What to give to Richie Rich: A Guide to Luxe Gifts
Roula Khalaf, Editor of the FT, presents a selection of luxurious gifts that will impress even the most discerning recipient.
Back to the Classics: Hedley Studios Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa Lucybelle II
Price: €129,500
For the ultimate car enthusiast, a 75% scale electric replica of the iconic Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa Lucybelle II is a dream come true. This masterpiece, crafted by Hedley Studios in collaboration with Ferrari, captures the essence of the original car that won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1958. With meticulous hand-painted, race-weathered effects, it's a work of art that's also fully drivable on private roads or tracks, offering a range of up to 90km and a unique recharging system through a repurposed fuel cap.
Soaring Dreams: Scalewings SW-51 Mustang
Price: $468,000
Experience the thrill of warbird aviation with the Scalewings SW-51 Mustang, a 72% scale replica of the legendary P-51 Mustang fighter-bomber. This masterpiece, crafted from carbon composite, combines stunning aesthetics with modern technology. The SW-51 is incredibly agile, weighing only 16-18% of the original, and burns just 8 gallons of fuel per hour. With a detailed history and a facility in Aviation Valley, Poland, this is a rare opportunity for aviation enthusiasts.
Musical Mastery: DCS Varese
Price: £252,000
For audiophiles, the DCS Varese is a pinnacle of digital-to-analogue conversion. This Cambridge-based audio system, named after the composer Varèse, features a Core for handling inputs, a £35,000 CD player, and two mono digital-analogue converters. The Master Clock unit ensures perfect synchronization, delivering pristine audio to your amp and speakers. It's the ultimate in digital precision, ready to transport you to a world of high-fidelity sound.
Hydrofoiling Bliss: Vessev VS-9
Price: $620,000
Revolutionize your boating experience with the Vessev VS-9, the world's first hydrofoiling tourism vessel. This 9m, 10-seater craft glides above the waves at speeds of 12 knots and above, offering a smooth, silent, and wake-free ride. Fully electric and optimized for sustainability, it's a greener choice with up to 95% fuel savings. The VS-9 is a novelty today, but it promises to be the pleasure boat of the future.
Timepiece Elegance: Au Départ x Elie Bleu Watch Winder
Price: £18,100
Elevate your watch collection with the Au Départ x Elie Bleu watch winder, a collaboration between the oldest French trunk-maker and a Parisian cabinetmaker. This exquisite winder features a stunning hexagon motif crafted from smoked eucalyptus and black-stained sycamore. With six slots for automatic watches and programmable winding modules, it ensures your timepieces stay in perfect working order.
