2007 MF Gift Guide: Accessories, Books, etc

Just released for the holidays, MINI brings you what is probably they’re highest quality diecast product yet – the 2007 JCW. Finished in red and black with those imposing R105 matte black wheels, the little guy looks fast standing still.

Price: around $70 | Retailer(s): Morristown MINI / Knauz MINI / Patrick MINI / Otto’s MINI / MINI of Manhattan / Westchester MINI / Prestige MINI

These special edition Onitsuka Tiger’s are based on the ever popular Mexico ’66 Tigers that have been out for awhile now. However MINI has added a couple of Clubman related design touches to set them apart and make them perfect for the hipster MINI owner. Of course if you’re not into all the MINI bling but like the look of the shoes themselves, they can be had for $90 less a number of retails around the world including Zappos.com.

Price: €120,00 / $170.11 | Retailer: MINI.com

Designed by Yves Behar of Fuse Project, the MINI Motion watch is as much a piece of modern art as it is a way to tell time. Sold at such exclusive places as the Museum of Modern Art, the MINI Motion watch has a band crafted out of steel with a matte finish rubber outter

Truly one of the most unique pieces in the MINI accessories catalog.

Price: $164.95 | Retailer: Outmotoring

Okay so the Tiger’s just aren’t doing it for you. Less cute, more cool. How about the Adidas Porsche Design CMFs. This is the latest in a year old line of foot wear created by Porsche design and Adidas meant for casual and driving duty. This particular version is our favorite with the stealthy black outer and slip-on comfort.

Price: Around $114 | Retailer: Zappos

If you didn’t notice, we love DIY at MotoringFile. Getting your hands dirty while learning about your MINI can be a beautful thing. It can be even better if you know what you’re doing. The Haynes Manual can help with that. Straight from the UK to your garage, Haynes has clear instructions on just about everything one could ever imagine doing to a MINI. Yes it’s been in this guide year after year. But it’s a classic and is a must have for any serious MINI enthusiast.

Price: $30 | Retailer: MiniCarParts.net

The MINI Travel Blanket has two key elements to successful MINI-style picnicing: a waterproof backing and a checkered design. It also rolls neatly into its own carrying wrap for a quick get-away. If needed.

Price: Around $45 – $50 | Recommended Retailer(s): Morristown MINI / Knauz MINI / Patrick MINI / Otto’s MINI / MINI of Manhattan / Westchester MINI / Prestige MINI

Brake dust. The arch enemy of the clean freak MINI owner. Instead of setting aside 20 minutes to clean your wheels after every drive, try Zymol’s Detail wax. We at MotoringFile have been pleasantly surprised by the how it limits the amount of dust on our wheels. It also makes them much easier to clean – a nice bonus. Finally it’s also a great product for all the painted plastic on the MINI. Certainly a must have on the detailing shelf.

Price: $17 | Retailer: Detailing Concepts

If you appreciate design and how it relates to the new MINI (especially the R56), this book is for you. It’s an official look the design process as well as what has inspired and been inspired by the marque over the years.

Price: $39.95 | Retailer: Outmotoring

Why anyone puts chemicals on expensive MINI leather is beyond us. Zymol’s banana-oil and collagen based leather treater does the job while staying all natural. Nothing we’ve found lasts longer and looks better. A great stocking stuffer.

Price: Around $29 | Retailer: Detailing Concepts

The latest MINI book and one of the best. Writer Rob Golding covers the Mini’s origins from the humble 1959 mode all the way to the latest generation. And somewhere in between he also happens to cover MotoringFile as well. The book is highly recommended reading for both the MINI newbie and any the longtime fan of the marque.

Price: $24.95 | Retailer: Outmotoring

For years we’ve been on a quest to find the best product for interior vinyl and exterior plastic on the market. From our experience nothing works better than Zymol Vinyl. It not only lasts but it also looks natural going on and never has that nasty mid-80s Armoral shine. But I guess that shouldn’t be surprising as it’s based on such natural ingredientss as lemon seed oil, apricot kernel oil and sesame oil. However as tasty as it sounds, I would recommend against ingesting it.

Price: $29 | Retailer: Detailing Concepts

Made by and for MINI owners, there’s no better calendar out there to hang in the office or garage. This year’s calendar features full color and 12 photos (taken by MINI owners) that will blow you away.

Price: $16 | Retailer: North American Motoring

Very few US based automotive magazines have captured the attention of enthusiasts as of late like Winding Road. Lead by David E Davis (instrumental in Car and Driver and the founder of Automobile years back), Winding Road has the feel of a publication run by enthusiasts for enthusiasts. Something surprisingly lacking in just about every other US automotive publication. It features well written articles and gorgous photography all delivered exclusively online. Winding Road also has a fantastic weblog and mesmerizing video outtaktes from reviews and new car launches. But the best part of it all? A subscription to Winding Road is 100% free.

Price: $0 | Recommended Retailer: Winding Road

Celebrate the car that put the super in supercharge. If you’ve got a 2002-2006 MCS show off your appreciation for the original “new” Cooper S with the official MotoringFile “Original Motorer” tshirt. Just like our magnetic badge but machine washable.

Price: $17 | Retailer: Cafepress MotoringFile Store

There is no better fridge for the dorm room or the garage. Better yet it’s portable and available in many different colors and flags.

Price: $200 | Recommended Retailer(s): Morristown MINI / Knauz MINI / Patrick MINI / Otto’s MINI / MINI of Manhattan / Westchester MINI / Prestige MINI

Relive your childhood with this official MINI 1:32 scale slot car set. With a track length of 5.32 m two Cooper S’s per set (Astro Black and Electric Blue) fun will surely ensue.

Price: $250 | Retailer: MINI.com