The car enthusiast has turned his love for cars into a show, “Jay Leno’s Garage,” on which he shows off his collection with other public figures in the passenger seat.
1937 Bugatti Type 57
When it first hit the market, this 1937 model was worth approximately $43,000. Today, however, it’s worth somewhere closer to $50-$100 million. The car was designed by the man himself, Mr. Jean Bugatti, and includes a 3,257-cc engine from the Type 59 Grand Prix cars.
However, Leno’s vehicle isn’t the original; it’s a replica, created by a car enthusiast in Germany, whose specialty is crafting up cars to look precisely like rare classics – something he’s very good at. Type 57 recently won the Best of the Best Award at the Peninsula Classics in Paris.
1994 McLaren F1
McLarens weren’t street legal in the United States for the longest time – and some of them still aren’t in a few states. Leno’s 1994 F1, however, was the first of the line to be given the thumbs-up.
He admittedly chose the car because he wanted something incredibly light, and, when asked what his plans were for it, he said, “mostly road use. I don’t think I’m going to do any track work with it.” He wasn’t disappointed, according to later interviews, either. In fact, he called it his favorite at one point, which is saying a lot considering how many cars he has!
1955 Mercedes 300SL Gullwing Coupe
Jay Leno had his eyes (and mind) on the Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing for quite some time, but it seemed as though he could just never quite get his hands on it. But in 2010, that changed when the opportunity finally presented itself. He was thrilled to add it to the collection. Who wouldn’t be?
This car has it all, but probably one of the coolest features has to be the upward swinging doors – hence the name, Gullwing. Leno’s model is worth around $1.8 million, which is something most car lovers can only dream of paying for the pleasure.
1937 Fiat Topolino
The 1937 Fiat Topolino was worth less than $800 when it initially hit the markets in the ‘30s. The brand is known across Europe for its cute, small, and gas-friendly cars. So friendly that Leno says he’s able to get 50 miles to the gallon in his little Topolino!
Only around 500,000 of the cars were ever made, though since Leno has shown some interest, many people have said that if Fiat were to start producing them again, they’d buy one in a heartbeat! The vehicles were only made between 1936-1955, so Leno’s 1937 version is close to being one of the earliest in production!
2017 Ford GT
Ford’s GT supercars were pretty exclusive – and expensive, especially when they first came out, with a price tag of nearly $500,000, and an impressive top speed of over 215 mph. But of course, supercar fan Jay Leno had to be one of the lucky few to purchase them.
Leno had his custom-designed with an array of extra features, including the 400A package, which tacked on $25,000 to the manufacturer’s price, along with $15,000, 20” exposed carbon fiber wheels, and more. Hey, if you’ve got it, spend it, right?
427 Shelby Cobra
Actor Matt Damon showed up at Jay Leno’s garage/playhouse last year to hang out, talk cars, and pose for some photos. Some such images included some with the 427 Shelby Cobra.
The photos were in anticipation of Ford V Ferrari, but there’s still no denying that the Cobra is a cool car. The original Cobra was only produced over two years, from 1965-1967, and in that time, there were less than 350 ever made. The last 427 Super Snake recently sold for over $5 million.
1906 Advance Steam Traction Engine
This impressive machine weighs a whopping 13 tons and was built in the early 1900s. They were created to turn the soil, along with doing planting, harvesting, hauling, and more. The vehicle was restored by Leno’s friend, Orman Rawlings, who appeared in Jay’s garage to show it off.
It may only travel at speeds up to four miles an hour, but considering it can pull more than 50,000 pounds, it doesn’t need to be incredibly fast. The engine is over nine-feet tall and 24 feet long, and it takes between 250-350 gallons of water to power up.
1909 Baker Electric
This impressive 1909 vehicle was one of the first electric cars in existence. It’s been referenced as traveling “back to the future,” as it dates back to more than 100 years ago. It was initially marketed to women since it didn’t need cranking, and it didn’t smell like gasoline, plus, it required little maintenance.
Leno has said that he believes the future of automobiles lies in something that hasn’t yet been discovered. Though electricity is a nice alternative, as he puts it, “the problem is, where do you get it?” Of course, there’s always solar power…
1954 Jaguar XK120M
Though the comedian owns more cars than most people could ever even dream about (literally,) his heartbeats particularly hard for a few – the Jaguar XK120 included. He first saw one of the cars when he was just nine-years-old and fell in love with it from that moment on.
The cars were built from 1948-1954, and Leno worked to buy his in the 1980s when he first started making the money he needed to do so. It was the first collector car he added to his 136-car collection. It’s no wonder it’s so special to him!
1917 Fiat Botafogo
Jay Leno’s crazy-loud 1917 Fiat Botafogo has a good reason for being so as it cruises down the streets. It likely has a lot to do because it’s equipped with a 21.7 A. 12 engine – just like those used in aircrafts in World War I. The car can hit speeds of nearly 147 mph, which is pretty decent for an older car.
However, when it comes to braking, drivers can run into issues. As anyone who’s driven the car before has come to realize, you need to give yourself a ton of extra room for slowing down to a stop; about a quarter mile’s worth.
1963 Chrysler Turbine
The Chrysler Turbine is a unique kind of vehicle, and another one that Leno happened to get his hands on that exists only in a few more places on earth. The gas piston engine wooshes with a jet-like sound, and when it first hit the scene, people went nuts for it at the 1964 New York World’s Fair, where a line was wrapped around the block of those who were interested in testing it out.
