Gifts for the Auto Enthusiast

When shopping for gifts for picky automobile enthusiasts, impracticality is the route to their quirky, luxury-obsessed hearts. And nothing says splurge quite like a $1.2 million 2004 Bugatti Veyron, a French-built coupe that Bugatti executives boldly claim will go from zero to 62 mph in 2.9 seconds. With a top speed of 252 mph, the 16-cylinder Bugatti Veyron is the fastest road car in the world and includes a rear spoiler that raises automatically depending on the speed achieved. Volkswagen, which has overseen the Bugatti stable since 1998, plans to produce 50 of the automobiles annually, with each almost assembled entirely by hand. Imagine the sheer ecstasy on your 16-year-old son or daughter’s face Christmas morning when you hand them the keys to their very first Bugatti. They’ll love you forever.If you’re seeking a more modestly priced gift, you can purchase Porsche drink coasters, designed to resemble brake calipers, are made of a matte silver-plated zinc alloy with a laser-engraved Porsche logo on the base of each piece in the five-coaster set ($59) at porsche.com/shop.Even more absurd is the stickshift toilet plunger, fashioned as a replica of a six-speed gearshift. The spiffy 13-inch polished aluminum plunger is priced at a ridiculous $29.95, but that’s still a lot cheaper than calling the plumber. Visit www.griotsgarage.com.For the loved one whose heart is full of loathing for his fellow drivers, the Yacksack is all the “rage” this Christmas. A miniature punching bag that hangs from the rearview mirror, and each time the Yacksack is punched, a voice box inside the bag responds, emitting profanity-laced insults. Available in “spicy” or “mild” language content ($15). Visit www.yacksack.com for more information.Because the holidays fall in the middle of the racing world’s three-month off-season, race fans experience withdrawal from the addictive odor of scorched rubber fumes. Stir their passions with a Smokin’ Tire Candle. Emblazoned with “SMELL THE EXCITEMENT” in bold yellow letters on the tire wall, the burning rubber scent will make the family den smell just like the local drag strip for a perfect Christmas memory. With three tire styles available, NASCAR, Indy Car, and Drag Strip, this one-of-a-kind candle is “the most exciting and unique motorsports product ever introduced,” and cost only $13.95 for hours of pungent racing memories. Visit www.smokintire.com to place your order. &

Gifts for the Auto Enthusiast

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The sexy interior of the 2004 Bugatti Veyron. (click for larger version)

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