A nice little paragraph on the august 2010 Car and Driver issue on page 42 by David Davis Jr. Image Unavailable, Please Login
I guess when a common man, like myself, finally figures-out how to legally put a Ferrari in his garage, it does merit the everyman comment from David.... David and I worked together for the better part of 9 years on his Automobile magazine before the wankers at K-III wrested it from his control. Jean Lindamood (now Jennings) did him no favors when she made her way to corporate HQ in New York and executed a palace coup whilst stabbing the man who made her career right in his heart. In protest, I haven't bought or read an issue in the ensuing dozen years. The man is a giant in our automotive world, and he lit-up our Ferraris on the Vine weekend this year with his pal Dan Gurney. He is the single most interesting, knowledgable, engaging, well-versed, entertaining, and respected journalist of our generation....and perhaps of generations to come, too. In 2005, he and I collaborated on the Winding Road project. If you didn't see it in the 2005 -2008 period, drop me your email and I'll forward you an issue. It was, finally, a digitally delivered magazine that actually merited the name 'magazine'. It was brilliant, and it was David E. in a new venue. Once again, another wanker emerged- this time, the pencil-necked, former Dell-ionaire investor who was convinced that he knew more about the magazine industry than the master himself. If you happen to read Winding Road in its current iteration, know that 1 guy writes the thing under half a dozen pen names. He's a wanna-be with deep pockets that allow him to float this thing along. Very sad.... Anyway, I digress....that's my 355 of which David writes....and here it is at The Williamsburg Winery. Image Unavailable, Please Login
Well, we were out at VIR a couple of weeks ago, and the really terrific Foriegn Cars Italia folks brought a 458 Italia for everyone to see. At $250,000+, they're not likely to appear in many garages regardless of how you cajole your wife. Hardly an everyman's car....but with the effects of the recession touching all corners of the economy, a 355 became within reach, with the rationale being: "for the same price, you could have a 5-series BMW, OR.....a FERRARI! Pretty hard to argue with that everyman logic.....
Your welcome, Mike. BTW, David E. just finished a book written for a dear friend, Bud Lyon. Bud is the gentleman who sold his company (APC) to the French for $6Billion, and is now afflicted with a number of health issues. His wife commissioned DED to write 'Bud's Book' as a way to have a record of the family history for his grandchildren, and provide a glimpse into this remarkable man. David expressed me an early copy, and I'm now diving into the work. Bud is a racer, collector and a massive auto enthusiast, making for a great read....particularly when penned by 'the Dean of automotive journalists'. Look for it...and 60 pages in, it's worth reading.
But in all fairness, you are comparing a new car with a 10-12 year old car. What will the price of 458's be in a dozen years? Nice 550's, which I think are some of the most beautiful cars ever, are about the same age, and are in the $60-70k range today........................... Very interesting insight into the inner workings of the mag biz, thanks for sharing. I think I am going to delete my online version of "winding road" now that I know the history a little better.... Regards, Jerry
Jerry: I will pass this along to David, and I am certain it will bring a smile to his face. The artistry and craftmanship that accompanies the production of a great magazine experience is so often minimized; I've often said that our profession is the target of more "oh, I can do that" comments than any other business I know. I recall a meeting with the owner where he sought to have David E. (think Picasso..) compile a spreadsheet and accompanying graph indicating how he had allocated his editorial pages amongst the various car producing countries. "Oh geez, we need to do another Hyundai or Kia story to offset the imbalance of too many Italian cars stories!" Can you imagine? Telling the guy that Time Magazine labeled as 'The Dean of Automotive Journalists' how to edit a car magazine?!? ("Hey, Pablo, I think you used too bright a red over here!') A sorry, but true story. What would you guys say to a quality automotive magazine delivered once a month as part of your Sunday newspaper? (Today's lunch discussion....). Bob Bob
