The best car advent calendars

Who doesn't like Hot Wheels? No matter your age, you can't help but adore those small 1:64 scale model cars that are packed with charisma and feature some insane designs. Just look at the Twin Mill and Roller Toaster for evidence of this. This advent calendar will bring a smile to any petrolhead, no matter their age.

Surprise, surprise, you get some Hot Wheels models. There are eight models included, all of them are Hot Wheels' own designs. There are also 16 accessories to play with, including a detachable snow plough, reindeer and a sledge to mount your Hot Wheels model too. The front of the advent calendar also folds down to make a small race track, perfect for imaginary races in the snow.

It's the most affordable advent calendar here but I don't think anyone would care. Hot Wheels bring so much joy and the set contains so much that it's sure to be a hit for any fan of toy cars.

While one of the genuine 1,580 911 2.7 RS' would be preferable, any car fan would be happy with a brand-new model car this Christmas. This set combines two of our favourite things into one amazing gift idea; model cars and gifts.

The main attraction here is the scale model 2.7 RS that you assemble from several different pieces to make a 1:43 scale model. The calendar also includes a plastic display plinth that includes a speaker that plays the engine note at the press of a button. The instruction manual is fleshed out with the history and development of the car and is printed in both German and English. Franzis also include some tools for assembling the model as well as some surprises that will be welcomed by any Porsche fan.

One of the most charming sets on this list is Revell's answer to the advent calendar game. Over a 24-day period, you can build your very own Porsche 356 B hardtop.

It comes in 127 pieces and is a great gift for Porsche lovers or just for yourself to obsess over in the run-up to Christmas.

Introduced as the softer, less aggressive successor to the timeless SLS, the AMG GT became Merc's fighter to the dominant Porsche 911. Instead of the raging 6.2 litre storm-starter, it instead had a tamer 4.0 litre Biturbo V8.

Nevertheless, it proved to be a successful recipe for Mercedes, and one that's perhaps a little more underappreciated than it should be. You can learn about and build an AMG GT for yourself. As well as the fun of assembly, the history of the AMG tuning house is included in the pack.

The original MK1 VW Golf GTI disrupted the sports car market and ran away with it. Launched in 1976, it was the epitome of the hot hatchback, combining a practical body with a powerful 1.6 or 1.8-litre fuel-injected engine.

Legends would follow in the form of the Peugeot 205 GTI, Ford Escort XR3i, and Renault 5 GT Turbo. But it was the VW that kicked it off, and every hot hatch you know and love owes its existence to the GTI. Much of its history is documented in the pack of this Franzis advent calendar, and you get to build a 1:43 model of your own.

Cars (not to be confused with CAR), is a genuine masterpiece and is probably responsible for a whole generation of young petrolheads. With cars including Lightning McQueen, Mater and Mack, it's perfect for getting a young child interested in cars. This advent calendar is suitable for ages three and up.

The standout gifts are diecast models including Lightning McQueen and Tow Mater. The set also includes billboards and road signs. Finally, you also get small sections of track to race on making this a great gift for children.

For a fan of the film series, this advent calendar is a novel no-brainer. While it's a pity family favourites like Doc Hudson aren't included, the cars that are featured in this set are of excellent quality and look great. The roadside accessories are plastic but are perfect for children.

The legendary Citroen 2CV arrived in 1948 and changed the French automotive industry for good. It was cheap, easy to maintain, and endlessly dependable. It was capable off the beaten track too, which was useful for miles of country roads and farmlands.

Franzis celebrates the joy and simplicity of France's most distinctive vehicles, and you can build one yourself over a period of 24 days. A lovely alternative if you don't fancy yourself chocolate this December.

There are days when you'll be opening a cone in this set, but Matchbox's advent calendar is full of charming little surprises over the course of 24 days.

The set includes anything from a snowmobile to a Porsche Panamera. There is a Mercedes G-Wagon included as well, which makes this a wonderful winter-themed set.

The Volkswagen Type 2 never received the same amount of love as the iconic Type 1 split screen, but it still captures the hearts of many camping enthusiasts in its own unique way. Revell offers something slightly different in the advent calendar market and will sell you a click-on model kit to build over 24 days.

It's a very nicely detailed set with a number of decals and accessories that add nice touches throughout the van. One look at the interior and engine bay is tempting us ever so much in the run-up to the festive season.

If building a model car isn't for you, then perhaps a neat set of tools might be the answer. Draper is happy to oblige with this rather nice toolset integrated into an advent calendar.

Included in the set is a bottle opener, a magnetic screwdriver with a number of different screw attachments, and a neat set of 5-13mm sockets. It's especially nice that a storage case is included to keep everything organised.