Name: Chris Poole

Place of Birth: Chicago, Illinois
Age: 60
Year, Make and Model of Your first car/truck: 1968 British Ford Cortina GT. (It seemed a good idea at the time.)
Occupation: Editor at Large for Consumer Guide Auto/HowStuffWorks.com and Collectible Automobile magazine
Employer: Publications International, Ltd. (PIL), home to all of the above
What did you think you wanted to be when you grew up? I first planned a career in music, as my father was a musician and college music teacher/administrator. I found myself particularly drawn toward the violin. I just loved the sound that could be made from this type of instrument, and enjoyed reading about the best violinists of all time when I had the chance as they just produced music that was out of this world. In fact at one point, this was the one thing that I looked forward to doing every day. I enjoyed playing I really did, but couldn’t quite master the music theory, so with a heavy heart, I pursued another path, and that was journalism. That began with being chosen editor for my high school newspaper and two pre-college summers working at WRUF, the radio station of the University of Florida in Gainesville, where I grew up. I graduated from UF in 1970 with a bachelor’s degree in broadcasting.
How long have you worked in the auto industry? Since mid-1979
What do you drive now? Vehicle testing is part of my job, so I’m in a different new-model car or truck every week. But I do have a personal car, a 2000 VW GTI VR6. My partner has the 2002 version.
Are you out at work? I am now, though it’s been a gradual process
Was being gay ever an issue at any of your jobs? It was during the mid- to late 1970s, when I worked as a media specialist in hospital-based physician/nurse educational programs. In fact, I was coincidentally outed in late 1978 as part of a political fracas at the Chicago hospital where I was employed. Happily, that led me to PIL, which I’ve been proud to represent ever since.
If so, how did you deal with it? Not well. I wasn’t even fired, just cut back to half-time (right before Christmas, of course). But I couldn’t live on half-pay, and because I didn’t know what I’d done wrong-which was really nothing-I spent a depressing six months before answering a “blind ad” in the Chicago Tribune, which led me to PIL, which took me on as the first editor who dealt solely with cars.
If you had one piece of advice to give to a gay person wanting to work in the auto industry, what would it be?
A bit wordy. But if you’ll indulge me … It helps to be in the right place at the right time with the right skills. So first, decide what you love to do and want to do-they’re not always the same-then network like crazy until you’re where you want to be and realize it takes time to get there. A positive attitude helps with landing a job in any business, but I think it’s vital for GLBT people because so many of us have been taught we’re not “good enough” just because of who we are. Finally, be willing to work hard and to keep improving your knowledge and skills. And don’t forget to laugh!
Ok, here is the fun part; if you had $25,000 and had to buy a new car, what would it be and why? The 2008 VW GTI 2.0T is my kind of car because it’s fun to drive, understated and practical. I‘d have to have the optional DSG automated-manual gearbox-the best of both worlds and a great match for the revvy, punchy turbo 2.0-liter four. This is really an Audi A3/A4 without the prestige-brand price.

Same question but bigger budget; $50,000:
So many good choices at this level. I love BMWs and Mercedes, but everybody seems to have one. I like to be different, and could be quite happy with a V6 Audi A6 sedan or, better yet, the handsome new A5 coupe (V6 only). Could also see me in Pontiac’s new G8 sedan. The GT version with the 6.0-liter Corvette V8 is a helluva bargain, but I’d feel guilty about the high fuel thirst and would thus opt for the base V6 model, which has a very fine engine too.
If money was no object and you had to drive it every day:
I’m kind of torn right now between the Nissan GT-R, which I haven’t yet driven, and the Jaguar XKR convertible, which I have. Third option: the big V10 Audi S8.
What is your favorite car of all time and why?
You ask an auto journalist to pick just one? How about three? 1960 Chrysler 300F, early (1961-67) Jaguar E-Type, 1967-73 Maserati Ghibili. Very different cars, but all quick and, to my eyes, sexy as hell.
If your car/truck could talk, what would it say about you?
“This guy doesn’t make nearly as much money as he needs to!”
Finally, why do you want to be featured on Gaywheels.com?
It gives me a new way to be open as a gay man who happens to work in the car business, thus continuing the process begun long ago when I came out to myself. Thanks for the opportunity. I’m honored.
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