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Everyone has one: the friend who can still tell you the colour code of the car they had at nineteen. Here are presents they'll actually use, whether they still own a classic or just miss one.
A workshop manual for the car they had
Even if they sold it years ago, a well-thumbed manual for their old model is a nostalgia trip with exploded diagrams. Second-hand copies are easy to find for most popular models.
Workshop manual for their model
Search by make, model and year. Check the edition covers the right engine.
View on AmazonA cassette adaptor that plays from a phone
For anyone still running the original radio. It keeps the dashboard looking right while playing anything from a phone.
Bluetooth cassette adaptor
Look for one with a decent battery life and a built-in microphone for calls.
View on AmazonA scale model to build
A winter project that doesn't need a garage. Plenty of 80s and 90s cars are available as plastic kits or ready-made die-cast models.
Scale model kit
1:24 kits are a good size for a shelf. Remember glue and paint if it's a kit.
View on AmazonA proper detailing kit
Old paint responds well to a careful clean and polish. A kit with microfibre cloths, a gentle shampoo and a wax is a gift that gets used every weekend.
Car detailing kit
Pick one with a pH-neutral shampoo, which is kinder to old paint and trim.
View on AmazonSomething to wear to the next car show
Our tees and posters are drawn for exactly this person. Pick the design that matches the car they won't stop talking about.