There were only about 130 of the cars made during the early 1960s, although today, there are only nine left – and Leno’s the proud owner of one of them.
Bugatti Type 51
Leno has always had a soft spot in his heart for Bugatti and has even said that Ettore Bugatti was one of the best manufacturers in the world in his youth. The world pretty much agrees that they built some of the best race cars of all time. When Leno talks about his Type 51 to his audience, you can tell that he has a deep love for it.
He explains the smooth sound of the supercharged eight-cylinder engine as one of his all-time favorites. And, unlike most of the other Bugattis in his garage, the Type 51 is more upscale, creating a great combination of sporty and luxury.
Leno ‘32 Bowtie Deuce Roadster
Leno has more sets of wheels than most people can ever even dream of. He likes to play with his toys, so he often makes changes and upgrades that make these rare vehicles worth even more money. Take his Bowtie Deuce Roadster, which has been nicknamed the Leno ’32 Bowtie Deuce Roadster.
Until he added this car to his collection, it lacked a specific something – a real hot rod, perhaps? Not anymore. He’s outfitted his ride with custom 18 and 20-inch aluminum rims, blue leather-trimmed seats, round taillights, a waterfall center console, and more.
Saab 93
Is there any car in the comedian’s collection that he doesn’t love? If so, it isn’t his Saab 93. These rides, which were inspired and infused by aviation-like qualities, were what paved the way for the 99 and 900 turbos to come.
This wasn’t the first Saab he’d added to the garage, as his ’58 was one of the first he ever showed off on his show, but he still treated it like it was his favorite, just like he did with most of his toys. The 748-cc engine gives off 33 horsepower, and Leno upgraded his gearbox, among some other tweaks.
Chevrolet Corvair Yenko
Leno’s 1966 Chevy Corvair Yenko Stinger has a particular, recognizable vibe about it that’s reminiscent of an old-school Porsche. He recognized this immediately, of course, which is why he dubbed it the poor man’s version of the vehicle.
After all, the car, which was initially worth about $3,000, would sell for around $55,000 today, which is a big difference from the $100,000 or so you’d find a ’66 Porsche on the market for. Leno’s model has been upgraded, so he’s tacked a few extra thousand, making his version worth $58,000.
Corvette Split Window Fuelie
Corvette created their Split-Window Fuelie’s in 1963 – and that was the only year they put them out. Initially, you could get your hands on a Fuelie for around $4,000, but since they stopped making them after their first year in production, they’re now super rare, which has skyrocketed their value to about $250,000.
Designer Bill Mitchell (who loved the design) and engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov (who loathed it) argued about whether or not they would continue their creation, but you can guess who won that debate. Luckily, Leno was able to secure one of the cars for himself.
1941 American LaFrance Fire Truck
Leno certainly has a broad range of vehicles in his collection. Take this 1941 American LaFrance Series 600 Pumper V-12 Fire Truck, painted in its classic, glossy candy apple red. These were the actual trucks used by firefighters in the early ‘40s, which was probably one thing that drew the comedian to it.
These days, he uses it for parades and photo/video shoots. Today, with all of the restorations and upgrades, his fire truck is worth over $160,000, a big difference from the original price of around $9k.
Ariel Atom
Ariel first introduced the UK to the Atom in 2000, and it was a massive hit among car lovers. Of course, Leno jumped at the opportunity to own one himself. His model, a 2006 version, is equipped with a 3.0-liter V8 engine, and isn’t yet street legal in the U.S. – at least, not if it comes sold “as is.”
For an Atom to be legal here in the States, it must be sold and built entirely as a kit car, which means it’s shipped to the future owner in pieces and built on the spot. If it comes sold as-is, it is considered an off-road-only machine.
1955 Buick Roadmaster
Leno’s 1955 Buick Roadmaster will always be unique to him – and his wife. That’s because the first time they ever “got together” was in the car after he bought it during the early ‘70s. At the time, he was working as a mechanic, trying to get his comedy career off the ground.
After he’d restored the original version (and made a ton of money), he and his wife recreated the hookup. He even has a nickname for the car: Rosebud. He initially paid just $350 for the vehicle, but all of the upgrades and restorations have raised the value to over $30,000.
Jaguar CX75
The comedian has a wide range of vehicles, including their values. For instance, the Buick Roadmaster is worth just $33,000, but what about his 2010 Jaguar CX75? It’s worth nearly $1.5 million. The 1960’s XJ13 inspires the car by the same manufacturer, minus the V-12 racecar engine.
Leno called it a “gazillion-dollar prototype” when designer Ian Callum first pulled the vehicle into the comedian’s garage, “so there’s no driving it at 100 mph.” It’s a two-seater hybrid which is so sleek looking; it even appeared in 2015’s James Bond film, Spectre.
BAC Mono
Yet another ride that was illegal on the streets of the U.S. until not too long ago, Leno’s 2015 BAC Mono can go from 0 to 60+ in less than three seconds. The entertainer took his Mono for a spin on one episode of the show, letting audiences get a good look at the single-seater supercar with a lightweight chassis, low frame, and a 2.3-liter Duratec engine.
Viewers ogled the sleek-looking vehicle from afar, knowing there was likely no chance they’d ever be able to get behind the wheel of one themselves. At least, not with the $200,000 price tag.
Lamborghini Countach
Speaking of insanely expensive yet gorgeous cars, take a look at Leno’s candy apple red 1986 Lamborghini Countach, priced at around $300,000. This was the car that every teenage boy dreamed about driving from the ‘70s- ‘90s.
