Five of the best classic gearknobs

Ford’s 50th anniversary tribute to Steve McQueen’s movie car gets a white cue ball shifter... shame you never see it in the film. D’oh!

The original dimpled golf ball from the 1976 MkI Golf GTI remains an iconic place to rest your palm. It has featured on manual GTIs ever since.

Flip-top lid and a big, red button? All gearsticks should have an ejector-seat release to void annoying passengers.

This silvery moon is attached to one of the best gearboxes in the business. You’ll find yourself changing gear for no particular reason.

Original GTs arrived with a beechwood gearknob that paid homage to the 917 Le Mans racers. Perfect for admiring as you stall, again.