A man of few cars.

David and his 2000 Saab 9-3 Coupé, owned since new.

We interviewed David, the co-founder of Carmalarky with a series of questions designed to confound him.

How did you learn to drive?

Around 12 or so, I have a memory of sharing the front seat and steering wheel while someone else managed the pedals. Probably my Grandfather allowed that. In High School I took a Driver’s Education course before getting my learners permit. Then I learned to drive a manual-shift car by driving our 1972 VW Bus round and round the neighborhood

Riskiest thing you ever did in a car?

Pretty much all my driving was over the speed limit and reckless until I started feeling the cost and agony of speeding tickets.

What was the first car you ever drove?

A 1972 Volkswagen Camper, slowly.

What was the last car that made you cry?

I was very sad when my 1977 Saab 99 was rear-ended and totaled the day I completed rebuilding the engine.

A very red 1977 Saab 99 and a 18 year-old David.

Have you ever been nervous driving a car?

Yes, when unfamiliar. My first column-shift manual transmission was challenging but that was tame compared to my first drive of a Tesla Model S.

What is your pre road trip ritual?

Visually inspect my car, fill the tank with premium, check the oil, the tire pressure and clean the windows. Quite satisfying.

What are your favorite road trip snacks?

Kimbap, a Korean dish of cooked rice, vegetables, egg, and meat wrapped in dried seaweed. It’s nutritious and can be eaten in one bite, critical to keeping your interior clean, and your eyes focused on the road.

Your best road trip?

Driving to and through the Pacific Northwest from San Francisco. The scenery was stunning and new to me.

What’s the best advice a friend has ever given you about cars?

Keep the dash lights dim so they don’t distract you while driving at night.

Why a lit magazine about cars?

Because it hasn’t been done, I think. It feels wonderfly high-brow, but also silly.

What is your favorite exterior car color?

Silver comes to mind first.

Which of your cars is your absolute favorite?

My 1980 Saab 900 Turbo provided a lot of happiness.

How many cars have you owned?

I’ve only owned four cars in my life. My current car I’ve had since new, in 2000.

Name your top five cars:

The first two are easy, then I have to start thinking…early (pre-1967) Citroën DS sedan, flat-nose (1979-86) Saab 900 Turbo coupé, 1974 Saab 99 EMS, 1966 Peugeot 404 cabriolet, 1972 BMW CSi (E9). I’ll need a motorbike too! 1970 Honda CB350 please.

When was the last time you asked the “top five cars” question?

Last year, but it was top three.

Driving style quick answers

Morning coffee run or night on the freeway? Night on freeway

Windows or AC? Windows.

Straight roads or windy roads? I dislike this question. Sweeping curves are preferred.

Sunroof or moonroof? Can’t decide. A sunroof looks better but less practical.

Silence or Rock the town? It’s been silence since about 10 years ago.

Freeways: fast or civilized? Civilized!

In town: aggressive or mellow? Mellow!

Front or backseat driver? I dislike this question also. I can happily ride in the backseat without talking.

Stick shift or manual? I believe manual is the correct term.

Internal combustion, hybrid, or electric? (Marry, Kill, Fuck)

Marry - Hybrids are the best solution for most people.

Kill - Electric cars are perfect for some people.

Fuck - Internal combustion is more tactile and engaging to drive.

We can argue about this.

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More about David

David has transformed the creative thinking, brand development, visual communication and experiential design for an extensive range of organizations, industries and occupations.

Over a 30-year career, his sound sense of style, intelligent logic and keen wit delivers work that consistently impresses clients, and stands the test of time.

In New York City, as a Graphic Designer at The Wall Street Journal, he redefined their approach to paid media marketing. Later, as Art Director for Fox News Online, he led their first major website redesign, setting standards for interactive consumer news.

In 2000, the visual communication firm, Freshbait was born in San Francisco with Marnie Aulabaugh. Clients big and less big have included Microsoft, EDS, Washington Mutual, HP, Kimpton, The Wall Street Journal, Tyco, Amgen, Power One, LCS, Talon International, DUST, Pulse, Alice Radio, Streetline, Yes Health, Bedford/St. Martins, March of Dimes and Westwood Winery.

Born and raised in Georgia, near Atlanta, David has degrees in English Literature and Media Communications, apt skills in Saab mechanics, and can converse in French, Khmer and Japanese. He’s lived in New York, Oakland, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Cambodia and now Tokyo.

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