For decades, Jay Leno cemented his status as one of the most famous late-night talk show hosts on the planet. It is no secret that he is a charming and funny guy, but did you know that he loves cars? With a net worth of $350 million, he spends a huge chunk of his money on his unbelievable car collection. As a matter of fact, he has even worked with various automakers to create certain vehicles specially designed for him. He currently has 136 cars to his name, and the collection is believed to be worth $50 million. We feel certain that this figure is only going to increase some more in the future. If you are a car enthusiast yourself, get ready to drool over his prized possessions. Don’t say we didn’t warn you!
Take A Look At The Incredible Car Collection Of Talk Show Host Jay Leno
1937 Bugatti Type 57 SC
There are not a lot of people out there who own an exact replica of this vehicle. This was the work of a German car enthusiast who is a specialist at making precise copies of antique vehicles! The competition variation of the 1937 Bugatti Type 57 SC was known as “Aerolithe,” which is “meteor” in Greek. This model was the first year for the Type 57 SC, and only 96 of them were ever made. If you check what lies underneath the hood, you will find a 3.257-L DOHC Inline 8 engine. Jean Bugatti himself designed this model! If you were curious, this had an original price of $43,000. It is now currently valued anywhere from $40 million to $114 million. Whoa.
1937 Bugatti Type 57 SC
1994 McLaren F1
In 2017, someone asked Jay Leno which car was his favorite among his collection. He responded by saying that the 1994 McLaren F1 was the apple of his eyes! This car first went on sale for $12 million, but the price has since doubled. Based on the auction price of a different unit, it now has a value of $23 million. When Leno talked to Wired, he explained that people were shocked to learn that this futuristic car came out in 1996. He went short and sweet by saying, “When a car looks right, it[‘s] right.” Fun fact: the 1994 McLaren F1 was the first car from the brand to be considered street-legal.
1994 McLaren F1
1955 Mercedes 300SL Gullwing Coupe
Jay Leno introduced a 1955 Mercedes 300SL Gullwing Coupe to his garage in 2015. He was determined to restore the vehicle and was delighted that he managed to buy it. He explained that it had been “out of reach” for a long time. This couple had always been ahead of the curve, so we understand why he wanted it so badly. When it first came out, it boasted a lot of new features such as tubular space frame, fully independent suspension, and those unique car doors! It is currently under construction, but we bet that the red paint will not go anywhere. The car used to go for $2,200, but it is now worth $2.35 million.
1955 Mercedes 300SL Gullwing Coupe
1937 Fiat Topolino
This is probably one of the oldest vehicles in his car collection! You can find the 1937 Fiat Topolino on display in the garage at his home, but Jay Leno once planned to put it up for auction in 2012. Aside from this one, he also owns a 1917 Fiat Botafogo and a 1959 Millecento. This car is very small, just like a lot of entries from this automaker. It comes with a 569cc I4 engine and a curb weight of 1,213 pounds. From 1936 to 1955, Fiat created 520,000 units of this model. This makes it one of the earliest versions of the Topolino in this day and age!
1937 Fiat Topolino
2017 Ford GT
Jay Leno had been one of the first people to receive the incredible Ford GT. When it was built in 2017, the automaker only made 45 units of this model. You would have had to pay $505,570 for this car, but its value has since doubled at $1.2 million! It is worth a lot of money since it is such a powerful vehicle. Weighing in at 3,705 lbs, this car is a true powerhouse with its 5-L V8 engine that can go up to 647 hp. It has amazing specs as well. The Ford GT comes with a top speed of 216 mph and can go from 0 to 60 in 2.9 seconds.
2017 Ford GT
427 Shelby Cobra
In terms of classic cars, the talk show host has admitted that he is particularly fond of his 427 Shelby Cobra. The 1966 Ford classic had actually been the subject of a challenge between Elon Musk of Tesla Motors and Jay Leno! The latter challenged the former to a race by pitting the older Cobra against the Tesla S P85D. For the sake of comparison, the Cobra can go from 0 to 60 in 4.5 seconds, while the Tesla can do the same thing in 2.6 seconds. It was clear that Leno had only been kidding, but it would have been fun to watch! Before he bought the dark-blue Cobra, it made its debut at Pebble Beach in 2012.
