Father’s Day Gift Ideas

Father’s Day is coming up soon, next Sunday, June 17 to be exact. So, I thought that I might give you a few ideas of things to get the car-loving father in your life. And if you yourself happen to be that car-loving dad, well then feel free to pass this list along to your kids. Or, as one car-loving dad to another, I give you complete and utter permission to go pick up something for yourself. Go ahead, you know you deserve it.

Union Jack Beach TowelsFirst of all, how about a couple of Union Jack beach towels. I keep two of these things in the car at all times and they are great. Don’t go to the beach a lot? Well, that is fine. I use mine to cover my hot seats. I also use them to cover the dash or steering wheel sometimes if the top is down. Keeps me from burning myself on the hot black interior. They are also great for putting down before sitting on the grass or for cleaning up the occasional spill. Just very handy all the way around.

And while we are talking about sitting down, you know us Portable Camping Chairdads try to do that as often as possible, how about some good quality portable chairs for car shows? You want something that is large enough to be comfortable, but small enough to fit in the car without too much effort.  And I will tell you, laugh all you want, but a cup holder built into the arm is great. It certainly cuts down on having to juggle drink and plate when eating a picnic lunch or having to figure how what to do with you drink when you have to go up front to collect your trophy. A sturdy portable chair can’t be over-rated.

You know me, you knew I was gonna throw a book in here, right? Rule Britannia - When British Sports Cars Saved A Nation by John NikasYup has to happen. So, what about Rule Britannia: When British Sports Cars Saved a Nation by John Nikas? As we said back in October when we first reviewed the book, “Rule Britannia conveys in fascinating detail how the national resolve created vehicles that not only earned desperately-needed foreign currency but established a humble but exciting category of motorcar that continues to captivate the imagination of enthusiasts the world over.”

Now out to the shop. Brake Bleeder Kit with Vacuum PumpSometimes working on the car can be a lonely business. And sometimes we want it to be. But there are other times when the job seems to always require two people. Think, pump – pump -pump – pump – hold ….. Yes, the rhythm of brake bleeding. Let’s simplify this task with a vacuum kit for single person brake bleeding. The active style, pictured here, is great for great for sucking the fluid through a brake line without the need for all that pumping. It can also be used on things like fuel lines to help prime the system. Now there are also one-way catch bottle type systems where you still have to pump the hydraulics but don’t need another person to open and close the bleeder valve. Those work too, I just prefer the versatility of the vacuum pump style.

Racing Through the Forest - The History of the 1950-56 Pebble Beach Road RacesAnd then, when all of the work is done and it is time to relax, how about a video? I recently watched Racing Through the Forest and found it fascinating. There are lots of folks out there, myself included, who know nothing about the early history of the Pebble Beach races before the Monterey Historics. Most people now only think of the famous Concours when they hear the words “Pebble Beach”. This video, Racing Through the Forest, was put out just last year and is the history of the 1950-56 Pebble Beach Road Races as told by those who were there. Legendary drivers such as Fred Knoop, Carroll Shelby, Phil Hill, Bill Pollack, Jim Hall and Phil Remington, give first-hand accounts of the excitement and dangers of “Racing Through The Forest”. I started off just casually watching it, and by the end, I was enthralled. The period footage and the personal interviews make it a must-watch.

Oh, and just because I think this video is great, here is the trailer…

And finally, just because I think it is fun, and actually very tasty, how about a good dark ale to go with that last pick? Most any ale would please this dad, but here I am actually talking about the one named Old Engine Oil. Yes, really. And it is good!  It is produced by Harviestoun Brewery in Scotland but can Old Engine Oil Dark Alebe found all of the US and good beer stores. It can also be purchased online from a few places – local laws permitting.

Well, there you have my quick Father’s Day list for 2018.  I hope you find it useful. We would love to hear your ideas, so please jot them down in the comments. Oh, and let us know what you got or gave when it is all said and done.

Happy Father’s Day to you all.

Michael Carnell
Editor at Just British

Michael Carnell is the editor and founder of the Just British Online Motoring Magazine. As a lifelong British car enthusiast, he has owned or driven British cars of all ages from Austins and MGs to Jaguars and Triumphs. He currently owns a 1966 Vanden Plas Princess 1100 and a 1977 MGB. But there is always room for more - no matter what his wife says.