But for Leno, it was a daily driver and one that he put over 70,000 miles on. Hey, who can blame him? However, there aren’t many other Italian exotic cars in the world with that kind of mileage.
Autocar
This (very) old coal truck is probably one of the earliest automobiles you’ll ever see. Initially built in 1916, it was designed so long ago that it wasn’t even made with seatbelts!
Autocar’s were crucial in their time, especially during the colder months when they were used for transporting coal to keep people warm. There’s no question that this thing wouldn’t be able to keep up with the majority of his cars on either the street or track, but it’s still an exciting addition to his collection.
EcoJet
Leno and his 2006 EcoJet wowed at a couple of appearances at a few different shows throughout the years. The EcoJet is a concept car designed by GM at its Advanced Design Studio. With a whopping 650 horsepower jet engine, everyone knew from its conceptual stages that the car wasn’t going to wind up going into production.
Still, it only fits that the entertainer would have his model. He did, after all, help initiate its design. It began as a sketch on napkins and now sits in his garage among all of the other toys.
Lamborghini Miura S
This bright orange, 1969 Lamborghini Miura S is a favorite of car enthusiasts everywhere. It’s been called “one of the most beautiful cars,” and very few vehicles can stun quite like this one.
The Miura was first introduced in ’65 and was designed as a publicity stunt – and it worked. After the manufacturers saw the response to the car, they decided to go through with production. The vehicle, while initially sold for around a half a million, is now worth between $1-$1.5 million.
1957 Chevrolet Corvette
Considered by many to be one of the best American sports cars ever created, Leno’s Chevy Corvette has a fascinating tale behind it. Initially ordered by a U.S soldier that was stationed overseas in Korea, he had mainly intended for it to be more powerful – and lighter.
The car has a V-8 engine under the hood and pumps out 270 horsepower, but instead of the 3-speed, it’s got a 283-cubic inch small block. Leno typically uses the car to cruise around his California neighborhood.
Bentley GJ 400
Jay Leno has some incredibly impressive (and large) vehicles in his garage, and this 1930 Bentley GJ is no exception. With the work, the comedian has had done to the car. However, it isn’t so much in its classic form these days, but rather a custom modern that has vintage aesthetics.
Still, the 27-liter Rolls Royce Merlin V12 engine, built for WWII planes, is a beast, and the car can reach between 650-700 horsepower.
1939 Lagonda V12
Yet another exciting addition to the entertainer’s collection is this beautiful 1939 Lagonda V12. Leno’s model is a replica that he had built of an original Bentley-designed Le Mans 12. The British manufacturing company only produced Lagonda V12s for a couple of years from 1938-1940.
Impressively, despite the vehicle’s saloon body shape, it was able to reach up to 100 mph, which was quite a feat when it first appeared on the market. Lagonda first opened in 1906 and has been owned by Aston Martin since 1947.
Chrysler Tank
You probably haven’t seen any of these cruising around the streets of your city – or anywhere else, for that matter. That’s because Leno’s 2001 Chrysler Tank is the only one of its kind in existence.
The Tank, which has also been dubbed “The Blastolene Special,” was created using an actual U.S military tank engine, contributing to its weight of nearly 10,000 pounds! Built by Randy Grubb, Leno has added all sorts of fun new features to it, including a new electrical system and twin turbochargers with upgraded fuel injection, among others.
1963 Jaguar E-Type
Leno recently debuted his 1963 Jaguar E-Type on an episode of his show, and it did not disappoint. Although it was only initially sold for about $5,500, it's now worth nearly $185,000, with all of the upgrades and bells and whistles the entertainer has added. Before he got his hands on the vehicle, it had only been owned by one other person.
They aren’t in production anymore, although rumor has it if you want one built, there’s a person in Texas who can make it happen for you – as long as you can pay $450,000.
Duesenberg Model J
The comedian has always been pretty enthusiastic about Duesenberg Motors, owned by brothers Frederick and August. Of course, the brand may have died down, but that wasn’t about to stop Jay from acquiring a Model J with a long-wheelbase (at over 153 inches) and a 6.9-liter twin-cam straight-eight engine with four valves per each cylinder.
Of course, as he’s explained to his audience before, adjusting the valves takes a lot of time and energy (a 40-hour workweek) and has to be done at least every 10,000 miles.
1970 Dodge Challenger
The Dodge Challenger has been produced over three generations by the beloved American auto manufacturer. The first generation began in 1970 – and Leno got his hands on one of the first models ever built.
Inside, he replaced the original 4-speed manual transmission with a modern 5-speed Tremec, which lends to the roaring noise that can be heard as the entertainer whips the ride around his neighborhood. In one episode of his show, he takes Jeff Foxworthy on a fun off-roading adventure with him in the car.
LCC Rocket
Only 55 of these cars ever made, and the only car to ever be manufactured by the Light Car Company. Of course, Leno would want to add one of these to his collection – after all, with a weight of around 850 pounds and the ability to hit speeds of up to 150 mph, it must be a blast to take for a spin around the track.
The LCC Rocket is also the only car in history to have been made with a motorcycle engine. Yep, if you pop the hood of this candy red car, you’ll be face to face with a 1000cc Yamaha bike engine.
1929 Bentley Speed Six
Although you’d usually only see these cars in a museum, the entertainer has been spotted driving this sleek silver 1929 Bentley around his neighborhood in California, and around a local track. Though the car initially came along with a 6-liter engine, Leno upgraded his to an 8-liter and added three SU carburetors.
