9 Expensive Things Petrolheads Really Want This Christmas

1. Tim Layzell Artwork

Tim Layzell is a British artist with a penchant for historic motorsport. He’s well known for his ‘pop art’ style of painting which, in his own words, uses “solid blocks of colour and strong black lines to draw the observer’s eye into the work”. The paintings are absolutely stunning, which explains why his most popular pieces can fetch upwards of £7000 ($10,600).

For those of us who don’t have that kind of money, fear not. His prints are far more affordable, and £195 will bag you this beautiful example of the 911 Carrera RSR on its way to victory in the 1973 Targa Florio.

2. Black Art Graphics

After its successful Kickstarter campaign in 2014, Black Art Graphics has been producing some of the most inventive automotive artwork around. It works with individual customers to produce an accurate blueprint of the customer’s vehicle, which is then laser-etched onto 3mm thick aluminium. The aluminium is then cut down to create a beautiful 420x297mm brushed aluminium plaque.

The finished results are absolutely stunning, and a few guys in the office have already put their orders in. Here’s Alex with a plaque of his MX-5. The A3 plaques start at £125 ($189) but vary depending on the level of personalisation.

3. CMC Ferrari 250 GTO Model

German company CMC is known for creating some of the most beautiful and highly detailed replica models in existence. CMC models are hand made from expensive stainless steel or copper and can comprise up to 1000 individual components. Even if you’re not a model car fan, you can’t help but be impressed with the level of detail.

CMC has recently released its first model of the iconic 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO and is taking pre-orders. Better find that cheque book, because they cost upwards of £291 ($441).

4. Group B Owner’s Edition Book

The Group B era was arguably the most exciting period in world rallying. That’s why anyone who likes Ford RS200s and Audi Quattros (that’s everyone) will love the ultimate Group B Owner’s Edition book.

This weighty edition contains everything you need to know about the fascinating era of Group B rallying. For example, did you know that Audi was planning to refuel its cars on the Safari Rally using a light aircraft? A book like this will set you back £722 ($1000).

5. Linear Edge Track Sculpture

Everyone has a favourite race track, be it on a simulator or in real life. So why not buy someone you like/love/tolerate their favourite circuit, in the form of a 1.5-inch deep Baltic birch Linear Edge sculpture?

Our favourite sculptures are of the Isle of Man and Monte Carlo. Prices start at £105 ($159).

6. Tag Heur Monaco

If you’re looking to up the budget considerably, then a watch is a great thing to spend money on (most petrolheads also appreciate a fine watch). An horological classic like the Tag Heuer Monaco - which was released back in 1969 and which found fame in the 1971 film Le Mans - is a safe, albeit expensive bet. Expect to pay over £4000 ($6060) for the classic Calibre 12 Automatic Chronograph 39mm.

7. Apple Car Play

Having an old infotainment system can make your car feel seriously outdated. An Apple CarPlay system is a good way to drag someone’s car into the 21st Century, allowing its user to download apps, make calls, listen to iTunes and use maps. Price of these units have come down quite a bit, meaning you can now buy something good like a Pioneer SPH-DA120 for under £300.

8. Racing Chair

If you’re buying for a gamer, then a good quality racing set-up is a must. So why don’t you show them how much you respect their hobby by buying them a full racing setup?

There are plenty on offer, starting with the basic Playseat® Evolution Black (£383, $580) all the way up to the more extreme Playseat® Redbull Racing F1 (£749, $1100) and GamePOD GT2 (£599, $907).

9. An actual car dock

The ultimate gift for any pertrolhead this Christmas has to be a car dock that frees up space, protects your ride from the elements and nestles underground out of sight of prying eyes. A system like this Cardok will set you back around £38,000 ($57,500), but in our opinion, it’s the only present you’ll ever want in your life!