For those last-minute holiday shoppers, Arthur St. Antoine from Motor Trend magazine is here to help you find the perfect gift for any guy on Father's Day.
Why not get Dad a subscription to Motor Trend Magazine, or better yet to Truck Trend Magazine, (shameless plug). But if your dad all ready subscribes to one of our publication, take a look at these great ideas from Arthur:
Geox Respira Driving Shoes
These Italian-made beauties are all the rage in their home country (Geox is now Italy's number-one shoe brand), and now they're gaining quite a fan base in the USA, too. For good reason. Thanks to a patented technology that absorbs sweat and allows the rubber soles to breathe, these Geox loafers keep your feet cool and comfortable -- without letting water from the outside penetrate. Plus, they exude Italian style and good taste. The shoes pictured go for about $135; other styles are available. Visit the company's Web site for more info and to find a dealer near you.
Geox Web site
Mad Maps Get Outta Town Series
Working as hard as he does, Dad just doesn't have time to head out on a three-week vacation to, say, trek across the Taklimakan Desert in northwest China. But that doesn't mean he doesn't want some good old R&R. Enter the Get Outta Town series from Mad Maps. These convenient, pocket-size folding maps ($5.95 each) list everything you need to take scenic, day-long road escapes from any of more than two dozen U.S. cities. The maps include routes, roadside attractions, roadhouses, and other driving info. The company also makes larger, more detailed maps with other great off-the-beaten-path tours.
Mad Maps Web site
Wrenchware Cutlery
Dad is such a car geek, he gets all huffy even having to put down his tools long enough to eat. Hey, problem solved. Get him a set of Wrenchware, and Dad can dine using a knife shaped like pliers, a spoon that looks like a wrench, and more. All pieces are made of high-quality, 18/10 polished drop-forged stainless steel. The three-piece set pictured goes for $24. Wrenchware also makes auto-themed cups and plates.
Wrenchware Web site
HANNsrollo LCD TV
It's not just what you watch on TV that counts, it's what you watch it on. This 15-inch LCD model ($549) from "design-centric" maker HANNspree will look perfect in Dad's Motor Racing Shrine -- or in any room of an auto-enthusiast's home. Design features include a sports-car steering wheel, front speakers shaped like headlights (they illuminate when the set is on), and streamlined air vents. The set itself boasts 1024 x 768 XGA resolution, plenty of inputs (including a jack for a computer), and a remote control. Visit the company's Web site and search under the Sports collection.
HANNspree Web site
Racing Code T-Shirts
A lot of the automotive apparel I come across is so garish and unsightly, I wouldn't wash my car with it. These great T-shirts ($22) from Racing Code are different. Classy designs, hip colors, and quality fabrics make for T-shirts Dad can wear to a race or under a sport coat with equal style. Racing Code also makes long-sleeve tees, jackets, hats, and accessories.
Racing Code Web site
Tibaldi Bentley Pens
Want to really suck up and treat Dad like a king? Then you owe it to yourself to get him one of these limited-edition Bentley writing instruments from famed Italian penmaker Tibaldi. Priced at a cool $6750 for the fountain pen and $6350 for the rollerball, each is handcrafted in sterling silver and draws its design cues from the finishes of the two limited-edition cars produced for the Diamond Jubilee of the Crewe factory -- the Arnage and the Continental GT Diamond Series. Like all Tibaldi pens, these incorporate a patented filling mechanism that, when the cap is turned to load the barrel with ink, produces the high-quality sound and feel of manually winding a fine watch. With one of these babies, Dad's penmanship might even improve.
Tibaldi Web site
Jeep Desk Clock
If Dad fought in WWII, or even if he's just a fan of "Band of Brothers," he'll appreciate the looks of this unique desk clock ($47) from Jeep's Heritage Collection. Made of rugged metal -- just like a real Jeep! -- this rig is nearly a foot long and sports plenty of authentic details, including tires, olive-drab paint, and a jerry can. Flip open the hood, and out pops an analog clock. Alas, it doesn't include an alarm that yells: "Rommel! You magnificent . . . "
Jeep Gear Web site
Click here to get more great gift ideas from MotorTrend.com
For the fathers who want to add more power and style to their rides, check out Truck Trend's 2007 Gear for more gift-giving ideas!