David Kimble

Well on my 4th trip out to Marfa I finally got to meet David Kimble (http://www.khulsey.com/masters_david_kimble.html). After seeing his work in magazines since I was probably 10, stumbling across his studio on my first trip out there in 1999 was a real treat but I've had no luck meeting him. He's got no email address and an unpublished phone #. After leaving a note on his door earlier this week, he called me back. I got to spend an amazing 2 hours with him last night. He's not as reclusive as some reports might indicate (http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m3012/is_2_180/ai_59966976) but he's really dedicated to his work so he's not big on casual visitors. However, it was clear he really likes to spend a few minutes with true gearheads because they are few and far between in Marfa. His everyday cars are a Camaro & C5 Z06. He's a Chevy guy by preference and because GM has been the most generous to his career but also has an affinity for Ferrari. It's also impossible to find anyone who knows cars out here so while he wanted a 360 Modena, the logistics of tuning and service made the thought impractical.

Interesting factoid: part of his agreement is that he gets to drive every car that he illustrates. Look back through his work and there are a lot of incredible cars in the list. I'm guessing he didn't actually drive Richard Petty's NASCAR ride though

So, if you get out to Marfa, drop a note on his door and you'll get to see some true automotive heaven.

 

I suspect coincidence. He used to have his studio in California and did a lot of motorcycle and SCCA racing out there but his studio became too much of a gearhead hangout for him to get work done. His wife is from Marfa so I suspect that was the main reason he settled here as opposed to other places.

 

I forgot to mention that his first Ferrari illustration is a Glass 308 he did in 1976. Unfortunately, most of his car work is done under contract and so the originals go to the buyer. Therefore, he only has the posters and reproductions of his car and engine illustrations. The 308 prints are gone. He showed me various other Ferrari illustrations he had done (the F40 one on the web), a Testarossa, and a Testarossa/Daytona set.

Other interesting note: He did own a 275 GTB (Blue) but it couldn't take the abuse he dished out.

Interesting Note #2: It's the car companies that really pay for his work. The car magazines can't afford it so they just reprint work he's already done for others.