John Davis stands out as one of the most productive automotive journalists today. An articulate TV host with a unique speaking style, he has been a staple of MotorWeek for many years and has likely driven more cars than my colleagues and I together. His reviews often emphasize the practical aspects of vehicles, which makes it amusing and intriguing that one of his favorite personal automobiles was a DeTomaso Pantera.
The Pantera is (was) exceptionally cool. Although it is conceptually reminiscent of a Ferrari and Lamborghini, the striking lines (Italian) and V8 engine (American) make it remarkable in its own right. Nowadays, it has become a genuine collector’s item, likely due to many being damaged, and the remaining were hard to maintain.
That’s the essence of this amusing story from Davis, shared during a MotorWeek podcast reflecting on the show’s 45-year legacy. He possesses such a formal, even rigid, delivery and a polished appearance in all the video car reviews I have observed him present. Yet, apparently, back in the ’70s, he was working on a quirky Italian/American wedgemobile in the rain to keep it operational. To me, as a long-time admirer of his work, that presents an entertaining and amusing contrast.
Near the episode’s conclusion, around an hour and fourteen minutes in, host Jessica Ray inquires about cars from the past that Davis wishes he could relive, and the renowned auto journalist states:
“One vehicle that I had, which we never featured on the show … the DeTomaso Pantera … I owned one back in the early ’70s. That’s a car that consistently comes to my mind whenever I think about great cars, or the ones … I long to reclaim.”
He shares about acquiring a salvaged version in 1975, disassembling it, reconstructing it, and continually working on it.
“Every weekend, regardless of the weather, you were under the car repairing something. My then-soon-to-be-wife, Cheryl, had an apartment with an open driveway, and I’d be out there in the rocks, fixing something underneath it.
Ah, indeed, the pleasures of owning a temperamental car remain unchanged.
I’ve never interacted with Davis face-to-face, but I appreciate his reviews and occasionally catch one I haven’t watched in replay on YouTube (MotorWeek frequently shares past reviews on its YouTube channel). Here’s the entire anniversary-episode interview. It promises to be especially engaging for my fellow millennial-aged and older car enthusiasts who recall watching John Davis years ago and value stories from this period of automotive media.
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**The Personal Vehicle Most Longed for by MotorWeek Icon John Davis**
John Davis, the celebrated presenter of the enduring television show MotorWeek, has been a significant presence in the automotive sector for many years. Renowned for his perceptive reviews and enthusiasm for vehicles, Davis has operated countless automobiles in his career. Yet, among all the cars he has encountered, there is one personal vehicle that he misses the most: the 1986 Chevrolet Corvette.
The 1986 Corvette is an important model in the Corvette heritage, showcasing a mix of performance, elegance, and innovation. During its time of production, the C4 generation of Corvettes heralded a new era for the brand, highlighting a more contemporary design and cutting-edge technology in comparison to earlier models. The 1986 edition featured a sleek aerodynamic profile, enhancing both its visual charm and performance on the roadway.
One of the standout attributes that distinguished the 1986 Corvette was its robust 5.7-liter V8 engine, generating 230 horsepower. This engine enabled the Corvette to reach 0 to 60 mph in just over six seconds, an astonishing achievement for that period. Additionally, the vehicle’s handling was remarkable, owing to its lightweight frame and sophisticated suspension system, which delivered an exhilarating driving experience.
Davis frequently shares his appreciation for the Corvette, highlighting its blend of American power and sports car nimbleness. The car’s ability to provide an exciting ride while remaining practical for everyday use made it a beloved choice among aficionados. For Davis, the Corvette was not merely a vehicle; it symbolized freedom and adventure, exemplifying the essence of American automotive culture.
Another factor that fueled Davis’s nostalgia for the 1986 Corvette are the personal memories linked to it. The vehicle signified a period in his life filled with thrill and discovery, as he attended various automotive events and experiences. The Corvette served not just as transportation; it became a companion on his journey through the automotive world.
In interviews conducted recently, Davis has reflected on the significance of the Corvette in his life and career. He often recalls the pleasure of driving it, the excitement of its performance, and the sense of community it created among car enthusiasts. The Corvette has evolved into a symbol of his zeal for automobiles, and its absence is profoundly felt.
As MotorWeek continues to advance, John Davis remains a committed supporter of the automotive industry, sharing his knowledge and experiences with audiences. While he has navigated numerous remarkable cars over the years, the 1986 Chevrolet Corvette occupies a unique place in his heart, embodying not just a standout automobile but also a treasured chapter of his life.
In summary, the 1986 Chevrolet Corvette is the personal vehicle most cherished by MotorWeek legend John Davis. Its amalgamation of performance, elegance, and personal relevance has made a lasting impression on his automotive journey, marking it as a prominent vehicle in his extensive history with automobiles.