There are some universal passions shared amongst the majority of men on Earth, no matter what culture or region, and towards the top of this list is undoubtedly motorsports. Whether it be cars or motorcycles, the appreciation of the mechanics, engineering, performance, and aesthetics of motorized vehicles resonates with a great many of the world’s fathers and has since the introduction of the internal combustion engine more than a century ago. These gear heads, however, tend to be a particularly passionate and opinionated bunch, which can make them exceedingly difficult to shop for when birthdays and holidays roll around.
If you’ve got a dad that falls into this category, you likely know firsthand how true this can be. And with Father’s Day just around the corner, it’s once again time to procure a gift for the motorsport-inclined father in your life. To help kick your search into high gear, we’ve scoured the internet for best Father’s Day gifts for the gearhead, so whether you’re on a limited budget or have several grand to spend, or if your dad prefers two wheels or four, this curated selection of items is sure to bring a smile to the face of any oily-nailed, shade-tree mechanic dad.
Ton Up! Book
Written by world-renowned motorcycle historian (and walking moto-encyclopedia) Paul d’Orleans, Ton Up!: A Century of Cafe Racer Speed and Style recounts the fascinating history of motorcycling, while also delving into the origin and evolution of cafe racers and their overall impact on motorcycling as a whole — all brought to life through more than 200 pages of illustrations, photographs, and text.
I DRAW Motos Sketch Book
Born out of a collaboration with Portland-based custom motorcycle shop, Moto Mucci, the I DRAW Motos Sketchbook is a (hardcover) detailed how-to guide on how to illustrate and design motorcycles, using step-by-step instructions, perspective guides, fundamental layout lessons, and over 100 templates to draw over for practice.
EarPeace Moto Ear-Plugs
This aptly-named product solves one of the most common problems amongst motorsport and track day enthusiasts: providing ear protection from loud, high-revving engines and wind-noise while still allowing horns, sirens, and comms systems communications to be heard. The EarPeace Ear Plugs also come in a handy carabiner-equipped aluminum carrying case.
Flying Tiger Moto 2-Stroke Smoke Candle
Afford dad some nostalgia for the olden days of premixing fuel and smoke-spitting expansion chambers with this two-stroke-scented candle from Maplewood, Missouri-based bespoke bike building outfit, Flying Tiger Moto. Produced by hand, each (one-pint) candle is sold in a classic motor oil-style can, furthering this American-made product’s vintage oil-burning theme.
AvalonKing Armor Shield IX DIY Ceramic Coating Kit
Though traditional wax goes a long way to protecting the finish on a car (or motorcycle), ceramic coating goes even further, providing an even more rugged and long-lasting, hydrophobic, scratch-resistant protective transparent coat. Using the highest consumer-grade ceramic coating that money can buy, AvalonKing’s Armor Shield IX DIY Kit includes everything needed to apply this finish-fortifying formula.
Life Behind Bars Jakarta x Thrive Moto Peloton ASPHALT Backpack
Made from ultra-hardwearing 1000D Cordura, the Peloton ASPHALT is a weatherproof roll-top backpack specifically designed for motorcycling. The result of a collaboration between Life Behind Bars and fellow Jakarta company, Thrive Motorcycle, the bag offers up to 45L of cargo space, packs a floating padded laptop sleeve, 6061 aluminum hooks, and an organized compartment for tools.
Adobe Road Racing Wine Set
Produced by a California-based winery founded by a former race car driver that’s combined his two passions in life to create this gift set. Sold in a special gift box, the collection is comprised of four bottles, including the “Shift” which is decorated with a tachometer badge that appears to reach redline when the bottle is poured/tipped.
Jane Moto Coveralls
Whether wrenching on marine engines, airplanes, cars, or motorcycles, coveralls have long been the go-to garments for mechanics the world over. This premium-take on the traditional piece of workwear comes from New York’s Jane Moto and is made in the USA from a lightweight yet durable indigo-dyed Sashiko fabric.
Sinn NaBo 56 / 8 Cockpit Chronograph Clock
Originally founded by an ex-flight instructor in 1961, German watch brand, Sinn has always had a close association to the world of aviation, which the Frankfurt firm celebrates via its NaBo 56 / 8: an actual mil-spec, flight-worthy cockpit navigation chronograph that’s highly resistant to shock, extreme temperatures, and low-pressure situations.
Zero West LS-1 Land Speed Chronograph Watch
Sporting a dial and case directly inspired by the dash-mounted timing pieces on depression-era land speed race cars, Zero West’s LS-1 Land Speed is a motorsport-themed chronograph that boasts a black-PVD-coated 316L stainless steel case paired with a Valjoux 7750 Swiss automatic movement, stopwatch-style pusher, and a backplate and lugs CNC-machined from 316L steel billet.
The 15 Best Watches For Car Enthusiasts
Still haven’t found that perfect something for the motorsport-obsessed dad in your life? Well, our guide to the best watches for car enthusiasts is packed with tachymeter-toting timepieces that are sure to resonate with any gearhead, whether they ride on four wheels or two.
