• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Auto Trends Magazine

Car reviews, industry news, & advice.

Curves Magazin

10 Father’s Day Gift Ideas for the Car Enthusiast

May 29, 2017 by admin 1 Comment

If your dad is a car guy, Father’s Day gift ideas should align with what he drives, collects or admires. No tie, cuff links or button-down shirts for your father on his special day, but something appropriately drawn from our list of 10 gift ideas for the car enthusiast.

Recaro Office Chair1. Seat him like a king — Dad likes his Recaro bucket seats so much he’d sit in them all day if he could. Now you can purchase Recaro-designed office chairs offering the support and bolstering that have made this brand famous the world over.

2. Never lack a charge again — If your father owns a classic car, he doesn’t enjoy such modern conveniences as a USB port. And since we’re tethered to our smartphones, the logical way to resolve this problem is giving him an electronic device car charger. Simply connect the charger to the car’s 12-volt outlet and he’ll have access to up to five USB ports.

Aduro Powerup
Electronic Device Charger 5 Port USB Car Charger by Aduro

Curves Scotland3. Throw him some Curves — Does Dad like to read? If he is a fan of Road & Track or Car and Driver, he’ll love Curves — a series of book-like magazines exploring some of the best driving roads in the world (we reviewed the Scotland edition here. Featured are such places as Scotland, the Pyrenees, California and Austria in cars such as the Porsche Panamera, which took the magazine staff to unusual stops along the way. Dozens of beautiful photos included.

Ford Mustang Car Cover4. Cover it with love — Your father’s classic Ford Mustang is his pride and joy, but if he doesn’t keep it in the garage, then exposure to the sun, rain, and bird droppings can mar the paint. Give Dad a fitted car cover, one designed with his specific make/model in mind.

5. Send him to racing school — Look for a racing school where students can drive a Lamborghini, Ferrari, McLaren or other exotic. Dad will receive instruction from a professional, then enjoy lap time behind the wheel of a dream car. Take note of the grin on his face as he completes his training! Check out the Skip Barber Racing School or the Bondurant Racing School for mainstream models, including Corvette and Dodge Challenger SRT.

2015 Chevrolet Corvette
Can you see Dad behind the wheel of a Corvette at racing school?

fm transmitter6. Listen with Bluetooth — Provide your father with Bluetooth connectivity by means of an FM wireless transmitter. This simple device connects to a 12-volt outlet and enables hands-free calling and audio streaming for distraction-free driving. What an ideal present for the owner of a pre-modern-technology model.

Mike's Garage7. Personalize his space — Dad’s garage is his space, but is it labeled as such? That’s where a personalized garage sign or plaque can put the imprint on his work area. Include his name and an outline of his favorite ride for an altogether pleasing look. We’re partial to this dual-sided personalized garage hanging wall plaque offered by HomeWetBar.com.

8. Dress his feet — You might not think of buying your Dad footwear, but if he owns a stick-shift car, then purchase him a pair of driving shoes. Such shoes are specifically designed for heel-and-toe downshifting — what makes manual gearboxes so special. Piloti has made a name for itself by developing footwear outfitted with spherical heels, supplying extra comfort and protection of the heel bone as you drive.

Piloti Driving Shoes
Driving shoes from Piloti for heel-and-toe driving.

Armor All Wipes9. Wipe away cares — Your father is out there on many Saturday mornings washing and cleaning out his car, giving it the sparkle he craves. In between those times, why not supply him with Armor All wipes — cleaning, glass, protectant, and leather? They’re the perfect complement to spray cleaners and ideal for those in-between cleaning times.

Sunex Tools Ramps10. Give Dad a lift — Unless your father actually owns a lift, he may use various jack stands and floor jacks to lift his car. Maybe it is time to invest in a high-quality and durable ramp, one with a 20-ton capacity. We’re partial to the Sunex Tools aid truck ramps, what supplies a wide drive surface and perforated holes for traction. Check out the nifty telescopic t-handle extenders for ease of maneuverability.

Happy Father’s Day!

Make this Father’s Day one Dad will never forget. Of course, it isn’t the gift that matters most — the gift of your presence is the best present you can give him. That said, our 10 gift ideas are the icing on the “presence” cake, with each one likely to be gladly received.


Disclaimers — Gift ideas are not endorsements, except for the author’s review of the Curves book. All photos, with the exception of the 2015 Corvette, are copyright the respective manufacturer.

