Tested this month
CARBURETTOR COFFEE
Putting the caffeine into a ‘cars and coffee’ meet, Carburettor Coffee is a creative new firm that is using classic machinery as inspiration for blends such as Roadrunner, influenced by a ’71 Plymouth and using Ethiopian and Central American Arabica beans, or the ‘house blend’ Cortina, which adds a hint of Robusta. While I haven’t experienced the stirring effects of a drophead Aston Martin in the morning, I did find CC’S Volante ground blend to be pleasantly smooth with a rich, finely balanced taste and with just enough awakening power – its maker rates it at four out of five for strength. The blends are available as whole beans or ground for a variety of brewing methods, including French press or espresso, with bags sized from 250g to 1kg and prices starting at £6.50. AM carburettorcoffee.co.uk
DEFENDER SHOCK CONTACT ALARM
I’ll admit to having been a bit suspicious of the low (£14.95) price attached to this security device. Using a vibration sensor and a magnetic contact, it emits a siren when the door it’s protecting is being forced or opened, with five-second entry and 30-second exit delays so you don’t set it off yourself. The good news is that it’s a cinch to install, using adhesive pads; there are no unsightly wires; no Wi-fi or subscription is needed; and the three AAA batteries that power it are included. It feels a tad flimsy, plus just four digits for your activation code means fewer possible combinations, but it’s said to be police-accredited and it holds a Sold Secure Gold Standard, so it should offer some peace of mind for your garage, shed or workshop at an affordable price. LP defendersecurityproducts.co.uk
SIEGEN 14-PIECE STUBBY COMBINATION SPANNER SET
A simple solution for hard-toreach nuts and bolts, this set of stubby spanners (part no S01232) is ideal for dealing with cramped engine bays. The largest, 19mm spanner is just 140mm long, while the dinky 6mm and 7mm tools are a mere 75mm long, with everything else following a range in between. Finished in chrome vanadium and with a lifetime guarantee, the Siegen spanners feel good-quality, the only downside being that their storage tray isn’t made for stowing – you’ll need to decant them into a toolkit or keep them in the box. I found them particularly useful on interior bolts and for working at the back of an engine bay, but you probably won’t know you need them until you’re desperate. If your classic isn’t huge, I’d recommend investing in the set whenever you see it on sale at a good price, such as the current £27.54 offer (RRP £43.14). CC sealey.co.uk