When Bentley first produced these cars in the late 1920s, they sold for around $1,500. However, since there were less than 550 ever made, and because it helped put Bentley on the map, the existing models can go for up to over $2.5 million.
Cord 812
The entertainer is fond of all of the cars in his collection, but he’s particularly more so of his 1936, Indiana-built Cord 812. He’s called it “one of the all-time great American cars,” saying that it “drives like a car two-decades ahead of the thirties.”
The Cord was the first vehicle to be produced with enclosed headlights and a hidden gas cap, along with being the first American front-wheel-drive car. There were just 3,000 of the Cord’s to be built in the ‘30s, and production ended in 1937.
Duesenberg Model X
Leno got his hands on his very own 1927 Duesenberg Model X in the early 2000s. The car, which “looks like a gangster car,” is one of just 13 ever made, and only five remain in existence.
Not only does it look like a mobster car, but it was beloved by them, including Al Capone, along with other wealthy individuals like actors and politicians. However, considering how many were floating around, they were incredibly tough to obtain, which is one of the reasons the comedian was so excited to add it to his garage.
Hispano-Suiza
Yet another one of the entertainer’s cars that are powered by an aircraft engine is his 1915 Hispano-Suiza, which is a combination of a bunch of parts from WWI that were found strewn throughout the world.
The vehicle’s chassis was pulled up from underneath the sand in Australia, while the gearbox was taken from a trash truck. But the centerpiece of it all is the 18.5-liter V-8, 300-horsepower plane engine. He first met this car at an auction in the ‘80s and knew he had to have it.
Bentley 8-Litre
Let’s see…how many Bentley’s have we crossed off of his list, so far? This 1931 8-Litre starred in an episode of "Jay Leno’s Garage" that featured R&B singer and former Destiny’s Child member, Kelly Rowland, who went on a ride in the several-million-dollar car as the entertainer acted as her chauffeur.
The pre-war luxury vehicle was the last full production model to come out by the company before Rolls-Royce purchased it, and it was also the largest they ever designed.
Ford AC Cobra
Leno’s 1966 AC Cobra, AKA, the Shelby Cobra, has a 427 under its hood, and he was confident enough to challenge Elon Musk to a race in one of his Model S P85Ds, which is, of course, the fastest sedan currently in existence.
He may have been kidding, because, as a car enthusiast, he knew he didn’t stand a chance, but that doesn’t change the fact he loves his little 427 Cobra. He got this car in 1966, which was the original year of its production, for just $6,000. Today, it’s worth a whopping $2 million.
Oldsmobile Toronado
The Oldsmobile Toronado, unlike so many of the limited-production vehicles in Jay’s garage, was manufactured over several generations, between 1966 and 1992. It also won several awards, including third place in the 1966 European Car of the Year contest, and the same year’s Motor Trend Car of the Year competition in the States.
The Toronado may be a great car on its own, but that didn’t stop Leno from upgrading it with a new twin-turbo engine that he pulled from a Corvette.
Audi R8 V10 Spyder
Another one of Jay’s more exotic cars in his collection is his Audi R8 V10 Spyder, which roars in the same way a Lamborghini does and is perfect for driving around the streets of Cali. Dropping the top in this $165,000 is a must, and the entertainer did just that while showing it off to viewers after he’d purchased it around the same time it was released.
Justin Bell joined him for the fun, fast ride. The car can reach top speeds of around 197 mph, thanks to its lightweight body and 525hp, 5.2-liter engine.
Aston Martin DBS
The comedian may love his 2009 DBS from the iconic racing brand, but it’s a lot more common than you may think. Sure, the 2-door coupe with a 6.0-liter V-12 engine costs around $270,000, but there were also 3,400 produced, so it isn’t a rare vehicle.
Terry Crews showed up on an episode of Jay Leno’s garage to take the vehicle out for a spin, which showed how beautiful (and fast) it handles on the road. Aston Martin likes to say that the DBS “bridges the gap between road and track.”
Bentley Turbo R
The luxury car brand produced this beautiful 1989 model from 1985-1999. Motor Trend magazine called it the “first in decades deserving of the famous name.” With a smooth ride and subtle suspension changes, it’s been compared to performing like a better-controlled version of a Mulsanne Turbo.
In fact, the two were sold alongside one another for a short time until the Mulsanne was pulled from production the same year the Turbo R appeared on the market.
1957 Buick Roadmaster
The 1957 Buick Roadmaster includes an interesting feature that allows you to set a certain speed on the dashboard, and once you hit it, a sound will alert you. One of the significant differences between this car and most of the others in Leno’s collection is it is a 100% original car, which he points out in an episode of his show.
The others have been restored and modernized with different parts and features, but not this baby! He even has one of the original 1950’s ads up on the wall in his garage that he had cartoons of himself and his wife added to.
Chevy Nomad
The Chevy Nomad appeared on the scene in 1955, after the prototype generated a buzz. The car’s been called the “prettiest station wagon ever made,” which is perhaps one reason Leno felt the need to add it to his collection. However, he made a lot of changes to his model, including widening the grille.
Some authorities have said that the Nomad was “hastily” put out, and some of the features were less-than-desirable. For instance, the two passenger doors (which is one of the changes the entertainer made) and the slanting tailgate.
Bentley Twin Turbo
Leno could have an entire garage dedicated solely to his Bentleys, which include this 1924 Twin Turbo. Perhaps one of the best in the collection, it sports an 8.0 liter (with a 3-liter chassis,) 400+ horsepower engine.
