The 10 Best Father’s Day Gifts for the Gearhead

From fisherman to golfers to carpentry enthusiasts, it can be exceedingly difficult to shop for someone that possesses a passion for a hobby or activity that you don’t personally share. And nowhere is this more true than with automotive and motorcycle enthusiasts. This can make finding a gift for the motorsport enthusiast in your life particularly tricky — even if that enthusiast happens to be your dad. Well aware of this reality, we’ve cracked the throttle wide open and have thoroughly scoured the market in order to deliver this curated guide to the best Father’s Day gifts for the gearhead. So, whether your old man is a die-hard biker, an avid car guy, or combination of the two, this handpicked list of items has got you covered. 

Alpinestars Tech-Air Off-Road Airbag System

The world’s very first purpose-built off-road wireless airbag, the Alpinestars Tech-Air Off-Road Airbag System is a state-of-the-art piece of protective gear that uses three accelerometers and a trio of gyroscopes that all send real-time data to an ECU that can deploy an airbag when a crash is detected. Able to accommodate a 1.5-liter hydration pack, the Tech-Air Off-Road Airbag System also includes a full suite of integrated armor. Also able to be used on the street, this system’s airbag deploys in just 0.052 seconds — for a point of reference, it takes the human eye between 0.1 and 0.4 seconds to blink. 

Mechanix Wear x Mister Cartoon Original Gloves

For more than 30 years, Mechanix Wear’s Original Gloves have been some of the most popular and trusted mechanics mitts on the market, thanks to their ability to afford a unique combination of dexterity and protection — and to do so in an exceedingly affordable package. This particular limited edition version of the Original Gloves was born out of a collaboration between Mechanix Wear and legendary Los Angeles-based tattoo and graffiti artist Mark Machado — better known as “Mister Cartoon.” Machine-washable and touchscreen-compatible, the Mechanix Wear x Mister Cartoon Original Gloves feature a form-fitting TrekDry construction, an adjustable TPR wrist closure, reinforced thumb and index finger, and a back of hand design and silicone grip palm print adorned in art from Mister Cartoon. 

LEGO McLaren MP4/4 & Ayrton Senna Set

Though his life was tragically cut short following a crash in 1994, Ayrton Senna remains one of the most iconic race car drivers of all time, with an influence that can still very much be felt to this day. To honor the Brazilian-born three-time Formula 1 champ, LEGO has recently released a brick-built version of Sena’s Marlboro-liveried McLaren MP4/4 race car from the ’88 season. Sold with an included Ayrton Senna mini fig, this 693-piece kit spans 12.5” in length, stands at 5” tall, and clocks in at 6.5” in width. Alongside a host of officially-licensed sponsor logo stickers, the LEGO McLaren MP4/4 & Ayrton Senna Set also boasts functional steering, working push-rod suspension, an adjustable rear wing, adjustable mirrors, a usable gearshift, slick tires, and a detailed replica of the MP4/4’s turbocharged V6 engine. 

The Ridge x HPE Daily Driver Kit

Responsible for everything from massive 6×6 off-roaders to 1,800+ hp all-carbon hypercars, Hennessey Performance Engineering is a name that practically every motorsport enthusiast will be familiar with. As such, the Texas-based tuner and manufacturer’s recent collaboration with The Ridge makes for an exceptional Father’s Day gift. Dubbed the The Ridge x HPE Daily Driver Kit, this bundled everyday carry combo pack is comprised of special Hennessey versions of The Ridge’s six-key EDC key organizer and one of the brand’s ultra-popular minimalist wallets. Both items sport a matching forged carbon fiber construction decorated in co-branding from The Ridge and Hennessey. Not only is this a gift that dear old dad can use each and every day, but it’s also one that will remind him of you each time he takes it out. 

Leatherman ARC

Made in America, the Leatherman ARC is a premium multi-tool that’s perfect for keeping in the garage of glovebox. Spanning just 4.25” when closed, the ARC comes loaded with a whopping 20 tools and functions, including regular and needle-nose pliers, a pry tool, bottle and can openers, a myriad of drivers, spring-action scissors, a wood saw, and a 2.76-inch blade that’s forged in revolutionary CPM MagnaCut — marking the first time Leatherman has employed this powder metallurgy construction in its more-than-40-year history. On top of its bevy of onboard tools and functions, this pocketable powerhouse of a multi-tool also ships with an included nylon sheath and variety of included bits. The thing also comes backed by a generous 25-year warranty. 

