Who was Jean Jennings? Some call her a pioneer, while others call her a legend. For me, she stands as an inspiration and role model for not just women but all writers in the automotive industry. Jennings passed away on December 16, 2025, at 70 years old “after,” as per Car and Driver, “living with Alzheimer’s disease.”
Growing up as …
This is sad news. I met Jean, chatted with Jean and am sad to see the news.
May her memory be a blessing.
A toast to Ms Lindamood.
Many a word of her prose have I consumed.
She did a great job - she really stood out in an arena of a bunch of dudes. I enjoyed her articles. I'm suprised at how young she was. RIP
I remember reading her work back in the day–high school, college times. Something about her said that, yes, I could do this. (I told her that once.)
Paris Van Gorder said:
Jennings passed away on December 16, 2025, at 70 years old
2025?
In reply to Datsun240ZGuy :
It WOULD be keeping in character for her.
Loved her writing at Car and Driver which is one of the reasons why I subscribed to Automobile Magazine in April of 1986. Just look at the index of the articles and their authors, amazing stuff. I bought one to read and one to save. I have kept the premier edition all these years. Thanks for all the great memories Jean, I will miss you.
I always read her column first in Automobile.
One of the greats for me alongside Egan and Davis.
Datsun240ZGuy said:Paris Van Gorder said:
Jennings passed away on December 16, 2025, at 70 years old
2025?
Magazine lead times.
I used to see her regularly at the gym in Chelsea, Michigan about a decade ago. I never spoke to her, but should have. It would have no doubt been interesting. I'll have to go do a lap of the C&D test loop in her honour.
Wow. I remember 1986.
Automobile Magazine
It doesn't seem that long ago.
God help the Italians if the Japanese ever build supercars ...
Snowdoggie (Forum Supporter) said:God help the Italians if the Japanese ever build supercars ...
Ha, that's exactly what I thought of when I read that.
I've got that premiere issue of Automobile as well, I came across it on the newsstand after finishing my paper route and brought it home :)
I met her once at a magazine track day at Waterford Hills. Didn't have a lot of time to chat, however, she was marshalling all of her minions into a series of cars so they could see what they were like. Not writers, but the support staff at the magazine.
I think this was her...Car and Driver published a pic of a Jeep under test with a couple of, ummm, amorous pigs in the background as she laughed hysterically? This would have been in the 80s.
That was back when Car and Driver actually published my letters to the editor.
Jean Lindamood gone. DEDJr. already gone for a few years.
Csaba Csere is still alive but is probably about 108 now.
In reply to Snowdoggie (Forum Supporter) :
He didn't seem all that old when I met him in 2003. I think he's a bit younger than Jean.
I used to so enjoy reading her stuff......time comes for us all.
Jean Jennings and David Davis were hugely formative in my automotive upbringing. I miss their work but will always remember them fondly; Jean, in particular, was a major groundbreaker in automotive publications. I'd quite like to hear what Elena Scherr has to say about Jean Jeannings' passing, in fact.
Damn it. She was fun to hang out with and gave me a beer at the babe rally back in '05? Maybe? I didn't even know who she was until she walked away and a friend filled me in. Good person.
Feedyurhed said:Loved her writing at Car and Driver which is one of the reasons why I subscribed to Automobile Magazine in April of 1986. Just look at the index of the articles and their authors, amazing stuff. I bought one to read and one to save. I have kept the premier edition all these years. Thanks for all the great memories Jean, I will miss you.
^Everything you just said. My copy is still upstairs.
I, too still have that first issue of Automobile. Ms. Jennings (Lindamood back then) was must-read.
Been a rough time lately for those of us who cut our teeth as automotive enthusiasts on the magazines of the 80s.
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