Jim Dunne

Last updated
Leo James 'Jim' Dunne
Born(1931-12-13)December 13, 1931
Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
DiedAugust 19, 2019(2019-08-19) (aged 87)
Grosse Pointe Park, Detroit, Michigan
OccupationAutomotive Spy Photographer;
Editor Popular Mechanics ;
Contributor: Road & Track , Car and Driver , Automotive News , Autoweek , The Drive, and Motor Trend
GenreAutomotive journalism

Jim Dunne was a noted test-track engineer, journalist, editor, author and regular contributor to automotive publications, including Popular Science , Road & Track , Automotive News , Autoweek , The Drive , Motor Trend , Ward's Automotive , and Leftlane News. In addition to serving as Detroit editor of Popular Mechanics and Popular Science magazines, Dunne is widely known as one of the industry's preeminent automotive spy photographers. [1]

Contents

Using telephoto lenses and carefully selected vantage sites, Dunne would surreptitiously capture photographs of often remote and heavily disguised prototypes, test vehicles and early production cars — successfully photographing the industry's most closely guarded cars, years ahead of introduction, and selling the photographs to enthusiast magazines and online sites. [2] Manufacturers were known to at times plant decoys or set up forthcoming models, to generate media coverage.

As a noted presence in the automotive field and member of the Automotive Press Association, Dunne received Road & Travel Magazine's 2007 Lifetime Achievement Award. [3] He recounted his career in his 2011 autobiography Car Spy. [4]

Autoweek called Dunne the father of automotive spy photography, [5] a profession he was ultimately credited with creating. [2] Dunne retired, as the profession evaporated, gradually overtaken by the proliferation of smartphone cameras, shifting automotive spy work from professionals to amateur photographers everywhere. [5] [6]

Background

Born Leo James Dunne on December 13, 1931, to Leo Augustine Dunne and Evelyn Thecla Normandin Dunne, [7] [8] Jim Dunne grew up in Detroit with nine siblings and lived his entire life in Detroit.

After graduating from Catholic Central High School in Detroit, [7] Dunne studied at Wayne State University, (which later became the University of Detroit), [9] receiving a bachelor's degree in Industrial Management. He subsequently served for three years [4] in the United States Army during the Korean War. [7]

In retrospect, Dunne credited his work with Intelligence and Reconnaissance during the war teaching him to work in harsh conditions, including the extreme heat and cold environments often sought for vehicle testing. [3]

Dunne was married to Janet A. Dunne; together they had six daughters, two sons and 12 grandchildren. [7] He was an avid sportsman and pursued fishing and tennis throughout his life. Dunne died at age 87 at his residence in Grosse Pointe Park on August 19, 2019 [7] from a rare and aggressive form of cancer that failed to respond to treatment. [10]

Career

Dunne began writing a column for national automotive magazines, at Popular Science and Popular Mechanics, emphasizing information that might reveal the nature of forthcoming but well-protected cars. [3] Dunne co-wrote the Norbye/Dunne Report at Popular Science, with Jan P. Norbye (1931-2003), track-testing new vehicles for 13 years, soberly recording and noting a car's performance and creating a de facto template for subsequent automotive writers, outlining a car's performance, handling, acceleration, maneuverability, economy, and noise levels. [3]

As editor for Popular Science, Dunne had been supplementing his written reports with photographs from new car introductions. Car and Driver would later report:

"his shots of the second-generation Chevy Corvair were different; they were snapped from a covert vantage point overlooking the fence of the secured General Motors proving grounds in Milford, Michigan—a hideout later dubbed Dunne’s Grove. The car was months away from its public reveal." [11]

Looking for a competitive edge, Dunne surmised that taking photographs of cars that manufacturers wanted hidden, might make a good business. [9]

He would become known as "cagey, patient, and adventurous", [2] charismatic and fun-loving – with an overt bravado. [4] Editor at Car and Driver, Rich Ceppos, called Dunne "quietly charismatic, fun-loving, adventurous, and mischievous." [11]