See Also — Product Review: Cyntur JumperPack Mini

Filed Under: Special Tagged With: Armor All, Bluetooth, car cover, Curves Magazin, Dad, driving shoes, Father's Day, Piloti, plaque, racing school, Recaro, sign, Sunex Tools, USB ports

Reviewed — Curves Scotland: Number 8

May 16, 2017 by admin 1 Comment

Scotland by motorcar — the only way to travel.

Scotland

Is it a book? A magazine? Or is it a catalog? I asked myself these questions when a copy of “Curves Scotland: Number 8” arrived at my home recently.

“Curves” is actually a German magazine bound like a softcover book and distributed from time to time (Curves Scotland: Number 8 (English and German Edition); Amazon $19.98). Each issue supplies an account of a specific country or region, areas offering majestic mountain passes and white-knuckled bends, with a close-up look at local culture in such a way that it brings you there.

Indeed, the phrase “soulful driving” is the magazine’s theme, detailing each five-day excursion, inviting the reader to retrace the journey. And if you manage to forget the many twists and turns described, a pullout map of the area with the route highlighted in red ensures you’ll always stay on course.

Founded by designer Stefan Bogner in 2009, each issue overflows with stunning photographs — some taken roadside, while certain others are helicopter captured. Drones are also deployed to acquire images that are otherwise too difficult, even dangerous, for a man or human-piloted machinery to take.

Curves Installment No. 8: Scotland

The eighth issue is all about Scotland, the seventh time featuring a European destination. Sicily, the Pyrenees, and Northern Italy were among the previous places covered. The sixth issue featured California, the first and only time the Curves crew embarked on a new world adventure.

Curves ScotlandFor the Scotland voyage, the team drove a Porsche Panamera 4E Hybrid, but the car was definitely *not* the focal point of the story. Only a few carefully placed ads, a smattering of photos, and the briefest mention in the addendum confirmed the chosen vehicle.

Automotive enthusiasts may find it disappointing that the storyline supplies very little information about driving dynamics. Instead, you’re provided with details of everything you should take in along the way. After all, there is a clear assumption you’d choose the right vehicle for the roads less traveled.

Scotland is the northernmost region or country within the United Kingdom. Glasgow and Edinburgh are her major cities, with Aberdeen, Dundee, and Inverness also of note. But much of the country is mountain wilderness, peppered with glacial glens and lakes. There are nearly 800 islands too, and Scotland’s history is typically traced to the years immediately following Christ, when the Romans battled local Caledonians, among the earliest Celtic tribes in Britain.

Scotland in Five Days

Day No. 1 — Glasgow to Isle of Skye — What is the best way to start your Scottish journey? In one of the country’s largest cities, of course. Glasgow, home to more than 1 in 10 Scots, is where the Curves crew began their five-day journey, a city of 600,000 people situated on the River Clyde.

The first day was also the crew’s longest, a 407-mile meandrous journey to the Isle of Skye. Just off of A819, the ruins of Kilchurn Castle a 15th-century one-time stronghold of Clan Campbell, are awaiting your visit. Large expanses of wilderness, the Glencoe Mountains, and a stretch of the A82 popularized in the 2012 James Bond “Skyfall” movie are among the most noteworthy places along the way. Hairpin turns, anyone?

Day No. 2 — Isle of Skye — The Curves crew spent a full day on the Isle of Skye, a 639-square mile island off the northwestern coast of Scotland. It is the largest of the Inner Hebrides and home to about 10,000 people. The name doesn’t mean what you think as “Skye” is Gaelic for fog. Let’s just say Sky Island sounds far more romantic than Fog Island.

You may reach the isle in one of two ways: 1) by taking a 30-minute car ferry from Maillag to Armadale or 2), by heading north to Kyle of Lochalsh and cross the Skye Bridge, opened in 1995. The team took the ferry on the way to the isle and exited over the bridge to return to the mainland. The 136-mile Skye loop is a four-hour twisting expedition, but that’s ambitious considering the amount of livestock and slow-moving traffic you’re likely to encounter. But if water views, castles, and brochs (towers) interest you, then bypassing Skye would be a tragedy almost on the order of Macbeth.

Day No. 3 — Isle of Skye to Ullapool — I’ve decided that if I ever make a trip to Scotland, the Isle of Skye will be my top destination after leaving Edinburgh or Glasgow, of course. But there is much more to the land of the Scots and the 174-mile leg from the isle to Ullapool should definitely strike your fancy. Along the way is the Eilean Donan Castle, built in the 13th century, destroyed by the Royal Navy in 1719, and reconstructed early in the 20th century.