427 Shelby Cobra
1906 Advance Steam Traction Engine
This is one of the cars that make up his “Steam Room,” the section of Big Dog Garage where he keeps his steam-powered vehicles. The 1906 Advance Steam Traction Engine predates cars as we know them now. According to Jay Leno, he acquired this piece of machinery not only because he is a car enthusiast but because he is a history buff as well! He showed Hemmings around and said that this vehicle used tech that England had been guarding “like it was NASA.” The 1906 Engine is very heavy at 13 tons, which is equivalent to 26,000 pounds. The reverse is the only available gear change, while the top speed is 4 mph. On top of that, it has no brakes! It used to be worth $260 but can now sell for $7,473. Cool, huh?
1906 Advance Steam Traction Engine
1909 Baker Electric
In 2007, the talk show host showed off the 1909 Baker Electric car in his collection. This was among the earliest versions of a zero-emissions car! How awesome is it to hear that Thomas Edison had one of these back in the day? You can find a New York Times photoshoot of him behind its steering tiller. The manufacturer was Baker Motor Vehicle Company, a big-name company from the Brass Era. This particular design is its oldest model currently in existence. Even though it does not have emissions, it was not at all aerodynamic. This was the reason it was not road legal. The top speed is 25 mph, and it has a tiller in lieu of a steering wheel. Its original price had been $850, but it is now worth $20,000.
1909 Baker Electric
1954 Jaguar XK120M Coupe
Will you take a look at this blue beauty? The 1954 Jaguar XK120M Coupe was restored in his factory. It was actually the first collector car he owned, making it the oldest car in his collection with the exception of the 1955 Buick. This model made its premiere at the London Motor Show, where it proved to be a hit. In fact, Jaguar founder William Lyons gave in to pressure from the public and agreed to produce more of it. In total, the company only made 12,055 copies of it. On top of that, only a few of them were given the “M” designation! Originally, it was on the market for $3,979. At the moment, it has a current value of $136,950. This XK120M Coupe eventually got a sibling in the form of a bright white XK120.
1954 Jaguar XK120M Coupe
1917 Fiat Botafogo Special
When Jay Leno took out his 1917 Fiat Botafogo Special for a ride around town, its loudness impressed and annoyed everyone in the vicinity! The vehicle was originally built by an Argentinian racer by the name of Adolfo Scandroglio. It comes with a top speed of 146 mph, but it is concerning to hear that it has some trouble stopping and needs around a quarter of a mile before it can brake properly. Its power hails from a 21.7-L engine that was used in a First World War aircraft. Its design was actually modeled after the Fiat Special Mephistopheles, which had been owned by a senior British Army officer called Lord Eldridge. The original price of this model had been $1,230. How neat is it that its value has since gone up to a million bucks?
1917 Fiat Botafogo Special
1963 Chrysler Turbine
We have another loud car in his car collection! According to Jay Leno, the 1963 Chrysler Turbine can run on tequila. From 1963 to 1964, Elwood Engel designed it as a concept car. The vehicle is equipped with an A-831 gas turbine engine. Chrysler made 133 of them, but the automaker destroyed every single one but nine units. Two of them are at the Chrysler factories, five are on display in museums, and the other two are in the hands of private owners. It did not go into production since the engines failed to meet the emissions regulations, so the company could not avail of a government loan. The original value had been anywhere from $50,000 to $55,000, but its current value has blown up to an incredible $415,000.