Driving one of these has been compared to piloting a WWII fighter aircraft, which seems to be a running theme throughout the cars in his garage. The car was so speedy that it could win first place in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1924!
1970 Mazda Cosmo Series II
When Leno’s 1970 Mazda Cosmo made an appearance on My Classic Cars, on the North American Speed Channel in 2006, everyone believed that it was the only one of its kind remaining in the U.S. Though since he replaced the original engine with an RX-7 12a, it couldn’t be counted as entirely authentic.
It wouldn’t matter, anyway, because Mazda ended up finding one more Cosmo in the hands of another collector in Phoenix. The cars were initially sold for around $4,400 but are worth nearly $170,000 today.
Citroën SM 5 Speed
The entertainer has several favorites in his collection, but he’s always loved his teal blue 1973 Citroën SM 5 Speed. This little car has appeared in several productions, including a Janet Jackson music video and a chase scene from the 1974 classic film, "The Longest Yard."
There were 2,500 made, so it isn’t so much that the car’s rare so much as that it’s just a great car. It won several awards, including Car of the Year by Moto Trend in ’72. The Citroën provides a smooth ride with motorcycle-like steering and a Maserati engine.
Doble E-20 Steam Car
Leno’s 1925 Doble E-20 Steam Car is as rare as it is vintage – a double whammy for the car enthusiast. The cars were built by Abner Doble himself, a genius engineer, and MIT graduate who founded his car company with his brothers.
Unfortunately for him and possibly the rest of the world, his engineering skills were much better than his business skills, and the company only built 36 cars between 1922 and 1931. The entertainer considers himself very lucky to own two of the vehicles, including this one.
1918 Stutz Bearcat
One of the older cars in Jay’s collection, the 1918 Bearcat, is widely considered the first American sports car ever made. Leno has owned his Bearcat now for about 25 years, but during the early 10, he had to keep making repairs because things kept going awry, and he’s now restored it three times.
The car hits top speeds of around 85 miles per hour – not bad for a vehicle that was produced during WWI. The entertainer looks comfy in his videos where he’s cruising around town in his convertible that’s more than 100-years-old.
Duesenberg SJ Murphy Convertible
Believe it or not, Leno owns four Duesenberg Model Js. The car, which is worth around $800,000, first appeared on the marketing in 1928 and quickly became a symbol of status for the rich and powerful.
He recently took his SJ Murphy Convertible out for a spin around his home in California – and he was hardly visible from behind the wheel. But, as one of the biggest car enthusiasts in the world (or at least, one of the most famous who’s able to afford any car he wants,) he wasn’t about to pass up the opportunity to have one of his own.
1961 Volga GAZ-21
This exciting vehicle, which was born in the Soviet Union, gets its power from a 4-cylinder engine that pumps out up to 95 horsepower. In Russia, they became a cultural icon in the late ‘50s and early ‘60s.
But, like many of the cars Jay’s gone after, they were only available to those who could afford them. There were more than 635,000 Volgas built from 1956 to 1970. Leno’s is fully restored and is now worth around $335,000.
Chrysler 300G
The Chrysler 300G has been dubbed several things by car enthusiasts everywhere: the gentleman’s sports car, banker’s hotrod, and the original batmobile are among a few of them. The 300 series went into production in the mid-'50s, and the 300G came after a long line of other 300-somethings.
By that point, they’d seem to have perfected the model, and Leno knew he had to have one. His is 1961, which was the last year anything like it appeared to hit the market. The car comes equipped with a 4.13-liter engine that gets up to 375 horsepower.
Corvette C6RS
This sleek sports car is essentially the street-legal version of its predecessor, the C6.R racecar. It was born out of the creator’s desire to create the ultimate Corvette, and according to a lot of people, they got it right. Under the hood sits an 8.2-liter engine that pumps out 650-lb ft of torque and a whopping 600 hp.
The C6RS is one of the first designed by the brand for the road capable of hitting top speeds of over 200 mph. The entertainer is lucky enough to own one of the only seven ever made.
Cunningham
The Cunningham automobiles were some of the very first in existence, in making the switch from horse-drawn carriages to gasoline engine cars. They began production back in 1908.
At the time, Cunningham sold their cars for around $4,000 – which was incredibly expensive for the period. Leno has one of the maker’s later models, a C3, which was initially built-in 1953. That same year, a Cunningham won first place in class in the Le Mans race.
Blastolene Special Twin Turbo
The Blastolene Special was made using an engine from an actual U.S military tank, hence the nickname “Tank Car.” It weighs a whopping 9,500 pounds and has a unique aluminum body. After Jay bought the 2001 car a couple of years after it was designed, he made several upgrades and adjustments to it, which included installing a six-speed automatic gearbox.
The car, which gets just 5 miles to the gallon, can be seen in the game "Gran Turismo 4," where it apparently ended up “on accident,” and is referred to as the “Jay Leno Tank Car.”
1928 Bugatti Type 37A
Another one of Leno’s half a dozen Bugattis is this 1928 Type 37A, which is worth nearly $3 million, despite its original price of around $1,000. But this particular Bugatti comes with a unique backstory, like many other cars in the entertainer’s collection. This car was at one point owned by racecar driver Pierre Veyron.
In its heyday, the supercharged vehicle could get up to 122 mph, though Leno says he’s only seen it run up to 117, maximum, which likely has a lot to do with the fact he kept it in its original state.
1972 Citroën SM
A recent post by "The Drive" is titled, “Jay Leno’s Citroën SM is the best car France has ever sent to America.” And, they’re not the only ones who have excited it up recently, or at any time over the past 50 years of its existence.