Wonderful architecture and beautiful scenery aside, drivers should take note of the Bealach na Bà — Pass of the Cattle — a historic passageway on the Applecross Peninsula. Known for its very tight hairpin turns with gradients approaching 20 percent, the road is entirely unsuitable for novice drivers. And that’s reason enough for enthusiasts to take this serpentine road on the way to Ullapool.

Scotland

Day No. 4 — Ullapool to Inverness — Founded in 1788, Ullapool is and was a herring port. Our intrepid travelers began their fourth day leaving Ullapool for Inverness, a 193-mile trek that took them about as far north as you can go on the Scottish mainland before winding their way south toward Inverness.

Throughout their journey, the Curves crew sampled the local fare, while gradually switching from coffee to Scottish tea along the way. One such meal included haggis — a delicacy comprised of sheep’s heart, liver, lungs, and stomach — typically served with neeps and tatties. Black pudding, beans, and doughy white bread were among the more palatable items sampled.

Day No. 5 — Inverness to Edinburgh — The fifth and final leg of this Scottish adventure began in Inverness and ended in Edinburgh. With 372 miles ahead of them, the Curves crew headed out at dawn, but instead of heading to the Scottish capital, they traveled immediately to a nearby airport for a helicopter ride. Many of the photos shown in the book come from that ride, supplying readers with a vantage point that would have otherwise been impossible to provide.

Nearly halfway between the two cities and tucked within Cairngorms National Park is Balmoral Castle, the Scottish residency and summer home of the royal family. Consider this stop a must in your effort to apprehend the grandeur of Great Britain. Even when the royal family is not present, the castle is always prepared in the event the royals pay an unexpected visit.

Leaving Scotland

If you have ever considered visiting Scotland, Curves certainly provides a tantalizing primer of the country. Its otherworldly-in-places beauty, lost-in-time villages, and historic castles offer a fitting alternative to the big city life of an Edinburgh or a Glasgow. You’ll also gain a greater appreciation of Scotland’s impact on not just Great Britain, but on Northern Europe, indeed the world.

Disappointment will invade the soul of every reader expecting a detailed drive synopsis of the country. With that knowledge, it isn’t too difficult to find the top 10 scenic roads in Scotland as many travel writers eagerly share their opinion of them. That said, no part of Scotland is more than 50 miles from the coast, making it possible to enjoy all types of topography in just one day. With much to see, take your time as there is very little along the way you’d dare overlook.

Photos copyright Curves Magazin. All rights reserved.

Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: Bealach na Bà, Curves Magazin, Curves Scotland, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Great Britain, Inverness, Isle of Skye, PHEV, Porsche Panamera, Scotland, Stefan Bogner, Ullapool

Primary Sidebar

Recent Posts

  • A Look Back at the Chevrolet Monza
  • The Best Ways to Care for Your Tires
  • Contrary to the Latest Rumors, the Ram Dakota Will Return (Maybe)
  • Highlights of the 2021 Cadillac CT4
  • What is Bidirectional Charging?

Recent Comments

  • Winter Prep: Replace Your Worn Out Tires — Auto Trends Magazine on The Best Ways to Care for Your Tires
  • Hot Tips to Keep Your Tires Cool This Summer — Auto Trends Magazine on The Best Ways to Care for Your Tires
  • Your Tires: Air Pressure & Care Tips — Auto Trends Magazine on The Best Ways to Care for Your Tires
  • 5 Forgettable Cars From the 1970s — Auto Trends Magazine on A Look Back at the Chevrolet Monza
  • About the Fox-Body Ford Mustang — Auto Trends Magazine on A Look Back at the Chevrolet Monza

Archives

  • March 2021
  • February 2021
  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • August 2014
  • July 2014
  • June 2014
  • May 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014
  • December 2013
  • November 2013
  • October 2013
  • September 2013
  • August 2013
  • July 2013
  • June 2013
  • May 2013
  • April 2013
  • March 2013
  • February 2013
  • January 2013
  • December 2012
  • November 2012
  • October 2012
  • September 2012
  • August 2012
  • July 2012
  • June 2012
  • May 2012
  • April 2012
  • March 2012
  • February 2012
  • January 2012
  • December 2011
  • November 2011
  • October 2011
  • September 2011
  • August 2011
  • July 2011
  • June 2011
  • May 2011
  • April 2011
  • March 2011
  • February 2011
  • January 2011
  • December 2010
  • November 2010
  • October 2010
  • September 2010
  • August 2010
  • July 2010
  • June 2010
  • May 2010
  • April 2010
  • March 2010
  • February 2010
  • January 2010
  • December 2009
  • November 2009
  • October 2009
  • September 2009
  • August 2009
  • July 2009
  • June 2009
  • May 2009
  • April 2009
  • March 2009
  • February 2009
  • January 2009
  • December 2008
  • November 2008
  • October 2008
  • September 2008
  • August 2008
  • July 2008
  • June 2008
  • May 2008
  • April 2008

