The big wheel
If you think that all the various buttons and control switches attached to the modern steering wheel are complete engineering overkill, you should check out steering wheel of a Formula One race car. How so? The Amalgam Collection offers an exact 1:1 scale (full-size) replica of wheels used by both current and recently active teams, including Ferrari, Mercedes- Benz, Williams, McLaren, and others. All are individually hand-made and come mounted on their own display stand (a cover is also included). Each wheel sells for $2,100 (a fraction of what the real thing is worth, actually). See the entire line of Amalgam’s wheels and other scale models at www.amalgamcollection.com.
Juice for your old car
Classic-vehicle owners can get period-correct-looking batteries from Antique Auto Battery of Hudson, Ohio. The company offers a wide assortment of six- and 12-volt power packs that look just right in most antique or classic car from 1920-’74. There are no fake covers concealing a modernday battery, just accurate hard-rubber reproductions, right down to the lettering on the cases and the size and color of the caps. Antique Auto Battery can also supply the proper cables and accessories for just about any North American and British make, including brands such as Delco, Autolite, Mopar, Lucas and Willard. Each battery comes with a 48-month warranty (pro-rated after 90 days). Prices range from about $100 to $275. Check out Antique Auto Battery’s complete line at www.antiqueautobattery. com or call 800-426-7580 for order information.
The eyes have it
If you have a weakness for cool, protective eyewear while on the road, you need to check out the latest gear from Oakley. For example, the company’s Fuel Cell men’s sunglasses display a clean, athletic style in matte black with your choice of country flag or simple color icon that’s fitted onto each hinge point. The Fuel Cell is available with either standard or polarized lenses and in a variety of shade coatings. The polarized version, claims Oakley, will provide maximum glare and ultra-violet blockage and will also help you “judge depth and distance better while letting you see all the fine detail you’ve been missing.” Oakley also makes the Fuel Cell available with prescription lenses. Prices begin at $165 for regular lenses and $230 if you want polarized lenses. Check with your local eyewear retailer or order online at www.oakley.com.
Tracking your phone
The one thing that can be said about cell phones is that they have a habit of going missing. The Zomm “Wireless Leash” is, among other things, a compact tracking device that fits onto your key chain and will sound an alarm or vibrate if you and your Bluetooth-enabled phone begin to separate. It will also alert you to incoming phone calls and will act as an external speakerphone or allow you to, with a push of a button, send the call directly to your voicemail. Finally, should the need arise, the Zomm’s built-in security feature can be activated to sound a panic alarm and even summon 911 emergency from anywhere in the world and issue a pre-recorded message if you’re unable to talk. And you pay no extra fees for the services that Zomm provides. Buy one for about $80 at www.zomm.com.