As a journalist, he upheld basic professional standards and was known for his insistent, direct questioning in the face of evasive, less than straightforward responses from industry executives. [12] Well known throughout the automotive industry, Dunne regularly invited other journalists to lunch, in and around Detroit [9] to rehash industry events and predict what was ahead. These became known as "The Jim Dunne Lunches," [12] or his “Predictions Lunches.” [2] Dunne maintained cordial if competitive relationships with others in his profession, including noted automotive spy photographer Brenda Priddy. [13]

Career anecdotes

Using mock uniforms to gain covert access inside design labs, test facilities and headquarters, Dunne on one occasion wore a short-sleeve shirt, black tie, pocket protector and holding a clipboard – acted like he belonged and successfully gained access to a Chrysler facility [9] – and as able to access and photograph top secret pilot models, under assembly. [2] [9]

At one time, Dunne was able to buy a parcel of land adjacent to the Chrysler testing facility, from which he was able to secure a regular supply of advance photographs – for years – until Chrysler discovered his location and erected a wall. Having purchased the property for a modest sum he was able to sell the parcel for 20 times what he'd purchased it for, [10] [9] donating the proceeds to his sister's convent. [9] In jest, Chrysler would later name a small section of chain-link fencing at its Chelsea, MI, Proving Ground “The Dunne Fence.” [14]

Leftlane News interviewed Dunne in a 2011 YouTube video, where he related he was intimately familiar with GM's Milford Proving Ground, which were close to where he lived. Dunne said "I've told drivers in the past when you drive down the north-south straightaway, please smile because your picture will probably be taken." [6] Ultimately, GM would nickname a particularly vulnerable photography vantage after Dunne. [6]

Once, with journalist David C. Smith, he and Dunne wondered if Henry Ford's notorious right hand man, Harry Bennett was still alive. They researched and found him living in Las Vegas. Together they interviewed and photographed Bennett for six hours. [14]

Dunne famously once infiltrated an Oldsmobile Design studio, and on taking photos with his Minox camera, noticed he was interrupting an Olds executive, nearly in flagrante in the car with a secretary. Neither Dunne nor the executive said a word, as Dunne left with his spy shots. [10]

Renault had once invited journalists to their company proving grounds outside Paris, where the journalists discovered a scale model of the facility, noting a lone plastic figure perched carefully in a well-located tree. The Renault executives noted “That’s Jim Dunne.” [13]

Security offices around Detroit's manufacturing and testing sites carried "WANTED" posters of Dunne. [2] He was ultimately sued numerous times, including for his expose of dubious devices marketed to offer dramatic fuel savings, [3] and on one occasion he was investigated for stealing proprietary photographs. [3]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Eagle (automobile)</span> Defunct American automobile brand

Eagle was a brand of the Chrysler Corporation following the purchase of American Motors Corporation (AMC) in 1987 and marketed through the end of the 1998 model year. It was aimed at the enthusiast driver and promoted as more "European" than the automaker's similar models.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">North American International Auto Show</span> Annual auto show in Detroit, Michigan

The North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), also known as the Detroit Auto Show as of 2022 and prior to NAIAS, is an annual auto show held in Detroit, Michigan, U.S., at Huntington Place. The show was held in January from 1989 to 2019. It was intended to move to the summer in 2020, but was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic that year and 2021, before returning in September 2022. It is among the largest auto shows in North America. UPI says the show is "regarded as the foremost venue for [car] manufacturers to unveil new products".

<i>Autoweek</i> Magazine

Autoweek is a car culture publication based in Detroit, Michigan. It was first published in 1958 and in 1977 the publication was purchased by Crain Communications Inc, its current parent company. The magazine was published weekly and focused on motor sports, new car reviews, and old cars, events and DIY. Autoweek now publishes Autoweek.com. Autoweek is owned by Crain Communications Inc., publisher of leading industry trade publications Advertising Age and Automotive News, among others, and is based in Detroit, Michigan.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Renault Alliance</span> Motor vehicle