Categories

  • Auto Parts
  • Auto Shows
  • Automotive Career
  • Automotive News
  • Book Reviews
  • Car Tips
  • Classics & Discontinued Models
  • Commentary
  • Commercial Vehicles
  • Concept Vehicles
  • Dealers
  • Engineering & Technology
  • Fleet
  • Fun News
  • Maintenance & Repairs
  • Motorsport
  • New Models
  • New Vehicle Reviews
  • Ownership Experience
  • Product Reviews
  • Special
  • Specifications

Meta

  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org

New!
Check out our Jobs Board!

via GIPHY

Subscribe to Auto Trends

Subscribe in a reader

Social Media

Visit our social media pages:
Facebook
Twitter
Google+
Pinterest

Where is Matt Currently Published?

The Carolinian (new car reviews)
NAPA Know How Blog
On the Road Again

Pages

  • About
  • Authors List
  • Automotive Brochures
  • Contact
  • Industry Jobs
  • Write
    • Style Guide

Categories

Recent Posts

  • A Look Back at the Chevrolet Monza
  • The Best Ways to Care for Your Tires
  • Contrary to the Latest Rumors, the Ram Dakota Will Return (Maybe)
  • Highlights of the 2021 Cadillac CT4
  • What is Bidirectional Charging?
  • A Look Back at the Ford Mustang II
  • New Duck-Billed Post Office Trucks Has Some People Quacking
  • Vroom! Lexus Reveals the IS 500 F Sport.
  • Introducing the Kia Carnival MPV
  • Goodyear, Cooper Tire to Join Forces
  • Highlights of the 2021 Nissan Rogue
  • 7 Facts About the 2022 Chevrolet Bolt
  • Introducing the All-New
    2022 Mitsubishi Outlander SUV
  • What’s the Future for Chrysler and Dodge Under Stellantis?
  • All About Sobriety Checkpoints
  • Plug It In: Toyota RAV4 Prime
  • About the Volkswagen Taos
  • All-Wheel Drive Finally Comes to the Toyota Camry and We Like It!
  • Growing EV Industry Leaves Countries and Businesses Racing to Meet Increasing Lithium Demand
  • Introducing the All-New 2022 Nissan Pathfinder Crossover SUV
  • At Last! The All-New 2022 Nissan Frontier Revealed.
  • In Photos: 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor!
  • Cadillac V-Series Blackwing Preview!
  • Cost-Effective Crossover: Nissan Kicks
  • 10 Spring Cleaning Tips for Your Car
  • All-New Acura TLX Takes Charge
  • The Golden Years: 6 Memorable Models From the Original Era of Muscle Cars
  • From Datsun to Nissan: 40th Anniversary of the Maxima Sedan
  • The Mazda CX-5 Brings a Premium Touch to the Compact Crossover Utility Vehicle Segment
  • 4 Car Upholstery Cleaning Tips
  • The 14 Brands of Stellantis
  • Peugeot May Not Return to the U.S. Market After All
  • Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival
  • GM Launches BrightDrop, Its Commercial EV Brand
  • The Refreshed and Handsome
    Lexus IS 350 F Sport
  • What We Know About the All-New 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
  • The All-New and Formidable 2021 Nissan Rogue Crossover
  • Fuel-Efficiency and AWD Champion: 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
  • Midsize Performance Master: 2021 Hyundai Sonata N-Line
  • Performance Hatchback: The All-New 2021 Mazda Mazda3 Turbo!
  • NACTOY Finalists For 2021 Offer Familiar and Futuristic Choices
  • Super Trooper: Nissan Titan Pickup
  • Behind the Wheel of the Popular 2021 Toyota Corolla Sedan
  • Lucid Motors Completes Arizona Factory
  • A Robust Turbodiesel Comes to the Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  • Mid-Engine Masterpiece: The Eighth-Generation Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
  • Compact Performance:
    2021 Cadillac CT4-V
  • All-Wheel Drive Supplies the Nissan Altima With a Competitive Edge
  • Return of the Toyota Venza!
  • Lexus Brings a Convertible to the Gorgeous LC 500 Line
March 2021
S M T W T F S
 123456
78910111213
14151617181920
21222324252627
28293031  
« Feb    

Copyright © 2021 · News Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in