FORMAWERX OpenSpec VTEC Key

The FORMAWERX OpenSpec VTEC Key is a bespoke automotive key with a design that’s inspired by iconic ‘90s era JDM cars and brought to life on a precision five-axis CNC machine. Milled from the buyer’s choice of top-shelf Perpetua Stainless Steel or even more premium titanium, the OpenSpec VTEC Key is compatible with practically all makes and models produced before the turn-of-the-millennium. So, whether its for a project car or his daily driver, dad will no doubt appreciate this bespoke addition to his favorite ride. 

DJI Osmo Action 4 Standard Combo

Whether your he’s an avid canyon carver or a regular track-day junkie, DJI’s Osmo Action 4 Standard Combo will allow your pops to capture all of his spirited, high-adrenaline riding or driving. Water resistant down to 59’, this insanely rugged action camera sports both a 1.40” front-facing touchscreen unit and a rear 2.25” touchscreen display, plus comes loaded with a 360° horizon lock, an ultra-wide 155° FOV, and the ability to capture ultra-crisp and clear 4K footage at 120FPS. The wealth of available mounting options also makes it ridiculously easy to attach the Osmo Action 4 to practically any vehicle. 

Sedici Strada 3 Carbon Helmet

Tipping the scales at under 3.5lbs, the Sedici Strada 3 Carbon Helmet is a lightweight, versatile, full-face lid that offers an impressive level of protection at an even more impressive price. Produced in four shell sizes, the outside of the helmet is crafted from carbon fiber and sports a sleek aerodynamic form and an underlying quadruple density EPS foam liner. Rounding out this value-laden brain bucket is a robust ventilation system with half-a-dozen intake and exhaust ports, an anti-bacterial, moisture-wicking comfort liner, 45mm speaker pockets for accommodating a comm system, a LaLaser cut cheek-pad setup, and an optically correct polycarbonate FF-80 face shield. DOT and ECE 22.06-certified, this full-carbon full-face model also affords pretty exceptional bang-for-your-buck with an MSRP of just $400 — or just $360 for those with Revzilla’s Riders Preferred Membership program. 

Roland Sands Haywood Jacket

The Roland Sands Haywood Jacket is a vintage-inspired varsity jacket that pays homage to the iconic John Player Special race livery. Borrowing the JPS motif to recreate an RSD logo, the Haywood features a wool body paired with hand-finished full-grain cowhide leather sleeves. Decorated in embroidered patches, this vintage-inspired stealth riding jacket also conceals SAS-TEC  Flex elbow and shoulder armor — plus a pocket for housing an optional spine protector. Thanks to its removable armor, top-shelf craftsmanship, and stylish design, this jacket lends itself just as well to causal use off-the-bike as it does use in the saddle. 

Autodromo Racing Team Chronograph

The latest timepiece from motorsport-themed horological outfit Autodromo, the Racing Team Chronograph is  a handsome yet affordable watch that’s limited to only 165 units worldwide. Water resistant down to 50 meters, the Autodromo Racing Team Chronograph is constructed around a 40mm stainless steel case that houses a Japanese-made Seiko VK63 chronograph hybrid meca-quartz movement. Its minimalistic dial sits beneath an AR-coated sapphire crystal and the watch comes paired with a race-inspired perforated leather strap. Also equipped with a 1/5 second sweep center-stop hand, this watch is a true mechanical reset chronograph as well. 

Snap-On 101-Piece 3/8″ Drive General Service Set

Made by what’s considered to be the Rolls-Royce of the tool world, the Snap-On 3/8″ Drive General Service Set is a professional-grade, American-made mechanic’s tool set that features a myriad of the most commonly-used essential sockets and ratchets.  Benefitting from closed cell cross-linked foam grips, a color-coded setup, die-cut angles, and Snap-On’s finger-press feature, this set is comprised of more-than-100 pieces in total, plus it includes a modular organizer. Sure, it’s far from cheap, though these truly are some of the very best hand tools on the planet.