1963 Chrysler Turbine
Bugatti Type 51
Jay Leno is a big fan of this French automaker and seems to know everything about its history. Through a YouTube video, he showed his fans his prized Bugatti Type 51 and reminded us all that the company used to be among the best racecar builders on the planet during the ‘20s and ‘30s. This 1931 model comes with a supercharged 8-cylinder engine that he claimed to make one of the “finest sounds” ever. Its engine design had been “borrowed” from Harry Miller, who was a racecar constructor. Some people will say that Bugatti stole it, however. At any rate, it can put out 185 hp thanks to the design. This car had once been on sale for $12,900, and it is now worth $4 million. Whoa.
Bugatti Type 51
1932 Bowtie Deuce Roadster LS7 Hot Rod
In 2005, Jay Leno created and acquired the 1932 Bowtie Deuce Roadster LS7 Hot Rod in his collection. He added some changes to the Bowtie by putting in a GM small-block LS7 engine and replacing the frame with one from a 1932 Chevy instead. This was how it became a hot rod. His Bowtie was brought about by a deal with GM. On top of that, the engine was designed to put out 580 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. The parts below the hood were all taken from a sixth-generation Corvette Z06. The truth is that this was not the first time he used Corvette parts with a hot rod. The Bowtie used to go for $495, but its value has gone up to $135,000 after the modifications that he added to it.
1932 Bowtie Deuce Roadster LS7 Hot Rod
1958 Saab 93
Hagerty reported that the 1958 Saab 93B sounds like “an angry hive of bees.” Jay Leno said that it was among his favorite cars even though it had a more modest appearance. It runs on a three-cylinder, 0.75-L engine that can only put out 38 hp. It has a front-wheel drive and a four-speed transmission. Leno bought the 1958 Saab 93B from Tom Donney Motors fifteen years ago. He invited the owner to drive together a couple of times and eventually fell in love with this vehicle. After some time, the talk show host asked to buy it so that he can add it to his collection. It was one of the cars to appear on Jay Leno’s Garage. Once worth $1,895, this car now has a value of $7,500.
1958 Saab 93
1966 Chevrolet Corvair Yenko Stinger
Jay Leno has called this car a “poor man’s Porsche.” In case it was not clear, he meant it in an affectionate manner. In fact, he has said that he has a special fondness for the 1966 Chevy Corvair Yenko Stinger. Part of it probably has to do with the fact that only seventy units remain in existence. It was named after Don Yenko, its tuner. This model is a Chevy unit. The non-stinger Corvairs had been known for weight imbalance problems because they tended to crash if you go above 80 mph outside of a straight road. The Stingers did not suffer from this problem. Originally, this rare car had a price of $3,000. At the moment, it is worth $58,000.
1966 Chevrolet Corvair Yenko Stinger
1963 Corvette Split-Window Coupe Fuelie
Mike McCluskey worked on the restoration of this 1963 Corvette Split-Window Coupe Fuelie for Jay Leno. You will now find it at Big Dog Garage. This was the only year that Corvette did a split-window design, so the cars are very expensive. The muscle car got a “Sebring Silver” paint job and is among 2,610 units to come with fuel injection. It can put out anywhere from 400 to 425 hp. It turns out that he had been thinking about the Fuelie for the longest time. In an interview, he said that he has loved it ever since he was little. The price tag on these babies used to be $4,037. It is currently worth $275,000.
1963 Corvette Split-Window Coupe Fuelie
2014 McLaren P1
Did you know that Jay Leno was the first American to own a McLaren P1? The hypercar was privately delivered to him in 2014. This black-and-yellow beauty is among the fastest vehicles in his collection! When he bought it, the car came with a photoshoot and a ceremony at the McLaren store in Beverly Hills. Jay Leno also invited two of his fans to attend the ceremony and allowed them to sit behind the steering wheel! Its sales boomed, and McLaren even announced that the company was already a year ahead of schedule in terms of profits thanks to this. The automaker only made 375 one of them, and this model sold out in no time at all. It had an original price of $1.15 million but is now worth $1.34 million.
