Remembering John Lamm: An Automotive Journalist’s Legacy
John Lamm, an acclaimed automotive journalist and photographer, passed away in California at the age of 76.
Throughout a remarkable career that spanned nearly five decades, Lamm authored countless stories for both magazines and online platforms, often complementing his writing with stunning photography. His work earned prestigious accolades, including the Ken Purdy and Dean Batchelor awards, which are among the highest honors in automotive journalism. Brands such as Porsche and Ferrari utilized his photographic talents, underscoring his influence in the industry.
The Passion Behind the Pen
What truly set Lamm apart as a storyteller and visual artist was his genuine passion for all aspects of the automotive world. His enthusiasm for cars was palpable, and he cherished the people involved in designing, engineering, and racing them. Even in his 70s, Lamm’s spirited nature shone through: at a bustling auto show in Europe, camera gear slung over his shoulders, he would humorously remark, “One day, I’ll get a real job.”
John Lamm epitomized what it meant to be a car enthusiast.
A Journey into Automotive Journalism
Born and raised in Wisconsin, Lamm was inspired to pursue a career in automotive journalism at just 15 years old, following his experiences watching auto races and reading captivating articles. He attended the University of Wisconsin and served in Vietnam before relocating to California. It was there that he began his journey with MotorTrend, although he famously labeled himself “the worst managing editor in the history of the magazine.”
His true passion lay in storytelling and photography rather than managing, and after six years with MotorTrend, he spent 37 years at Road & Track. During this time, he forged a vast network of contacts among Europe’s supercar manufacturers and design houses.
In addition to his work with Road & Track, Lamm contributed to Car and Driver and Automobile magazines, making him one of the few prominent automotive journalists published by all four of America’s leading automotive media outlets. His work also reached international audiences, including publications in Australia and Japan, such as Wheels and Car Graphic.
A Passion for Automotive History
Alongside his love for contemporary cars, Lamm was deeply interested in automotive history and motorsport. He was a loyal attendee at annual events like the Pebble Beach Concours and the Monterey Motorsport Reunion. Lamm’s friendship with Phil Hill, America’s first Formula 1 world champion, was particularly significant; he was even the godfather to Hill’s son Derek. His affection for Italian classics was exemplified by a Lancia Aurelia B20 coupe, which he owned for three decades before selling it to Ford CEO Jim Farley. Notably, he regarded the Ferrari 250 GTO as his all-time favorite vehicle.
Embracing Technology
Despite beginning his career during an era dominated by typewriters and film cameras, Lamm quickly adapted to the digital age, viewing modern technology as an asset rather than a challenge. He acknowledged, “Digital cameras make it so much easier, mechanically and technically, to take a photo, but it’s still difficult to capture a good picture.” He lamented, however, the shift in the industry due to digital media: “It’s nice to create something tangible.”
A Lasting Influence
John Lamm’s love for the automotive world was matched only by his insatiable curiosity. He was dedicated to learning and sharing knowledge with fellow enthusiasts, a commitment that kept him prolific up until the end of his life.
He is survived by his devoted wife Scheri, children Christopher, Lisa, Holly, and Angela, many grandchildren, and godson Derek Hill. The Lamms have long been strong supporters of philanthropic organizations such as St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and City of Hope.
Photos by Richard Baron and Patrick Hong
