Sh%#t! But don’t despair; Cygnett has the answer with its ChargeUp Auto 12000 portable compact jump starter that will give any engine up to 5lt petrol or a 2.5lt diesel a big enough kick in the guts to get it going. The ChargeUp is good for up to 20 starts with the one charge. It even charges smartphones. Peace of mind starts at just $199. www.cygnett.com
5. HUNTERS AND COLLECTORS
Here’s a step-by-step guide, by revered Car Hunter, Ross Vasse, detailing how to find, buy and sell classic cars for a profit and keep the ones you want along the way.
Ross lets you in on all the trade secrets so you can be the one unearthing these gems rather than reading about them after the event. He helps you develop your skills and knowledge so you know what’s hot and what’s not in the classic car scene.
Printed version $19.99 Go to www.rossvasse.com to order your copy
6. HOT ESKYS
So after reading issue #408 of UC we’ve whetted your appetite to either race out and buy or trick up your Esky.
A good place to start is by burying your snout in this practical guide, by Escort aficionado the late Dennis Foy, who tells how to get the best out of the humble Esky for either road or track and presumably rally courses as well. It covers drivelines, suspension, brakes and bodywork and is chock full of illustrations. Dive into a motoring bookshop or jump online.