2014 McLaren P1
1941 American LaFrance Series 600 Pumper V-12 Firetruck
The truck in the photo goes to show that Jay Leno has a wide range in terms of taste. He is the proud owner of a 1941 American LaFrance Series 600 pumper V-12 firetruck. These vehicles had been in use during the forties, but city administrations eventually renovated its appearance to look more serious. The talk show host restored the 1941 vehicle to its original glory. It does not go out on calls, but he still drives it around town every now and then. He likes to drive it in parades in LA! The LaFrance 600 series was among the last series of these old, traditional trucks. It used to go for $9,100 for it, but it is now worth $161,000.
1941 American LaFrance Series 600 Pumper V-12 Firetruck
2006 Ariel Atom
If you watched Jay Leno’s Garage, you must have seen the 2006 Ariel Atom as well. It is one of the greatest track cars in history! The talk show host drove it on a track close to his house and impressed people with its performance. There was only a handful of this model ever made. The company made eight generations of it, but there was very limited production of this particular street-legal one. John Hartley designed the 3-L V8 engine. The Ariel Atom has a body made of aerofoil and carbon fiber, while Dymag magnesium was used for the wheels. Its original value was $49,980, but its value has since doubled at $100,000.
2006 Ariel Atom
1955 Buick Roadster
Using a Citizen Kane reference, Jay Leno has said that this vehicle is his “Rosebud.” The talk show host had been struggling to make it in the comedy world when he bought it in 1972. He only paid $350 for it and used it when he and his wife went on their first date! He drove it to The Tonight Show as well. When he first bought it, he had been a mechanic. In his comedy routines, he often talked about this car and made fun of it since it lacked safety equipment. The truth is that the ‘50s had been a very lax time in terms of regulations! At the moment, the 1955 Buick Roadster is worth $33,500.
1955 Buick Roadster
2010 Jaguar CX75
In 2010, this talk show host took this car out for a drive, which was then featured on the official YouTube channel of the luxury automaker. The concept car has definitely earned a spot in his garage. The Jaguar CX75 was unveiled at the 2010 Paris Motor Show. It is a two-seat, hybrid-electric vehicle that resulted as a partnership between the automaker and a Formula One racing team called Williams F1. The features of the car are truly mind-blowing. And how awesome is it to learn that it appeared in the James Bond movie Spectre? Originally, it was worth $1.15 million, while its current value is $1.48 million.
2010 Jaguar CX75
2015 BAC Mono
The BAC Mono came out in 2015, and Jay Leno made sure to buy it before the year came to an end. As featured on Jay Leno’s Garage, he took it out for a spin around a track in March 2015. It was not always permitted in the United States, but it is now street legal. The British company announced that it would make changes to the vehicle to make it viable for the American market. The head of the company, Neill Briggs, said that it was not only the biggest “supercar territory in the world” but also the “most informed.” It was worth $140,000 when it first came out, but this figure has gone up to $199,995.
2015 BAC Mono
1986 Lamborghini Countach
Leno has said that the 1986 Lamborghini Countach is “the epitome of a supercar.” This red racer used to be his daily car, but he ultimately switched to a different one and let it retire in his garage. It used to go for $100,000, but it is so rare that this figure has since tripled. The vehicle was once said to boast a top speed of 186 mph, but it turned out that Lamborghini had spread rumor. The truth was that this was an inflated number since the top speed is only 170 mph. The car can also go from 0 to 60 in 5.6 seconds.
1986 Lamborghini Countach
1916 Autocar
This 1916 vehicle has its own spot in the “Steam Room” of Big Dog Garage. It is made with a hand crank and has a top speed of 22 mph. Leno has said that it was “vital” in the early 20th century since it was used to transport coal in the winter. If you have not heard of the Autocar Company, it was founded in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1897. Back then, it manufactured “severe-duty” vocational trucks that were made to transport things such as rubber, lumber, and coal. Fun fact: Autocar is the oldest automaker in the Western Hemisphere. This unit was originally sold at $553.37. Its value has since gone up to $2,373.
