Buying Christmas gifts for the motoring fan in the family can be a bit of a challenge, but here are a few ideas that may help out.

Guy Martin’s new book ‘Worms to Catch’ is out now and, after devouring his first book quicker than a child with an ice cream on a hot summer day, it is well worth a read. His down to earth view of life has really proved there is still room for characters in our politically correct culture. Formula One World Champion Damon Hill also released his autobiography this year and I have heard rave reviews. Having bought a dog-eared 1971 paperback copy of his father’s book ‘Life at the Limit’ at Prescott Hill Climb earlier this year, I hope the quality of anecdotes runs in the family.

Driving DVDs offer fantastic viewing
A driving DVD is a great choice and there are some real classics out there. Steve McQueen’s 1971 ‘Le Mans’ is a film that I keep going back to. Constant fights with the studio company nearly broke the Hollywood star, but after using 45 real international racing drivers, his vision of recreating the 24-hour event shone through. Other films such as ‘Senna’, ‘Vanishing Point’, ‘No Man’s Land’ (for Porsche), ‘Ronin’ and ‘Bullitt’ (another McQueen film) all offer some fantastic viewing for the car mad.

Car manufacturers also produce rather nice After Shaves. Bentley for Men Absolute has top notes of pink pepper and ginger whilst Ferrari Leather Essence (yes that is the name) has notes of bitter orange, cloves and bergamot. Jaguar also produce fragrances for men.

Ferrous Dueller easily wins my car product of the year
For something that smells great for the car, try buying an item from the Dodo Juice range of car products. I have been using Dodo Juice for several years and not only do their products work, but they are the car equivalent of that popular high street shop Lush. They do a variety of car waxes and a fantastic wheel cleaner called Ferrous Dueller. Unlike their other products, it smells like an old goat, but is non-toxic. It’s kind to all alloy wheels, turns a fancy purple colour on contact with brake dust and makes wheels cleaner than you can imagine. It easily wins my car product of the year.

Something to look forward to in 2017
Tickets for car shows, motor-sport events and motor circuit season passes can all be bought at this time of year and provide something to look forward to in 2017.

I would like to finish this year by thanking you for reading my monthly motoring columns and wishing you and your families the very best for the season and safe motoring in 2017. I would also like to thank Audi, Jaguar, Volkswagen, Ford, Peugeot, MG, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, SMMT, Castle Combe Circuit, Bell Racing and the Kingscott family for all their help this year. Looking forward to bringing you all things motoring in 2017!