In each edition of Unique Cars Magazine the team take a look at what’s on the market right now and share some ideas for readers looking to update their sheds, collections and tool boxes via the regular Gearbox section. Enjoy.
MINI MINI
One of the most-loved, most-sold (5.3 million), most-raced and most-rallied cars in the world is the Mini Cooper S. Sixty years ago at Bathurst the Cooper S filled the top nine spots in the annual production-car stoush up and down the mountain. These classic little ’uns now cost a small ransom but thanks to Tamiya, you can get your mitts on a super-fast, radio controlled 1:10 scale, pre-painted navy with a white roof for a small outlay. This chassis has three wheelbase settings and rear or front-wheel drive. It has double wishbone suspension. To get your mini Mini shell out $219 at hobbyco.com.au
CELEBRATION CAP
A century ago Ford set up shop in Australia, in the seaside town of Geelong in Victoria. Behind the closed doors came innovations like the first full-body ute in the world, designed by Lewis Bandt and dubbed a kangaroo chaser by Henry Ford. Many other great designs and engines and cars emanated from here. To celebrate these and many more blue oval milestones is a Ford 100 Years baseball cap. Available only in one colour, like Henry’s Model T, this time in navy blue, the fully-adjustable cap sports the famous logo and the centennial anniversary. Wear it with pride for just forty bucks from fordmerchandise.com.au
TOOL TIME
We’ve heard saying, ‘work smarter, not harder’ and this reversible ratcheting spanner set from Warren & Brown lets you do exactly that. This combination spanner set features a reversible ratcheting ring spanner at one end and the same size fixed open-end at the other end. Providing extreme grip on standard bolts as well as being able to grip damaged or rounded-off nuts and bolts as the design drives on the flats and not the points. when working in those hard to reach and tight areas. Containing 72 teeth, the eight spanners are included in the most common imperial sizes. Grab a set for just $199.53 from wbtools.com.au
FADE NO MORE
Australia’s punishing UV rays make plastic trim fade and chalky, making your car look way older than it is. Now the team at Autoglym have a solution. It’s their new Exterior Trim Restorer Kit. It contains an advanced trim restoration system designed to reinvigorate weathered and faded exterior plastics like bumpers, side strips, any plastic trim. It’s made using SolGel technology and forms a durable, invisible coating that chemically bonds to plastic surfaces. The non-greasy satin finish also restores the faded colours and the protective barrier helps defend against future fading. Grab yours for $64.99 from supercheapauto.com.au
PORTABLE SOUND
Would you like a portable speaker that others will look at and say, “That’s awesome, where did you get it?” This high-end Bluetooth speaker from Porsche Lifestyle oozes a smart, modern design. Like all products branded Porsche, the quality is outstanding and employs superior materials. And the look? Well that is based on the tailpipe trim of the 911 GT3 from the current 992 Series. Providing the impressive sound is Qualcomm aptX high-definition technology. You can integrate it with in-room wireless technology and stream for up to 16 hours. Yours for $1146 from
store.porsche.com.au
PISTON BROKE
Got an engine in bits and need a set of pistons, rings and pins for it? Well, did you know an Adelaide company, JP Pistons, which started in the 1950s making pistons for restorers, is now the largest supplier of pistons for vintage, veteran and classic vehicles in the world. All products are made in-house at its facility in South Australia. It’s a true Aussie engineering success story. They’re made from ingots of aluminium, which are melted in the foundry and the molten material is poured into dies Check out the vast range to suit every make and model at jppistons.com.au
