David E. Davis: a legendary automotive columnist leaves us

I do not know how many people in Quebec know David E. Davis. But all those who read publications Car & Driver and Automobile know who I mean. The colors automotive journalist leaves us at the end of March. His death leaves an important gap in the North American automotive journalists of brotherhood. He knew half retired for several years, it was after all 80 years, but during his career he has reshaped the business and has influenced dozens of journalists in the exercise of their functions.

Summarize his feats of arms. When it comes to the bar of Car & Driver magazine in the 70s, he PIECE for journalists exercising Le Metier be recognized more, are also better paid and he insists much on the quality of texts and photographs. In addition, it encourages its reporters to come clean and write what they drove even if it might offend the manufacturer. He then left the publication after having made it the largest in the world based Automobile Magazine with the financial support of Rupert Murdoch in 1986. When he left the magazine, it helps to launch Winding Roads, a publication automobile published exclusively on the internet.

His vitriolic pen often had the effect of rage car companies. Following a comment by judge too severe manufacturers such as Ford and GM, they have even removed all their publications commercials he directed. He wielded the pen as the Musketeers wielded the sword and often touched the target, which had the effect of enraging many people.

Note in passing that our man has also worked for advertising companies and has drafted several commercial texts for the Chevrolet Corvette. The legend has it that David E. who has found the famous slogan: "Baseball, hot dogs apple pie and Chevrolet", one of the most effective advertisements for the past 50 years.

David E.: man

Everyone knew him, and all American columnists called David E. I had the opportunity during my career to frequent this man who was colorful. Many have been the target of his scathing remarks of his critics and even his ridiculous remarks. He could be charming and detestable. Even his best friends wanted him to death in certain circumstances.

I must count myself lucky because it has always been a nice trade with me. My first encounter with David E. occurred in the early 80s when I attended a press trip at Jaguar UK. Imagine the little quebecois journalist ensconced in ratings this living legend who ran the largest automotive magazine on the planet. We must also know that our man was always dressed like a dandy and it valued the complete luxury of Saville Row in London. I was doing poorly at his side with my jacket at LL Bean.

But in the discussions, we discovered that we had some interests in common. I do not know how, but we have come to speak of hunting dogs. I'm sure he goes in his esteem him while I admit to being a Drahthaar, a German hunting dog has coarse hair. David E. For its part, possessed a Spinone, an Italian version of the same dog almost. Another point that we had in common was our love for Orvis products. This famous American brand is recognized for the quality of its outdoor products. For cons, I was interested to Orvis products for fly fishing, while he was not as beautiful shotguns British-made imported by this company. And of course, we liked the same cars.

In short, we had a lot in common, but large differences between us. They say that opposites attract, this should be the case. Over the years, we have crossed many times, usually during launches models. On one occasion, we ride together and I was driving the car when the big German sedan I was driving in the Alps lack of brakes. A bit like in the movies, we went down the zigzag road with screeching tires, a lot of smoke and quite spectacular skids. Despite everything, I managed to master the beast and secure it at the bottom of the mountain. David E., who was a master storyteller, described this event dinner and he was full of praise to me. I was probably lucky, but he was impressed.

But what will go to the legend, are articles on fancy cars, his taste for luxury and fine dining in addition to being a dominant North American automotive journalism for at least four decades character.

His motto was:'' Cogito ergo zoom "or'' I think, therefore I drive thoroughly." It has been blazing his whole life and has influenced dozens of people who have become great automotive journalists. We salute you one last time David E.

In tribute to your memory, I drink a great scotch. But to respect the character, I'll wait to do so in the context of a launch of a new model and I will pass the buck to the manufacturer who will invite me, as our man knew so well!

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