RIP Jonathan Thompson

Jonathan made some fantastic scale drawings in "The Fabulous Porsche 917" by Peter Hinsdale from 1972.
It took me 30 years to find that book.
When I finally found it...in a second hand book store here in Sweden...it is in mint condition...and it still is.

Thank you JONATHAN.

You have learned me a lot...of how to make scale drawings.

 

10 June 1935 - 19 November 2005

Jonathan Thompson, talented artist, researcher and writer, died Saturday in Orange County California. Thompson was best-known in the Ferrari world for his books including the revised version of Fitzgerald and Merritt's classic work. Jon had been the editor on the original edition. He also wrote the text for Cavallino publisher John Barnes' book of illustrations of Ferrari Formula One cars. Another Ferrari title was Thompson's Ferrari Turbo.

Other books included one on the Porsche 917 and several on aircraft including the definitive work on Italian military aircraft.

John's talents were noticed early and he had automotive drawings published as early as the late 1950s. He attended the Los Angeles Art Center, long the holy grail for automotive designers. During his career, he took on tasks as varied as making final models for to be used to make molds for slot racers, designed American market trim packages for Alfa Romeo and creating drawings for books and magazines.

He did two stints at Road & Track magazine, cotributing both editorial and editing skills. He was known for his guidance of less experienced writers, including this one.

His love and appreciation for Italian cars was unmatched. Long before the Alfa 8C 2900B was recognized as the greatest pre-war sports car, John wrote an extended piece on these cars for Road & Track that began the model's ascension into the pantheon of automotive design.

John's wife, Beverly Narkowitz, also a talented writer, predeceased him three years ago.

John shaped our view of cars from the time of the golden age of 1950s California sports car racing. His work and encouragement will be missed.

Michael T. Lynch

 

RIP. Threads merged.

 

I visited the R&T offices back in '87 and got to meet Mr. Thompson. I told him I particularly appreciated the annual Grand Prix statistical reviews he used to do every year (and which I think the magazine should have continued).

He also wrote a very good book on Italian civil and military aircraft (1930-1945) that was published by Aero Publishers many years ago.

He was a good friend to all automotive enthusiasts, and especially Ferrari fanciers. Arrivederci, Jonathan.

 

John was a good friend and mentor for the last 35 years. Rest in Peace.

 

RIP