My Dad is, like many dads, completely impossible to buy presents for.

Things he already has too many of:
Tools (car, wood and power)
Car related stuff
Gardening/sawing/chopping equipment
Scarves/coats/hats

Things he does not want:
Expensive booze (he prefers cheap)
Cigars
Clothes

His only real interests are classic cars and old British films.

What would you get for a man likes thats 70th birthday – My fallback options are:
A Hudl (that he is likely not to use)
A box set of Ealing comedies on DVD
Some sort of steam engine toy/model

Any better ideas?

Some kind of steam day? Riding on a footplate, Steam track day if there is such a thing?

cheap booze

Photo book with family photos from each decade redone digitally?

Sounds like you want to do, rather than buy, something.

A screening of one of his fav films? Maybe local arts cinema showing some old classics?

Day out at a car museum?

Club together and buy him a tiger moth flight or similar?

Day out isn’t a bad call, but he lives in the arse end of deepest darkest Devon and doesn’t leave much. Entertainment options are limited.

Riding on a footplate while smashed on cheap booze sounds like a good day out to me though.

Weekend away at a top hotel in Blackpool, recently featured on Trip Advisor.

We did the flying experience for his 60th – he loved it, but don’t think it’ll appeal again. There are 3 sons so we could club together though.

some classic car experience day ?

VIP trip to goodwood festival or something like that

Fleshlight? My Dad loves his.

If there are a few to club together… How about a bohem stirling engine… link

Balloon ride

Coke and hookers.

Days out/memories are what I have gone for in recent years for my similar aged father. Things I have done:

Beer brewing day at a local brewery.
Port tasting at a local merchants.
A day out in London. Early train down, nice lunch, stroll around a couple of museums and a walk along the South Bank.
Comedy show – Just buy him 2 tickets and he can take who he wants.
Music gig – see above.
Pudding club in Chipping Campden – Nice food and my old man loves his puddings.

I’m sure not all of the above will suit, but it might give you something to think about.

Riding on a footplate while smashed on cheap booze sounds like a good day out to me though.

Won’t be a 1st in Devon that’s for sure! 😉

Chin up bar, put it up in the hallway and if he’s not inspired to use it, it can double as a coat hanger.

And there are a few steam train rides around Devon too aren’t there?

Wireless headphones for the TV, radio and music etc. Best present I have given my Dad and my Mum was ecstatic.

I think you need to consider that he would probably rather do something with you (and your sibs/ kids) rather than alone.

Red-letter days, or similar, can be an imposition unless he’s really into it.

Why not pay for him to join you (all) for a night away in London/ the Countryside etc

Those stirling engines are pretty!

Thanks for the suggestions, will talk to the brothers. London is probably out, he lived up there for a long time and shows no desire to return. Will research the local steam trains/drug dealers/hookers.

Not sure a day with all the grandkids will be a treat for him though – there are 7 of them between us, all under 5, all boys. It might kill him. His birthday lunch at the chinese restaurant is adults only for this reason.

Thanks again.