and frequently disagreed about how he tried to make his point. Still, no one could really dislike this guy. At public appearances, he would stride in with an assistant in his wake. Usually swathed in a long coat, he sported an ascot around his neck and a cane in his hand. He had a voice as strong as the words that flowed through it.

The term "icon" fits Jerry Flint well. At the New York Auto Show a few years ago, Chrysler put on one of their trademark elaborate introductions. That particular year, they re-enacted the 1924 introduction of the Chrysler brand, featuring actors playing the roles of Walter Chrysler, hotel staff, and media attending the mock event.

Each of the players (aside from Mr. Chrysler) was named for a well-known automotive personality, with each "journalist" stating his name prior to asking his question. The last of the line was the best-dressed reporter on the stage, who announced in a booming voice, "JERRY FLINT, FORBES MAGAZINE!" Sitting in the audience a few seats to my left, Mr. Flint enjoyed the caricature of himself with a hardy laugh.

Over the weekend, David E. Davis Jr. left us after a long and valiant fight with cancer. He wrote for and edited such great publications as Car & Driver, Motor Trend, and Automobile, which he founded. He, too, had been in and around the automotive industry for half a century, during which time he helped add "Baseball, Hot Dogs, Apple Pie, and Chevrolet" to America's advertising lexicon.

As he walked through a car show, almost everyone would see his trademark beard and mustache and know immediately "That's David E!"

In the foreword to the aptly titled 1999 book Thus Spake David E., P.J. O'Rourke wrote that readers of Mr. Davis' writings are "already friends." He continued: "In all likelihood I mean that literally...he seems to know everyone involved in motor vehicles." And this may very well have been true.

Years ago, I considered launching my own magazine. A business associate encouraged me to get in touch with Mr. Davis.

We had a wonderfully memorable conversation about the state of the automotive publication world and the cost of launching a magazine. I was not the only one to remember our talk either, as Mr. Davis mentioned it the several times we met in person. On one of those occasions, he signed my copy of his book:

Thanks for wanting to join our ranks. This field has been awfully good to me--

Freedom and Whiskey!

David E Davis

The world is less colorful without these people. Yet we'll always have their contributions. Perhaps just knowing them (or knowing about them) will inspire the next Fred Roe, Bev Kimes, Jerry Flint, or David E. Davis Jr. to step up and enlighten (or entertain) the world.

Honor their memories by reading something by them or about them, and then passing on their legacy by teaching or writing or inspiring someone coming up through the ranks. That's what I intend to do.

---

Previous Page

Next Page