1916 Autocar
2006 EcoJet
Here is a concept car that resulted from a collaboration among Jay Leno, Alcoa, BASF, General Motors, and Honeywell. The 2006 EcoJet is equipped with a Honeywell LTS101 gas turbine, which is used in helicopters. The transaxle, on the other hand, is from a C5 Corvette. This car was designed to run exclusively on biodiesel fuel to make it eco-friendly. In this case, it uses refined cooking oil. Jay Leno has admitted that it smells like you are cooking fries when you drive the car! Aside from appearing in auto shows, the concept car was supposed to be a daily driver. Originally priced at $2 million, it is now worth six times that.
2006 EcoJet
1969 Lamborghini Miura S
The 1969 Lamborghini Miura S is another gorgeous entry in his collection. Jay Leno owns a bright orange unit, which many people consider to be among the most beautiful models ever designed by the car brand. This was part of the original line of around 700 cars. When the automaker came out with the Miura S, it was just three years old and needed to catch up with the more established companies in the industry. It piqued the attention of consumers thanks to its amazing specs and sleek design. The S could reach a top speed of 174 mph. It used to go for half a million bucks, but its current value is $1.1 million.
1969 Lamborghini Miura S
1957 Chevrolet Corvette
Motor Authority has referred to the 1957 Chevy Corvette as “C1 perfection.” This is a dual-quad muscle car that is considered to be a classic. Jay Leno has driven it around his neighborhood in California a couple of times. It is one of the original sports car variations in the lineup of the automaker. The silver Corvette was originally in the possession of an American soldier, who ordered it while serving in Korea. When Jay Leno had been on the hunt for this model, he ended up selling it. You will find a V8 engine that can put out 270 hp under the hood of the car. This was pretty impressive back in the ‘50s! The price tag used to be $3,465, but this figure has since ballooned to $130,200.
1957 Chevrolet Corvette
1930 Bentley 27 Litre
On his show, Jay Leno took Kelly Rowland out for a spin in his 1930 Bentley 27 Litre! This rare Bentley had been fitted with a 27-L Merlin engine. It provides a pretty big contrast when you consider how delicate the car otherwise is. It has been described as a “meticulously-crafted” vehicle “on steroids.” The unit is actually an exact copy of the 1930 Bentley, although the engine comes from Rolls-Royce. The 27-L engine is straight out of the Second World War days when it was known as a “Spitfire” and powered planes.” As you can imagine, this car is a true gas-guzzler. This car was once worth $8,000, but its current value is $613,800.
1930 Bentley 27 Litre
1939 Lagonda V12 Replica
Jay Leno is also the proud owner of a 1939 Lagonda V12. This is another neat entry in his Mustang collection! This replica is actually an exact replica of the Le Mans V12, which Bentley designed all the way back in 1939. The custom-built car has a signature by the builder as well. It used to be considered a powerhouse, so we can see why a huge car enthusiast like Jay Leno would want his own. It was a large-sized vehicle from Lagonda, which is a now-defunct British automaker. The car had been in production from 1938 to 1940. You will find a 4480cc 4.48-L V12 60-degree engine below the hood. How awesome is it to hear that W.O. Bentley handmade it himself? Originally priced $61,190, it is now worth $1 million.
1939 Lagonda V12 Replica
2001 Chrysler Tank Car
There is only one Tank Car on the planet right now, and it happens to belong to Jay Leno. Also known as the “Blastolene Special,” the Chrysler Tank Car is a unique vehicle. An American craftsman by the name of Randy Grubb designed it in 2001. Jay Leno takes it out for a ride and brings it to Cars and Coffee events on the regular! It can put out 1,600 hp since it is equipped with a military tank engine. The body is made of aluminum and custom-made. After buying the car, Jay Leno made sure to upgrade it by giving it rear brakes, an updated electric system, a new automatic gearbox, and better mileage. It used to have 2.5 mpg, but it can now go up to 5 mpg. The original price was $125,500, but it is now worth $350,000.
