the topgear

MODELS, WITH A PAPER TWIST

If building models of supercars is your passion, Taras Lesko, creator of Visual Spicer, has the perfect build-ityourself project. All you need is a color printer and the latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader loaded onto your computer to create a very credible scale replica of a Ford GT, McLaren P1, Pagani Zonda and others.

Once assembled using scissors and glue, each model is about 2.5 feet (about 75 centimetres) in length or 1:8 scale.You pay US $9 to acquire the downloadable template and instructions (discounts applicable if you order more than one). Scope out www.visualspicer.com, watch the assembly videos on Youtube and place your order.

FORD’S FINAL CHAPTER

One of the most fascinating and controversial industrialists of any time in history, Henry Ford literally put North America on wheels with his sturdy and affordable Model T.

Much has been written about the man’s early beginnings, but author Henry Dominguez has instead concentrated on chronicling Ford’s final years until his death on April 7, 1947, of a cerebral hemorrhage. Dominguez’s book, The Last Days of Henry Ford, includes over 100 photos, including the only known color image of Ford. Purchase the book for US $45 ($65 for a numbered and signed copy with slipcover) from www.racemaker.com.

IT’S YOUR DOG’S LIFE

Most dogs love to stick their heads out the car window, but that isn’t necessarily the safest thing for them to do, whether you’re on the move or stopped.

The Breeze-Guard from Muttmanagers will keep your dog safe behind a protective steel mesh screen that securely attaches inside the window frame of your vehicle’s doors (front and/or rear side doors).You can still roll your windows up and down with the BreezeGuard in place.

A set of two to fit most vehicles is priced at US $259 plus shipping, however the company is able to produce custom-fitted units on request. For more information, go online to www.muttmanagers.com.