Time magazine called him ‘the dean of automotive journalism’. Not only did David E. Davis, Jr. start Automobile magazine, but he was also the editor and contributor for several years of Car and Driver and was also involved in the birth of on-line automotive magazine Winding Road. Furthermore, he was also involved with the USA’s other two main motoring publications Road & Track and Motor Trend.
Davis passed away on Sunday in his hospital bed after receiving surgery to treat cancer.
His passion for life and automobiles had not only a positive effect on those who knew him or met him, but also on his son, Matt Davis, who is currently one of the better known international automotive journalists.
Davis’ career didn’t only involve writing though. In his early years he worked in no fewer than four automobile factories, sold cars in three imported-car dealerships and one Packard showroom. Maybe it was this detour in his early years that gave him a better understanding of the automobile and the automotive industry as a whole.
It is said that instead of asking friends and colleagues the usual, though boring, ‘How are you?’, Davis rather asked, ‘Is your life a rich tapestry?’. Surely a good question to ponder…
Click here to read about his son’s thoughts on his great father’s passing.
