Aftermarket action

You’ll need a record of this

Cars on Vinyl is a book that both music and car fans will enjoy. Author Jacques Petit has assembled a collection of 500 album covers, all of which feature automobiles in one form or another, and all are depicted in LP-sized original scale. He has also included a brief summary of each cover, listing the artist(s), record label, catalogue number and of course the make and model of the featured vehicle. The book is filled with Rolls Royces, Jaguars, Cobras, Cadillacs and other models that were featured as visual enhancements. Also included are buses (i.e. The Who’s Magic Bus cover, e.g.) plus various oddball makes. Cars on Vinyl in hard cover is available for $105, or just $4.30 for the paperback version from www.amazon.com.

Car cartoons

For some people, a car is simply a Point-A-to-Point-B appliance devoid of sentimental value or excitement. Other people, however, are totally passionate about their wheels. If you fall into the latter group, Give A Masterpiece can create an eight-by10-inch caricature of your car, truck, minivan, or what-have-you, drawn from your own photos. If you wish, the company will even include a personalized license plate as part of the rendering, at extra cost, and also handle framing and giftwrapping. Each “CarToon” is drawn on your choice of paper or on canvas. Prices begin at $70 plus shipping. Learn more about the process at www.giveamasterpiece.com.

Keep an eye on your small fry

Having your infant safely secured in the rear seat of your car, facing the back, is the correct procedure. However, it’s virtually impossible to observe how or what they’re doing. One solution is to purchase a Munchkin Adjustable Back Seat Mirror. The product will allow you to keep tabs on your kid just by glancing in your rearview mirror. The 13-inch by9.5-inch mirror can be adjusted to the correct position for you and your baby to see each other and will fit just about any backrest. Munchkin sells the product through department stores and major toy outlets as well as www.amazon.com and other websites in the $15 range.

Route 66 postcards

Without question, one of the most famous North American highways is Route 66. Before interstate freeways were built, this 2,448mile two-lane road was the primary link between Chicago, Ill., and Los Angeles, Calif., beginning in the late 1920s. It was officially decommissioned in 1985. As a record of the highway’s glory days through the decades, author Joe Sonderman has assembled some 400 postcards depicting points of interest, landmarks, attractions, motels, restaurants and other sights. His 304-page book, “Postcards from Route 66, The Ultimate Collection from America’s Main Street”, is a must-have for anyone interested in this iconic stretch of asphalt and the history of long-distance automobile travel. Order a copy for $17.50 from www.amazon.com.