Though it’s vintage, it still has a very futuristic look and feel to it. Under the hood sits a powerful V6 engine that puts out up to 170 horsepower, handled by a 5-speed manual transmission. While Jay showed it off to viewers, he noted that, because it was such a smooth ride, it was licensed by Rolls-Royce.
Dodge Coronet
Leno showed off his 1966 Dodge Coronet on his show back in 2016. One of the most noticeable features of the car was actually its lack thereof. It’s a simple, to-the-point ride, with a big V8 that powers it up to 426 hp.
In its heyday, Coronets were used as police patrol cars, hence the black and white paint job he used to keep it as close as possible to its original state. Of course, the entertainer’s model wasn’t used by police but is instead a clone, built to look and act just like the ones used by law enforcement.
Chevy Corvette Stingray
Actor Josh Duhamel joined the comedian a few years back to cruise around in his 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray. The sleek, sporty silver car is powered up by a fuel-injected V8 and restored to the exact factory version that it was in when it was built in 1962.
The central feature of this car that makes it different from other Corvettes, and vehicles in general, is its split rear, one-year-only rear window. Aside from that, there are a few other minor things, like the gas cap being held down, and the interesting side view mirrors.
Bugatti Type 57 SC
Leno may have quite a few Bugattis, but this one has an unusual backstory behind it that makes it particularly dear to him, and always makes it worth about $20 million. The car was owned by famed fashion designer, Ralph Lauren, and was one of just over 700 models built between 1936-1940.
The cars are some of the most sought-after, expensive classics in existence. The comedian’s version is a replica, but it is an exact copy of the original.
Chevy Corvair
On your typical pickup truck, the engine is located in the front, and there’s a bed in the back – but this 1961 Chevy Corvair Rampside breaks the rules. This pickup’s 145-cubic inch flat-6 engine is at the rear of the chassis, under the bed, and puts out up to 80 horsepower.
Operated by a 4-speed manual transmission, it’s capable of carrying up to 1,500 pounds of weight. Leno only paid $600 for his Corvair, which may not come as a shock to those who remember Ralph Nader, adding it to his book, "Unsafe at Any Speed" in 1965, which helped set up modern safety regulations.
GMC Syclone
Another one of the pickup trucks in the entertainment collection is his 1991 GMC Syclone, which he bought when it first came out on the market. Believe it or not, the Syclone was one of the fastest cars in the U.S, which is pretty impressive, considering it’s a pickup truck.
It beat out a Corvette, a Porsche 928, and a Ferrari Testarossa for its 0-60 time, which was 4.5 seconds. The pickup put out around 330 hp, though it was rated at 280, and was one of nearly 3,000 of its kind.
1963 Chrysler Turbine
The entertainer owns one of just nine Chrysler Turbines in existence – two of which are owned by the brand themselves. A few are in car museums across the country, and only one other collector, aside from Leno, owns one. Manufacturers claimed that the car would run on a variety of different things – including perfume and tequila.
Thus, in France, it was tested with Chanel No. 5, and in Mexico, it was tested on tequila. Both tests were a success, believe it or not. Under the hood sits an A-831 airplane engine, which contributes to it being very, very loud, and bad on gas.
1962 Maserati 3500 GT
Leno wasn’t on the hunt for this car when he first found it. He was actually out searching for an Aston Martin DB5 to add to his collection. When he saw it, it had just been sitting there for over two decades, with over 100,000 miles already on the engine. Still, he took it in, ready to make the repairs he knew it needed.
Luckily for Jay, he has a team of experts and the money he needs to make necessary repairs and upgrades. In this case, it took the help of several specialty companies to help his mechanics recalibrate the fuel injection and create new throttle butterflies.
Daimler SP250
The comedian’s Daimler SP250 came out during the same year as his Maserati GT – 1962. Though, unlike the former on our list, this vehicle wasn’t nearly as known about. Under the hood of the car sits a powerful Hemi V8 that puts out around 200 hp, which may be thanks to the new carb Leno installed.
Also, during the restoration process, he added a 5-speed gearbox, and new brakes, and a steering rack. But, there’s a good reason no one talks about it, which was evident when the engine nearly shot out during Jay’s ride for his viewers.
1963 Ford Falcon
The Ford Falcon may not be exotic or luxurious like his McLarens or Lamborghinis, etc., but it still holds a special place in his heart and has since he was working as a lot attendant at a Ford dealership during his younger years.
Powered by a 302-cubic inch, 289 V-8 engine and operated by a (new) 5-speed manual transmission, and fitted with rally lights, it looks very true to its original state – like it just drove straight out of the early ‘60s.
Delahaye 135S
Leno’s 1935 Delahaye 135S is one of 14 ever produced by the French auto manufacturer. Designed to be a lightweight, low-to-the-ground racecar, it raced at Le Mans four times in 15 years, all while it stayed in its original condition.
The 135S pumps out 140 hp, thanks to a 3 557 cc-engine. Emile Delahaye was 51-years old when he put out his very first vehicle, displayed at the Paris Motor Show. Though the car was initially worth around $5,000, it’s now valued at over $6 million.
Fiat Millecento
The comedian’s 1959 Millecento is one of several Fiats parked in his garage. The vintage Italian family car, which has been compared to the equivalent of a U.S Ford Fairlane of around the same age, a vehicle that many successful middle-class families owned during the mid-century.
