GEARBOX PREMIUM
NEW GEAR FOR A NEW YEAR
1. LIGHT TO LIGHT
Trying to outrun the cops sounds like an arresting way to spend an afternoon, but only if it is done on a Scalextric model car racing track. Called the Scalex American Police Chase, this set comes complete with cars, track, controllers and a transformer. The set features a challenging track plus an AMC Javelin Police car and a Dodge Challenger. Both cars feature magnatraction and the set offers enough fun to easily lose an afternoon. This set and others is available from Southern Model Supplies.
2. 60 YEARS OF MINI
You don’t have to be a Mini nut to get something out of this book about a truly great 20th century car – enormously popular, very clever, adaptable, fun and a survivor. Over 5 million were built on variants of the original platform, before BMW revived the brand with a bigger intpretation of the breed. Giles Chapman is the perfect pick as an author, having penned the enormously popular My Dad
Had One of Those. Published by Motorbooks at @ $55. booktopia.com.au
3. HSV GTSR
One of the best hot Holdens hatched by HSV is the menacing, limited-edition GTSR. For your artwork memento of Australian highperformance history get onto the HSV merchandise store. You can order the HSV GTSR in the colour of your choice for $200. It is professionally printed on 230gsm matte paper using premium inks with a selection of frames to choose from. Your precious HSV GTSR is protected by Shinkolite 3mm cast acrylic for greater optical clarity and shipping is free within Australia. shop.hsv.com.au
4. SHELBY WHEEL BLING
If you want to dress up your Mustang with an extra touch of bling from Ford guru Shelby, check out these slick-looking 20-inch wheels. Available for Mustangs from 2015 onwards these 10-spoke chrome finished wheels have been crafted to not only fit under the guards and clear the Brembo brakes without modification, but they also allow for the fitment of larger brakes. This head turning set of 20x9 front and 20x10 rears costs $2200. Gallop into Mustang Motorsport. mustangmotorsport.com.au
5. GREAT UTES
If you want to start a passionate debate, make some claims about who came up with the first ute, and when. Author Joel Wakely goes some way to settling the argument, and of course the answer isn’t as clear as we might like it to be. This hardcover celebrates the ute in all its forms, with lots of privately-owned examples featured, along with a pretty cogent history. Published by Woodslane at $50. woodslane.com.au
6. SHOW ME THE WAY
Back in the mid 20th century most cars had a navigation aid. It wasn’t as whiz bang as todays computer systems but seemed to do the job for millions of motorists. In Melbourne it was called the Melway and it was the bible for getting around the ever-expanding southern city metropolis. Now Melway has produced a commemorative reprint of its first edition from 1966. To Melbournians the Melway is as much a part of the city as the MCG, Yarra River, Flinders Street Station and W Class trams. melway.com.au