Whether it’s an exhilarating track day with BMW near Palm Springs, thrilling off-road adventures with renowned British brand Land Rover by Carmel-by-the-Sea, or luxurious lifestyle gadgets from Rolls-Royce, Bugatti, and Bentley—like sleek wireless headphones, a chic e-scooter, or a travel tech case—there’s something for every car enthusiast. Furthermore, for those planning a rugged journey through National Parks or embarking on overland adventures, here are some ideal gifts for the automotive aficionado in your life.
Land Rover Off-Road Experience
Delight a loved one with a bespoke off-road driving lesson at the Land Rover Experience Driving Center, located in the scenic Carmel Valley. Situated within the luxurious The Quail Hotel Resort and Golf Club, trained instructors cater to all skill levels, guiding participants through steep drops and log obstacles across the expansive 850-acre venue. Offerings range from the introductory One-Hour Experience ($295), which involves navigating ascents and descents, to an extensive Heritage Experience ($1,650) designed to enhance off-road driving skills and prepare attendees for real-world challenges, like rock crawling and fording streams, using vehicles such as the Land Rover Defender 90, a modern Range Rover, and a Discovery. With a backdrop of the Santa Lucia mountains, the resort’s California ranch-style bungalows and farm-to-table dining are additional attractions for an overnight stay.
Ltd. Edition Volvo x D.S. & Durga Candle
Enthusiasts of Volvo Cars and Scandinavian design will be thrilled to find this limited edition candle in their holiday gifts. Celebrated for their distinctive and often unconventional fragrances, the husband-and-wife team behind D.S. & Durga were invited to Gothenburg last summer, where vintage Volvos, the scent of black licorice, and walks in the forest inspired them to create a unique fragrance called Swoodish—a playful blend of ‘Swedish’ and ‘Woods.’ Priced at $70, the SWOODISH candle is available at dsanddurga and VolvoCarSwoodish, with Volvo donating a portion of sales to their partner, One Tree Planted, through the Volvo For Life Fund.
BMW Track Day
For the thrill-seekers looking for high-performance driving in Southern California, there’s nothing quite like the excitement of a track day at the BMW Performance Center. Located at The Thermal Club, a private motorsports venue close to Palm Springs, various track layouts challenge drivers with sharp turns and long straights to test their handling, speed, and braking skills. For those eager to improve their skills under expert coaching, the M Track Experiences offer a variety of sessions focused on high-speed driving featuring BMW M series vehicles, with the One-Day M School serving as a perfect introduction to mastering the M3, M4, and M5 Competition models while learning drift techniques and timing strategies.
Rolls-Royce Amphitheatre Headphones
Specifically designed for Rolls-Royce vehicles and compatible with the rear seat entertainment system in the Cullinan Series II and all future models equipped with RSE, the Rolls-Royce Amphitheatre Headphones (priced upon request but generally listed at $2,100 at Miller Motorcars) are also functional with any Bluetooth-enabled device. Crafted with a noise-canceling feature and a built-in microphone, they ensure exceptional sound quality for an immersive audio experience, boasting a remarkable 70-hour battery life. The headphones and their case both exhibit subtle Rolls-Royce branding, providing secure and stylish storage.
Café Leather Driving Gloves
For the fashion-forward car lover, driving gloves are a practical accessory that ensures a firm grip on the steering wheel while protecting hands from the elements. Artisan brands like Café Leather have rejuvenated this classic accessory, riding the wave of vintage fashion’s popularity. Handcrafted in Ubrique, Spain—a town famous for its expert leather artisans—Café Leather has developed a premium line of accessories catering to automotive enthusiasts. Their driving gloves, especially the Tritron series inspired by 1950s racing culture, link fashion with practicality for a touch of old-school elegance.
Scout Motors Apparel
Originally launched in the 1960s as a line of rugged off-road vehicles by International Harvester, Scout Motors has now excitingly re-emerged as an electric vehicle brand with two innovative concepts: the Traveler SUV and the Terra pickup truck. Models like the Scout 80 and Scout II gained a reputation for their durability, paving the way for modern SUVs that merge utility with an adventurous spirit. Reflecting this heritage, Scout’s retro-styled accessory line features essentials such as the Fleece Shacket, Topo Designs Y-Pack, a cozy Waffle Knit Beanie, and an insulated MiiR Camp Mug.
Rivian Duffel Bag
Rivian is recognized for its innovative designs that synergize eco-friendliness with the adventurous essence of classic off-road vehicles. The R1T pickup and the R1S SUV exemplify futuristic aesthetics combined with rugged functionality, showcasing their off-road and adventure capabilities. Rivian’s range of gear and accessories reflects this ethos, including practical items like a $400 portable charger and fun goods like a Gear Guard Halloween Plush for $45, along with their stylish yet functional Duffel Bag, perfect for any journey.
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