Under the hood sits an 1100-cc, 43-hp engine, and four-doors made it an ideal sedan for those with children. The boxy white car may not be one of the more expensive vehicles in his garage, valued at less than $20,000, but some may say it’s priceless in its nostalgia.
2015 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350R
In 2015, Ford built just over 130 of their Mustang Shelby G7350, and only 37 of them were the 350R models. Of course, Leno is the proud owner of one of those said 37 cars, which has a V-8 under the hood that puts out 526 horsepower and is fondly referred to by fans as “Voodoo.”
Although the cars are currently valued at around $60,000, that number may soon increase, considering Ford just announced they were ending production of the GT350 and 350R.
Imperial Convertible
Chrysler’s Imperial sub-brand Convertible hit the market in the 1950s, to compete with other long, shiny luxury cars like Cadillac’s El Dorado Biarritz and Continentals. The Imperial Convertible Leno owns is the 1958 model, which comes equipped with a 392-cubic-inch Hemi that pumps out up to 345 horsepower.
The car is one of just 560 ever created and features the brand’s first-ever wraparound windshield. In the ‘60s and ‘70s, demolition derbies banned Imperials because they were “tougher than tanks,” and indestructible.
Corvette ZR1
The comedian has called his 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 the “greatest Corvette ever.” He, along with other car enthusiasts, have called it the brand’s “most powerful Corvette,” and the most powerful that GM has ever produced.
Leno’s model is one of the first-ever made, during its initial production, and comes along with a 6.2-liter V8, which puts out over 635 horsepower. Like most Corvettes, it’s incredibly fast and can hit 0 to 60 in around four seconds. The ZR1 has a maximum speed of 200 miles per hour.
Corvette Z06
Yet another one of the Corvettes in the entertainer’s collection is his 2002 Z06. The car, which he paid around $51,000 for, includes The Tiger Shark Body Kit. The kit makes it look even sportier, with a few aesthetic changes like a detachable, sleek-chin spoiler, among other things.
Under the hood sits a powerful V8, 5.7-liter, 405-hp engine, hence how Leno can hit speeds of around 175 mph when he showed it off for viewers on his show. The Z06 with The Shark Body Kit may look like a racecar, but it’s classified as a luxury vehicle.
Corvette Coupe
It seems like Leno could stock a garage with his Corvettes alone, and next up on the list is this metallic blue 2004 Corvette Coupe. While the cars were initially valued at over $50,000, you can find them today for less than $20,000.
Still, its color, Electron Blue Metallic, makes it unique, as not very many other Corvettes have painted this hue. And, given its maker, it should be no surprise that it can reach 0-60 in just 4.5 seconds and hit top speeds of up to 175 mph.
’71 Citroën DS
The Citroën DS was first introduced to the world in the mid-'50s, though it provides a mixed feel and looks of both vintage and futuristic. But despite its attractive aesthetics, all of the elements work together in the larger picture of making this one good ride.
Take, for instance, the large headlights – they turn along with the steering wheel, so the driver has an easier time seeing the road at night. Some even argue that, though it’s been called “bizarre” and “strange,” the DS is the best car of the 20th century.
1916 Crane-Simplex Holbrook Skiff
Many vehicles are sometimes jokingly referred to as “boats,” when they’re incredibly large, but this 1916 Crane Simplex was purposely designed to resemble one. They were also intended only to be driven by the super-wealthy, made to be the most powerful, largest American luxury car of its time.
And that they did, as they were driven by big names, like the Rockefellers and Vanderbilts. Only 121 of the cars were ever built, and Leno, who particularly likes how it looks like it can float, is proud to call this one his.
1971 DeTomaso Pantera
Leno’s 1971 DeTomaso Pantera roars like you may expect it to from the way it looks, thanks to its influential Ford Cleveland, 351-cubic-inch, 5.75-liter V8 engine. Though it’s been called an “American supercar,” and despite the fact it's valued at around $700,000, it’s not without its faults, the main one being that, no matter how small you are, sitting comfortably inside isn’t a possibility.
Still, the vehicle produced from the ‘70s through the early ‘90s creates a strong presence on the road, and one the car enthusiast enjoys to the fullest.
DeLorean DMC-12
While Jay may have many expensive and original cars in his garage, his $750,000 1981 DeLorean DMC-12 would make a lot of people pretty jealous. Why? Because it’s a replica of the famous, time-traveling DeLorean in "Back to the Future."
Of course, an actual ’81 DeLorean DMC-12 was only worth about $25,000 at its prime, and, if not a movie replica, is only worth between that and $40,000 on today’s market. The entertainer drove it for a while, because how could he not? But he was quick to figure out that, without power steering, it didn’t drive smoothly at all.
’92 Dodge Viper
Leno’s Dodge Viper is one of just 285 models built during the first full year of the car’s production – 1992 – which is the same year he added it to his collection. Although the vehicle has an alloy, V10 8-0-liter engine that pumps out up to 400 hp, it still manages to be lightweight, thanks to its composite body over a tubular frame.
If the entertainer had had it his way, he would’ve gotten his hands on a rarer model, “Dodge Viper #4,” as in the fourth ever to be built, but the brand had other ideas.
’96 Dodge Viper GTS
Up next in the collection is yet another Dodge Viper, this one a 1996 blue and white GTS. He’s talked about his love and appreciation for Vipers in several of his videos and likes to take them all out around town (yeah, this isn’t the last Viper on the list.)
The Viper GTS was built to be like the more modern version of a Cobra 427, which puts out 450 hp, with an 8.0-liter V10 engine. When the models were first released, they were going for $66,000, though if you can find out for sale today, you should expect to pay closer to $72,000.
