The SHARP List: Our 2022 Gift Guide for Gearheads
Buying gifts for the automobile-obsessed gearhead in your life is actually quite easy, provided you’re willing to settle for some silly carbon-fibre knickknack, ugly driving shoe, or a beaded seat cover. But, please don’t do that. (Even though, yes, beaded seat covers are making a minor comeback.) Instead, use our 2022 holiday gifts-for-gearheads guide get them something good. This year, we’ve got car-related gift idea ranging from $60 to over $60,000, from rugs to watches to once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Of course, the ultimate gift for any gearhead is a car, and so we’ve included one of those too.
KAR L’Art Hammer Rug
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It’ll look just as good on the wall in the garage as it will in your living room, but whatever you do “don’t step on it, it’s an art piece” as the website explains. These rugs are products of KAR / L’Art de L’Automobile, which is the apparel and accessory offshoot of Arthur Kar’s Paris-based vintage car sales business. SSENSE called him fashion’s favorite dealer of rare, vintage automobiles, and it’s true. The man’s taste is impeccable. If the bangin’ little Aston Cignet and the angry Benz 190 Evo-II he’s got for sale right now are a little too rich for a holiday present, one of these wool tapestries should do the trick. The Hammer rug is EUR$320, which is a few hundred grand less than you’d pay for an original AMG Hammer. (320 Euro)
TAG Heuer Carrera x Porsche RS 2.7
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The fourth collaboration between these two brands is our favourite one to date (and one we covered earlier this year. The TAG Heuer Carrera x Porsche RS 2.7 chronograph is inspired by an all-time classic that ranks among the very best 911s ever made. The 1973 Porsche 911 RS 2.7 makes Porsche collectors break out into a cold sweat. It was built to homologate racing and rally cars, and is immediately recognizable by its neat little ducktail spoiler, aggressive front splitter, and the “Carrera” graphic scrawled across the side in bright colours. The 42mm TAG Heuer is a fitting tribute, refreshingly paired back to the essentials, just as these lightweight cars were. (From $9,600)
McLaren Sunglasses
McLaren Sunglasses
McLaren Sunglasses
McLaren Sunglasses
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That’s right, the fine folks behind the Artura, the 720S, and the 675LT we adored so much also have a line of performance eyewear. We took a look at the entire collection while in Vegas for the Americas launch of the Artura, and we’ll safely say they’re worth the spend regardless of whether or not you’ll ever own one of their stupendous tire slayers. They can be hard to track down, but they have at least one retailer in Canada that we’re aware of at time of publishing.
Flat Track School
Flat Track School
Flat Track School
Flat Track School
Flat Track School
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It’s drifting, but on a motorcycle. Don’t worry, it’s not as difficult or dangerous as it sounds. In fact, it’s ridiculous fun. The Go Flat Track School is based in Ontario, and run by husband and wife duo Aaron and Katalin Hesmer. Together they’ve trained hundreds first-time flat trackers on how to go fast and turn left. (You don’t even need to know how to ride a motorcycle, but it will make your day on the dirt more fun.) Half-day classes are $220 and come with everything you need, including a motorcycle and riding gear. We did it and lived to tell the tale. Now we’re jonesing to go again.
Discommon Legends Car Art Prints
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There’s so much automotive artwork out there, so we thought we’d help you distill the selection down. This triptych of prints from Discommon — the much-loved product design firm led by one of the nicest automotive enthusiasts you’ll ever meet — is based on the original design plans for the bespoke table (also seen in the photo). While the prints are a lovely, easy, and affordable gifting option, the firm has also decided to produce a limited run of the tables as an on-demand offering. Only 10 will be made, and each will feature a different raised 3D silhouette of the chosen vehicle. (Prints from $110 USD, table from $20,000 USD)
Glamour Road
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This book is a treasure trove of mid-century advertising. In the postwar years, the auto industry took some lessons from fashion, bringing in the concept of yearly collections and planned obsolescence. Glamour Road : Color, Fashion, Style, and the Midcentury Automobile tells that story in a highly visual way, full of original ads and rare insights. From the publisher: “With the expansion of the American suburbs after WWII, women suddenly needed cars of their own. By adopting the fashion industry’s yearly model changes, as well as hiring many designers and stylists from the fashion industry, the automobile industry made a direct appeal to the rising sophistication and influence of women.” ($65 USD)
Period Correct Valet Tray
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Period Correct is among our very favourite purveyors of non-lame car-themed items. Most of their collections sell out quickly, so you’ve got to be quick. (We sadly missed out on these tapestries.) At least their natural leather valet tray is still available, and for the very reasonable sum of US$60. Everyone’s keys could use a better resting spot. These luxurious trays are made-in-the-USA from natural leather, so they’ll probably last longer than your current car.
