Auto-themed products you should splurge on

London cab

How about something really unique to park in your garage, such as a restored London cab? This retired taxi comes with all the trimmings, including right-hand drive, air conditioning, a rear-parking sensor, a leather interior and an authentic taxi sign on the roof. Inside, there’s room for six passengers (including two rear-facing jump seats) plus the driver. The 2.7-litre four-cylinder diesel engine is connected to a three-speed automatic transmission. Hammacher Schlemmer will sell you one for $40,000 (U.S.) but the company advises, “Special conditions and guarantee limitations apply.” Please check your local laws regarding vehicle importation. Check out this taxi at HammacherSchlemmer.com.

MoonShade awning

The nine-by-seven-foot (2.75- by- 2.1-metre) awning comes with telescoping aluminum support poles and is claimed to be simple to set up. It also attaches to just about any vehicle’s roof and is constructed of polyester, which provides protection from the sun. You get four support lines and stakes, plus two suction-cup mounts. When not in use, the eight-pound (3.6kilogram) MoonShade stores in a 28- bysix-inch (71-by-15-centimetre) carrying bag. The Moonshade sells for $325 (U.S.) from moonfab.com.

HydroThread stain repellant

The product’s mission is self-explanatory and it’s also claimed to prevent leather seats or coverings from fading due to ultraviolet exposure. The retailer also claims the product can also be used to protect convertible tops and carpeting, without affecting the way the fabric looks and feels. A 16-ounce (470-millilitre) bottle of HydroThread is available for $28 (U.S.) from chemicalguys.com.