The Renault Alliance is a front-wheel drive, front-engine subcompact automobile manufactured and marketed in North America by American Motors Corporation (AMC) for model years 1983–1987. The Alliance and its subsequent hatchback variant, the Encore, were re-engineered Renault 9 & 11 for the U.S. and Canadian markets.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Eagle Premier</span> Motor vehicle

The Eagle Premier is a full-size executive car that was developed by American Motors Corporation (AMC) during the 1980s through its partnership with Renault. This model was manufactured in the then-brand-new Brampton Assembly in Canada. Chrysler Corporation bought the rights to the Premier when it acquired Renault's outstanding shares in AMC in 1987, and began selling the car under the new Eagle marque.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mid-size car</span> North American Australian / European standard for an automobile size

Mid-size—also known as intermediate—is a vehicle size class which originated in the United States and is used for cars larger than compact cars and smaller than full-size cars. "Large family car" is a UK term and a part of the D-segment in the European car classification. Mid-size cars are manufactured in a variety of body styles, including sedans, coupes, station wagons, hatchbacks, and convertibles. Compact executive cars can also fall under the mid-size category.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Full-size car</span> Vehicle size class

Full-size car—also known as large car—is a vehicle size class which originated in the United States and is used for cars larger than mid-size cars. It is the largest size class for cars. In Europe, it is known as E-segment or F-segment.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Roger Penske</span> American businessman and entrepreneur (born 1937)

Roger Searle Penske is an American businessman and entrepreneur involved in professional auto racing and a retired professional auto racing driver, and a Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient. He is well-known through his ownership of Team Penske, DJR Team Penske, the Penske Corporation, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, IndyCar, and other automotive-related businesses.

David Evan Davis Jr. was an American automotive journalist and magazine publisher widely known as a contributing writer, editor and publisher at Car and Driver magazine and as the founder of Automobile magazine.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Penske Corporation</span> American transportation services company

Penske Corporation, Inc. is an American diversified transportation services company based in Bloomfield Township, Oakland County, Michigan. Roger Penske is the chairman of the privately held company, and Rob Kurnick is the president. Penske operates in the automotive retail, truck leasing, transportation, logistics, and motorsports industries. Penske operates in over 3,200 locations and employs more than 70,000 people globally.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dick Teague</span> American automotive designer

Richard Arthur Teague was an American industrial designer in the North American automotive industry. He held automotive design positions at General Motors, Packard, and Chrysler before becoming Vice President of Design for American Motors Corporation (AMC), and designed several notable show cars and production vehicles including AMC's Pacer, Gremlin, and Hornet models, as well as the Jeep Cherokee XJ and either designed or assisted in the designing of later cars for Chrysler such as the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Neon after American Motors' buyout.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chrysler Turbine Car</span> Automobile powered by a turbine engine produced by Chrysler from 1963 to 1964

The Chrysler Turbine Car is an experimental two-door hardtop coupe powered by a turbine engine and manufactured by Chrysler from 1963–1964. The bodywork was constructed by Italian design studio Carrozzeria Ghia and Chrysler completed the final assembly in Detroit. A total of 55 cars were manufactured: five prototypes and a limited run of 50 cars for a public user program. All have a signature metallic paint named "turbine bronze", roughly the color of root beer. The car was styled by Elwood Engel and the Chrysler studios and featured power brakes, power steering, and a TorqueFlite transmission.

Electronic voice alert (EVA) was an option available on many Chrysler K-car-based vehicles in the mid-1980s.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">AMC Rambler Tarpon</span> Concept car designed by American Motors Corporation

The Rambler Tarpon was a concept car, a compact-sized sporty youth-oriented 2+2 hardtop coupé developed in 1963 by American Motors Corporation (AMC). The bright red with black roof design study made its public debut 1964 Chicago Auto Show and served to foretell the fastback design elements of the larger Rambler Marlin that was introduced in 1965.

