Best New Tech And Gadgets To Keep Your Classic Car Safe

Best New Tech And Gadgets To Keep Your Classic Car Safe

Author: Lucy Wyndham
Date: 16 January 2022

1965 Aston Martin DB5 Vantage (file photo)

James Bond's cars are stuffed to the gills with high-tech gadgets, including ejector seats, machine guns, and bullet-proof windows. The cars driven by actors in real life are far less fancy. When the Aston Martin DB5 driven by Sean Connery in "Goldfinger" was stolen in 1997, insurance companies and theft recovery experts were unable to locate the car - until now. Earlier this month, Art Recovery International was able to secure a lead on the stolen car, promising an end to a 24-year caper.

While your classic car may not have been featured in a major film, protecting it from thieves is a must to prevent your hard work and investment from going down the drain. Here are some new tech and gadgets to keep your classic car safe.

Navigation From Q

While you probably shouldn't put machine guns in your car's headlights, today's classic car owners can leverage the growth of technology and fill their cars with gadgets that would make 1967 Bond green with envy. Remember when Bond's navigation systems seemed futuristic? Touch-based digital displays with GPS and a digital sound system are the standard in new cars. It's not too difficult to convert your classic car to take advantage of systems like Android Auto or Apple's CarPlay. You'll want to replace the stereo head unit with a double-DIN unit like the JVC KW-M865BW Digitial Multimedia Reciever. From there, you can use wi-fi to communicate with your car unit with your phone or simply use the touchscreen to control the built-in GPS, radio receiver, and Bluetooth connectivity. The big display will help you stay on top of navigation while you travel and reduce the amount of fiddling you have to do with your devices.

Protection From Theft

Apple's affordable AirTags have been making headlines since their introduction last year. The $25-a-piece asset tags are marketed for things like keys, purses, and bikes, but their innovative functionality makes them an option for cars as well. The tags constantly search for Apple devices in Bluetooth range, allowing it to "phone home" without the use of GPS technology. As long as someone with a recent iPhone gets close to the tag, it'll be able to locate itself and let you know where it is. This won't make your car impossible to steal, but it will make it much easier to recover if the tag isn't removed. Apple AirTags are one of many options for asset tagging to protect your car, but they're one of the most affordable. Small consumer GPS trackers are available for under $50, but the subscription to the GPS service can set you back a couple hundred dollars per year.

Roadside Maintenance

If you're anticipating hectic Bond-style action on the road, consider a gadget to get your car up and running again. Manufacturers like Mophie make mobile power stations with air compressors, USB charging ports, and clamps to let you jump-start your car battery in a pinch. Built-in LCD screens and pressure gauges make these tools an ideal way to keep your car tires properly inflated, improving your gas mileage and helping to prevent uneven wear on your tires. The big battery makes these power stations great for camping and other trips, since you can take them with you and charge your devices away from your car.

Classic Cars, Modern Tech

Modern classic car owners probably won't install James Bond-style ejector seats in their vehicles, but a few modern gadgets can help them feel like super spies. Replacing the stereo head unit with a big touchscreen can give you convenient GPS navigation (voice-controlled, even) to deliver you to exotic locations with ease. A portable power pack, air compressor, and battery charger will give you the tools you need to address minor roadside issues on your own. Finally, taking advantage of asset tagging technology will help ensure your car doesn't end up stolen and lost for decades like the real DB5 driven in Goldfinger. A well-hidden GPS tracker or AirTag will enable you to quickly and easily locate your vehicle in the event of a mishap.