Gifts for classic car lovers
A classic car owner already knows his chassis number, his paint code and which of the parts on the car are original. Generic gifts don't stand a chance. Gifts that respect the car do.
More than half of the cars our customers send us were built before 1990: Bel Airs, Galaxies, Chevelles, Corvairs, first-generation Mustangs. Here is what we have learned about what those owners value, plus nine gifts we don't sell.
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§ 01
10 gifts for the classic car owner
Mixed budgets. Prices for parts, events and memberships vary too much by car and region to quote honestly.
- 01$59–$449
A poster of his classic, on a road from its era
$59–$449
His car in its original color, every chrome strip and whitewall in place, on a road that fits the car: a '62 Galaxie on Route 66, a Riviera on Pacific Coast Highway, a '64 Impala on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Name the exact trim when you order (a 442 is not a Cutlass, and a standard Firebird is not a Trans Am). You see the design free first and can change it until it is right.
→ Custom car poster - 02varies
Factory build records
varies
For many classic Fords you can order a Marti Report, and many older GM cars have factory documentation available too. They show how the car was optioned when it left the plant. Owners who care about originality treasure these.
- 03varies
Membership in his marque club
varies
Corvette owners have the NCRS, Mustang owners the Mustang Club of America, and most makes have a national club with judging, tours and a magazine.
- 04varies
A fitted, breathable car cover
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Made for his model, soft on the paint, for the months the car sleeps in the garage. Universal covers don't fit a long-hood classic.
- 05varies
A weekend at a big classic meet
varies
The fall meet in Hershey, Pennsylvania, a regional concours or an auction weekend. Thousands of cars and a swap meet where he can hunt for parts.
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The factory shop manual for his year
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Original or a good reprint. Classic owners use them, and an original is a collectible in its own right.
- 07varies
The part he's been hunting
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Every classic owner has one: a correct hubcap, a trim piece, an original radio knob. Ask his club friends what it is, then hunt it down.
- 08varies
A scenic tour for vintage cars
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Many clubs run day tours on back roads, built for cars that prefer 50 mph. A good way to actually drive the car.
- 09varies
A scale model in the right year and color
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Diecast makers cover most popular classics. Match the year, the body style and the color, and it will sit on his desk for good.
- 10varies
A period-look radio with modern inside
varies
Retro-style radios fit the original dash opening and add Bluetooth, so he can play his music without cutting the dash. Check fitment for his car first.
§ 02
Classic posters from real orders
Classics are where the details matter most: the vinyl roof on a '73 Charger, the red trim on a Galaxie 500 XL, the fender script on a Riviera. These customers sent a photo and, in some cases, a line about the car. We redrew it until they approved it.
§ 03
Tips for a classic car poster
Use the best photo of the car as it is now, or as it was when it meant the most. A restored car can be shown finished even while it is still on jack stands. One Dutch customer has his half-restored Beetle on the wall already, done, and says it keeps him motivated.
Pick a road that matches the car's era and story. For a car bought in California in 1964, Pacific Coast Highway. For a car that crossed the country, Route 66. For the one that went to the 1971 family vacation, describe that place and we'll put it there.
Got two classics? Every extra print in an order is 20% off, and many owners order the pair to hang side by side.
From customers
“The placement on my living room wall was simple and the finished product looks perfect. I’m sure I will have another project for you in the future. Thank you to everyone involved in making this project possible.”
“I have plenty of pictures of my car but this is something different that adds to my collection. It’s framed and will be hanging in my garage.”
“Both came out awesome! I can’t wait to show everyone in my car club! I am so pleased with them!”
“Looks fabulous and accurate!”
Questions
What are some good gifts for a classic car enthusiast?
Gifts that respect the car: factory build records, membership in his marque club, a fitted car cover, the part he has been hunting, and a poster of his car on a road from its era.
What are some unique gifts for car lovers?
A poster of his own car is unique by definition: nobody else has the same car in the same color on the same road. Factory documentation for his car is another one-of-a-kind gift.
What to buy a man who loves his old car?
Something about that car. Skip generic classic-car decor; get his car, his year, his color.
Can you make a poster from an old photo of a classic?
Yes. A scan or a phone photo of an old print works. You can describe the original color and details if the photo is faded.
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