Thomas Jay McCahill III (1907–1975) was an automotive journalist, born the grandson of a wealthy attorney in Larchmont, New York. McCahill graduated from Yale University with a degree in fine arts.. He is credited with, amongst other things, the creation of the "0 to 60" acceleration measurement now universally accepted in automotive testing. He became a salesman for Marmon and in the mid-1930s operated dealerships in Manhattan and Palm Springs, featuring Rolls-Royce, Jaguar and other high-line luxury cars. The depression and his father's alcoholism wiped out his family's fortune.

Jean Jennings is an American journalist, publisher and television personality covering the automotive industry, noted for making the industry more accessible to a broad cross-section of enthusiasts.

<i>Car</i> (magazine) Automotive magazine

Car is a British automotive enthusiast magazine published monthly by Bauer Consumer Media. International editions are published by Bauer Automotive in Republic of Korea, Brazil, China, Greece, India, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, the Middle East, Romania, Russia, South Africa, Spain, Thailand and Turkey.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chrysler Pacifica (minivan)</span> American minivan built by Chrysler

The Chrysler Pacifica is a minivan produced by the Chrysler division of Stellantis. It is unrelated to the discontinued crossover and concept vehicles by the same name and replaced the Chrysler Town & Country for the 2017 model year. It is positioned as the higher-end Chrysler minivan, above the Dodge Grand Caravan until 2020 and above the Chrysler Voyager since 2020.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Plymouth XNR</span> Chrysler concept car of 1960

The Plymouth XNR is a concept car developed by Chrysler. It was designed by Virgil Exner, and first shown in 1960. Also called the XNR 500, the car is an open roadster with some asymmetric features, and was proposed as a sporty addition to the Plymouth model lineup, and as competition for the Chevrolet Corvette.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">George Levy</span> American motorsports author

George Damon Levy is a motorsports author, speaker, and historian and former editor of the enthusiast magazine Autoweek, and current President of the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America. He has contributed to various automotive publications and websites, including Autoweek, RACER, Car and Driver and Vintage Motorsport. He is best known for his 2016 book Can-am 50th Anniversary: Flat Out with North America’s Greatest Race Series, which earned a Gold Medal in the 2017 International Automotive Media Competition. He is a frequent collaborator with his longtime friend, the late, award-winning motorsports photographer Pete Biro. Their second book, F1 Mavericks: The Men and Machines that Revolutionized Formula 1 Racing, was published in July, 2019. More books together are in development.

References

  1. ↑ "PM's Top Auto Spy Receives Lifetime Achievement Award: Live from the Detroit Auto Show". Popular Mechanics. September 30, 2009.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Thom Taylor (August 22, 2019). "Original Auto Spy Photographer–the Zany World of Jim Dunne". Motor Biscuit.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Jim Dunne to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award at 2007 International Car of the Year Awards". Road and Travel. November 6, 2006.
  4. 1 2 3 Raphael Orlove (August 21, 2019). "Jim Dunne, The Godfather Of Car Spy Photography, Dies At 87". Jalopnik.
  5. 1 2 Mark Vaughn (August 20, 2019). "Jim Dunne, the father of automotive spy photography: 1931-2019". Autoweek.
  6. 1 2 3 Chris Tsui (November 8, 2019). "Pioneer of Automotive Spy Photography Jim Dunne Dies at 87". The Drive.
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 "Leo Dunne". Tribute Archive.
  8. ↑ "Leo James Dunne". Find a Grave.
  9. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "Remembering Car Spy Photographer Jim Dunne". NPR. August 24, 2019.
  10. 1 2 3 Paul A. Eisenstein (August 21, 2019). "Jim Dunne, Legendary Automotive Spy Photographer, Dead at 87". The Detroit Bureau.
  11. 1 2 Tony Swann (August 20, 2019). "Meet the Man Who All But Invented Serious Car Spy Photography". Car and Driver.
  12. 1 2 Todd Lassa (August 20, 2010). "In Memoriam: Jim Dunne, the Father of Car Spy Photography". Motor Trend.
  13. 1 2 Steve Wilke (December 26, 2013). "Spy vs. Spy". Hour Detroit.
  14. 1 2 David C. Smith (August 21, 2019). "Jim Dunne, Wards Contributor for 30 Years". Wards.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.