A bunch of great advice,
I would add one more comment:
You say you are a car guy so I assume you don't fly.
What would be a better gift than a plane for your dad?
How about a plane for both of you so you and your dad can share the learning experience together.
If your budget is too tight to do this at least you can share the one plane and still do the father son thing.
I don't know how your dad would feel but being a dad myself I value every second I have with my children more than anything else.