The First Black Viper
Well, the comedian may not have gotten his wish to have the Dodge Viper #4, but he did manage to lock down this 1993 Dodge Viper – and the first black Viper ever produced by the company. The car has a massive 8.0-liter V10 that puts out up to 400 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque.
Leno, who purchased the car when it was brand new, called the engine “unbelievable” for the early ‘90s. He’s now owned the vehicle for 27 years and has only racked up 10,000 miles on the machine.
1970 Dodge Challenger RT
Leno is no stranger to Dodge’s Challengers; in fact, he’s owned at least three of them throughout his many years of collecting. But this 1970 Challenger RT is something else. The bright orange model looks like something pulled straight out of a chase scene from an early ‘70s film – and the scouts in Hollywood must have thought the same thing, because it appeared on screen several times, including in 1971’s "Vanishing Point."
The car gets up to 570 hp, and the entertainer’s model is fitted with a Hurst pistol-grip lever, upping the cool factor even more.
2015 Dodge SRT Challenger Hellcat
The next Challenger, the comedian, added to his collection wouldn’t come until several decades after the last.
The 2015 SRT Challenger Hellcat, at least Leno’s model, is a bright, shiny red beast that comes equipped with a 6.2-liter V8 engine that’s capable of pushing out a whopping 707 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque. The car can go from 0 to 60 in less than four seconds and hit top speeds of over 200 mph.
Ford GT
It should come as no surprise to any car enthusiast that Jay would add a 2005 Ford GT to his collection, especially considering it’s a classic, Le Mans-winning supercar. The GT was designed by Camilo Pardo, who created the car with some exciting features that come along with their backstories.
For one, he chose to “nod back” to the 1960s racer with the classic, vintage doors, with one big difference: they allowed enough room for you to open up your doors in tight parking spots.
Ford Mustang Shelby GT350
Leno’s 1965 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 is the only one of its kind built by the Original Venice Crew, which consists of Ted Sutton, Peter Brock, Jim Marietta, and Randy Richardson.
Jim Marietta was 71 years old when he came up with the idea for the vehicle, which comes equipped with a 289 cubic-inch V8 engine that puts out 440 hp. Initially, it only put out 306 hp but has since been upgraded. It’s operated by a four-speed side loader transmission and includes a four-barrel Holley carburetor.
Chevy Volt
If you’re looking for a car that’s good on gas mileage, look no further than the 2011 Chevy Volt. After the entertainer purchased it brand new that year, he put 11,000 miles on it without filling up the gas tank a single time.
Of course, the electric car only allows you to travel about 35 miles when it’s fully charged. It’s been figured that the vehicle gets an impressive 93 MPG when you’re running it on its battery, and 37 MPG if you’re using gas.
1910 White Steam Model OO
The entertainer is lucky enough to own one of just 167 White Steam cars in existence. Built-in 1910 by Thomas H. White’s manufacturing company in Ohio, the car is powered by kerosene, burned in a two-cylinder engine that gets up to 40 hp.
Before the company started producing steam cars around the turn of the century, they were in the business of building sewing machines. It may not be very quick, as it can only travel up to around 50 mph, but it’s a piece of history that’s interesting to have as a part of a massive car collection.
Volga GAZ-21
Also referred to as the “Soviet Sedan,” the cars were built in 1966 in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia, located over 200 miles away from Moscow. Since public transportation was the most popular form of traveling at the time, and what was made a priority by the government, private cars to come from the country around that time were somewhat dull, but they got the job done.
If you acquired the Volga in Russia during those days, it was a sign that you had made it. The car has a 2.45-liter engine that gets up to 75 hp and about 19 miles to the gallon.
Tesla Model S
The entertainer was pretty skeptical of electric cars when they first came out, but after driving (and buying) several of them, he was convinced. Elon Musk himself appeared in Jay’s garage with the 2012 Model S to show off his work and take it for a test drive.
The car hits 0 to 60 in just 4.4 seconds, and Leno liked the feeling of burning rubber in the sleek ride. It is also the first battery/electric vehicle designed more like a sedan, to appeal to those who otherwise may not have considered going electric.
Tata Nano
Tata Nanos are Indian cars, made to be an inexpensive city driver, easy to whip around tight turns, and squeeze between the lines of traffic that fill the streets in its native country. When the entertainer decided to show off his buy on the show, he created a Bollywood-themed episode for the big reveal.
The cars aren’t legal for driving on U.S streets, however, so he had to take it to the track. This may be the only episode of his show on which he wears something other than his classic blue denim.
1922 Stanley Steamer
With quite the collection of steam cars within his variety, he adds the 1922 forest green Stanley Steamer. The vehicles were produced by the largest steam-powered manufacturers globally and were initially sold for less than $1,000.
Today, however, they go for closer to $50,000, thanks to them offering a look into a piece of time that’s otherwise been long gone. Although steam cars weren’t mainly known for their speed, the Steamer was and was the quickest car on the roads at the time.
McLaren P1
These gorgeous superhero sports cars weren’t made legal in the United States until just about six years ago: and guess who the first person was to bring home a street-legal version? That's right! Leno got his hands on the $1.4 million hybrid vehicle in 2014.
The car features a mid-engine and uses hybrid power with Formula One technology, and is painted in a striking volcano yellow with black details, and can hit speeds of over 215 mph. There have only been 375 P1s to hit the market since. The value has risen a bit since and is currently worth about $1.3 million.