Motor themes cater to every gearhead

NIKA ROLCZEWSKI FOR THE TORONTO STAR

The Fab grill is a barbecue with a detailed motor theme.

Nika Rolczewski

SPECIAL TO THE STAR

ME UNDER $50

Drag Racing: The World's Fastest Sport, by Timothy Miller. There are few books out there that cover the sport of drag racing from its inception to modern times with historic details about the drivers, builders and tracks. The Racing 101 section is the A-to-Z guide on understanding how the sport works. Miller goes that extra quarter mile and devotes a chapter to the many women that have raced. List price $34.95 at bookstores and online.

There are times where I would love to communicate with drivers around me. Most of the time I bite my tongue and keep my hands on the steering wheel. But a scrolling, programmable rear licence plate LED display frame can help. On a sports car I may have, "Yes a GIRL is driving," while on my grocery-getter SUV I may just suggest that my fellow drivers "Have a Nice Day." From $30 at Shoppers Drug Mart and Canadian Tire.

Who doesn't know the famous race car driver, Mario Andretti? He has quite clearly slowed things down, at least while enjoying his wine. His 17-hectare estate is home to award-winning wines peppered with his extensive racing history. Andretti's 2007 Chardonnay is fresh and fruity – a perfect accompaniment to any meal. To drink this vino is to be a champion. $32.95, LCBO.

Partner under $100

A random trip to a salvage yard started Steven Shaver on the road to his destiny. Today, he's a renowned artist building beautiful pieces from discarded automobile parts. No man can resist cool bracelets made from worn engine bearings – Shaver's original idea. Soon he will make them with carbon fibre and hopefully a smaller version for women. $99-$150 (U.S.), www.stevenshaver.com.

My better half considers himself sentimental. I say he hoards his memories, mostly in the garage. While a complete garage makeover may be out of the question, having a professional organizer drop by could save us from a marriage counsellor and give our cars' space a much needed de-cluttering. Pat McArthur, owner of Home Definition, is a born organizer. $50-$80 per hour, www.homedefinition.ca.

With so many cars stored for the winter, my husband always needs a good battery tender. The Battery Tender Plus is a 1.25-amp battery charger designed to fully charge a battery and maintain it at proper storage voltage without the damaging effects caused by trickle chargers. While he may not like its pink colour, I know he will appreciate the fact that a portion of its sale goes toward the National Breast Cancer Foundation. $69.95 (U.S.), www.batterytender.com.

Price unlimited

Not too many Ferraris see snow in their lifetime. When the flurries fly, most are retired to the garage. Why not enjoy the winter with your very own Ferrari sled? This lightweight aluminum frame has a moulded seat made of impact-resistant polycarbonate. It'll be the hottest thing gliding down a snowy hill. 800 euros (about $1,250).

www.ferraristore.com.

The Fab grill is the coolest engine themed barbecue available. The chrome-plated valve covers, air cleaner, oil pan and control station give it the authentic look of a real engine. The cast-iron cooking surface and powder-coated finish is for durability. The Fab should last longer than a high-performance engine and look extremely cool on and off the track. $399 (U.S.), www.fabgrills.com.

German Designer Thomas Sassenbac is giving monochrome garage doors a whole new look with the cool images on his garage billboards. Each is fitted in the same way as a fly screen on a window. No matter what material the door is made from, the billboards are quick and easy to fit with Velcro and, when it's time for a change, equally easy to remove. Top sellers are the jet, race car and horse stable images. Special Christmas-themed garage door decals are available, too. From 169 euros (about $265), www.style-your-garage.com.

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