Morgan Super 3
Morgan Super 3
Morgan Super 3
Morgan Super 3
Morgan Super 3
Morgan Super 3
Morgan Super 3
Morgan Super 3
Morgan Super 3
Morgan Super 3
Morgan Super 3
Morgan Super 3
Morgan Super 3
Morgan Super 3
Morgan Super 3
Morgan Super 3
Morgan Super 3
Morgan Super 3
Morgan Super 3
Morgan Super 3
Morgan Super 3
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Questions of practicality and legality be damned, the Morgan Super 3 is the coolest car unveiled in all of 2022. It’s refreshingly frivolous in a car market that’s often far too serious. The British company has actually been making these three-wheeled things on and off for 113 years now, so they know what they’re doing. The Super 3 may not look it, but it’s a very modern machine, featuring an all-new three-part aluminium platform and a 1.5-litre inline-three Ford engine. That may not sound especially exciting, but in a windowless machine that weighs roughly 650 kilograms, 118 horsepower is more than enough to make your passenger’s eyes go wide. (from £41,995)
McLaren’s E-Scooter
McLaren’s E-Scooter
McLaren’s E-Scooter
McLaren’s E-Scooter
McLaren’s E-Scooter
McLaren’s E-Scooter
McLaren’s E-Scooter
McLaren’s E-Scooter
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Of course, McLaren is working on an e-scooter, and of course it looks amazing. The Lavoie brand is a new subsidiary of McLaren Applied, the technology arm of the Formula 1 team and British supercar brand. Their first scooter, the Series 1, is slated to launch in 2023. It’s made of magnesium, so it weighs a modest 16.5 kilograms while still having a claimed range of 50 kilometres. A one-touch folding mechanism, reportedly inspired by F1 cars’ suspension should make picking it up and carrying it inside slightly less awkward. It’s got front and rear lights, and even turn-signals too, because safety first. ($TBD)
RCLUB Toronto Membership
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RCLUB in Toronto is a garage/social club for petrolheads that also happens to have an extensive collection of carefully curated cars for members to drive. You get a car collection without the hassle of actually owning old cars, and you might even make some new friends too. (Price upon request.)
Private Photo Shoot
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Chances are the car person in your life already has hundreds of photos of his or her car, all snapped hastily on an iPhone. But, how many of those photos are good enough to frame? Probably none. Nothing says I-support-your-car-habit like hiring a professional photographer – such as Toronto’s preeminent automotive snapper Lucas Scarfone – to do a photoshoot with a loved one’s beloved car. (Prices upon request.)
Photo courtesy of Lucas Scarfone
TAG Heuer Carrera Porsche Chronograph Special Edition
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While many luxury watches have some level of connection to the automotive world, few brands have maintained said connection as diligently as TAG Heuer. Their partnerships have been scattered across various brands, race teams, and even racing organizations, but this year it’s been the partnership with Porsche that’s caught our eye of late. It’s a sharp 44mm mechanical chronograph with a textured dial, powered by Heuer Calibre 02 self-winding movement. TAG has already sold out of the version offered on a leather strap, but the stainless steel bracelet version is still on offer for now. ($7,500)
Dice Magazine
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The next best thing to riding a motorcycle, is reading great stories about motorcycles and the people who love them. Dice magazine describes itself as a publication for people who, “want to see motorcycles being put together in the basements, garages, and woodsheds around the world.” The magazine offers a little peak into the raddest parts of the motorcycle universe. ($12.95 USD)
KTM SX-E 5
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This past summer, the sport of motocross boomed as a wave of new young riders – some still in kindergarten – tried riding a dirt bike for the first time. If there’s a budding little ripper in your life, this is what they want to unwrap this year. Thanks to its variable power levels, the all-electric KTM SX-E 5 is friendly to learn on, but fast enough to race. It’s a KTM, just like the pros ride, but its silent electric motor won’t annoy the neighbours. ($6,099)
L’Art De L’Automobile Gear
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We’re here for the ongoing mashup of car-culture and streetwear, because it’s producing gems like this long-sleeve tee from Kar / L’ART DE L’AUTOMOBILE. (EUR$150)
Ferrari Stock
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Since gifting a Ferrari for Christmas isn’t always practical, try one share of Ferrari stock. A framed, personalized replica of the stock certificate will look great in any garage. Who knows, if Ferrari stock goes on a good run, maybe a blood-red supercar is in the cards after all. ($498 USD)
Vintage Automotive Gear
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The Detached Garments Instagram account is overflowing with sweet car-themed swag from the ‘90s and ‘00s. A vintage Porsche cap, an original BMW Motorsports tee – there’s no cooler way to let your gearhead flag fly. You can’t go wrong with any of the unique, carefully-curated pieces this shop digs up. (Various prices.)
Photo courtesy of Detached Garments
Bowlus Terra Firma Trailer
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After helping to build the famed Spirit of St. Louis aircraft, designer and engineer Hawley Bowlus turned his attention to overland travel. In 1934, Bowlus was the first to complete a riveted aluminum travel trailer. Today, the company that bears his name still makes trailers the same way, only now they’re outfitted with every modern luxury and interiors worthy of Architectural Digest. It is undeniably extravagant, but unlike most campers, these are built to last generations. (From $215,000 USD)
Ferrari Collector’s Book
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For car lovers — and collectors — this is a must. This limited edition, leather-bound collector’s book tells the history of Scuderia Ferrari with hundreds of exclusive, never-before-seen photos and documents, making for an unbelievable coffee table book or gift. ($7,630)
