Drive Gear
Sydney Morning Herald
Saturday November 29, 1997
Christmas on wheels? What a horrible thought ...
There are no cars in this yuletide guide. Instead, the most practical gift for any motorist (but especially teens) is a defensive-driving course. Based on sound survival techniques and the right attitude - rather than cowboy skid control - one of the better schools is run by Peter Finlay. His one-day course costs $195 and it may save a life.
The best drive of 1997 is also the best gift for the motor-mad. Pollution-free, it costs next to nothing to run, register or maintain and costs $199 from any major department store. Sony's PlayStation and its driving simulator software is to video games what the Space Shuttle is to the Wright Brothers. Incredible detail and accuracy give PlayStation's Formula 1 '97 and V-Rally (both $89.95) an appeal which goes way beyond a kid's game.
How realistic? Sony had experts in Perth a couple of weeks ago, digitally mapping every centimetre of the World Championship Rally course. At Tokyo's big motor show last month, the latest software release, Gran Turismo, drew rapt attention from a crowd of cosmopolitan grown-ups who design, engineer and drive the real thing for a living.
If there's a Tim The Tool Man on your list, or anyone who appreciates good design and mechanical precision, the Snap-on company has the goods. After a couple of hundred years the inventors of the modern hand tool have re-designed the humble but very useful screwdriver.
It now looks nothing like a screwdriver but works much better. An ergonomic pistol grip and a fine mechanical ratchet system with interchangeable bits, will have the handy types in heaven. Be warned, this tradesman-quality piece costs $87.65 but it does come in 10 colours and it is backed by a lifetime guarantee.
For fashion victims, consider a pair of Italian sunglasses from the Armani of motoring, Momo, ($165) or a leather and walnut replacement steering wheel for between $315 and $775. For the driver who has everything, the, ah, Sylvania Waters-style selection, a $125 Momo walnut car key. Hmmm!
For lasting value why not consider wheels and cogs of a different, altogether more elegant kind: an antique mechanical watch.
A 1930s Omega in nine-carat gold for $350, a ladies' Rolex circa 1920s for $590. These and others, including my absolute favourite 1965 Breitling Cosmonaut, are from Karl Braunsteiner at Master Watchmaking.
© 1997 Sydney Morning Herald