2001 Chrysler Tank Car
1963 Jaguar E-Type Coupe
When it comes to coupes, Jay Leno prefers the form of his 1963 Jaguar E-Type over the convertible one. He took this vehicle out for a spin on Jay Leno’s Garage. It was only owned by one other person before him since the talk show host bought it straight from the original owner. The car is still equipped with the 3.8-L straight-six engine that it came with. This sleek car is among the best-kept E-Type Coupes out there since Leno rarely brings it outside his neighborhood. It was painted to look like the ‘60s British racing cars. This car used to be on the market for $5,494 but is currently worth $181,693.
1963 Jaguar E-Type Coupe
1931 Duesenberg Model J
There are only five units of the 1931 Duesenberg Model J in existence right now. Jay Leno owns one of them! He has the Town Car version and was thrilled about it since he has always liked Duesenberg cars. He bought it without the exterior body and decided to leave it the way it was. That explains why the inner workings and the engine are both exposed. He has always been a fan of the carmaker’s creations, which is the reason he decided to leave the interior on display. This model was in production from 1928 to 1937. The models were all custom-built to suit the particular owner! This car was once valued at $8,500, but it currently goes for anywhere from $700,000 to $1 million. Whoa.
1931 Duesenberg Model J
1970 Dodge Challenger R/T
In the past, Jay Leno has called the 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T one of his favorite muscle cars ever. He got it in 2008, around the same time that Craig Jackson got his. They picked the vehicles up at the same store. The talk show host installed an automatic one to replace the four-speed manual transmission but left the muscle car untouched otherwise. This model had been in production from 1970 to 1974. It has a quarter-mile time of 14.1 seconds and a top speed of 146 mph. It weighs more than 3,800 lbs and has a 110-inch wheelbase. Its current value ranges from $450,000 to $650,000, but it was originally $4,900.
1970 Dodge Challenger R/T
The LCC Rocket
Did you know that LCC is short for Light Car Company? Anyway, automaker pioneer Gordon Murray was the designer of the LCC Rocket. He designed the Brabham and the McLaren F1 cars as well, so he is the closest thing to a god in the field of auto design. In 1991, he designed the LCC Rocket, which was produced from 1991 to 1998. It weighs 770 lbs and runs on a 1-L Yamaha motorcycle engine. It can be considered the original Ariel Atom. Jay Leno once drove it around on Jay Leno’s Garage. Sadly, it is too small to be road legal. Originally worth $47,520, the figure has gone up to $99,500.
The LCC Rocket
1929 Bentley Speed 6
Jay Leno took his 1929 Bentley Speed 6 out for a spin on the Mulholland Track. He has also been seen driving the silver car around LA. Built in 1928, the Speed 6 put Bentley on the map and established it as a racing company to be taken seriously. It comes with a 6.5-L I6 engine. After it was debuted, it started to win races in no time! In 1929 and 1930, it bagged the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The automaker only made 544 units of this sweet ride. During the early 20th century, its top speed of 84 mph had been unheard of. At the time, it was sold for $1,450. These days, however, you need to shell out $2.86 million for one.
1929 Bentley Speed 6
1936 Cord 812
Jay Leno had a lot of good things to say about his 1936 Cord 812. According to him, it was a favorite! The design makes it resemble something by Duesenberg, one of his favorite automakers. This vehicle is quite innovative and had only been in production from 1936 to 1937. It made history as the first American car with an independent front suspension and a front-wheel-drive at the same time. It was produced by a company called Cord Automobile, an Auburn Automobile Company subsidiary. This model was also dubbed “the Baby Duesenberg.” Its original price had been $2,960, but it is now worth $150,000.
1936 Cord 812
1927 Duesenberg Model X
After Jay Leno learned about the Duesenberg Model X, he bought it right away! He decided to donate it to the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum, which is run by Peter Heydon. The talk show host did this since it is one of the rarest vehicles on the planet. He found it in a remarkable condition. According to Hemmings, even the most dedicated collectors found the 1927 Duesenberg Model X “elusive” to obtain. August Duesenberg himself designed this model! Compared to Model A, this was a much sportier car. It was built in the Auburn, Indiana company factory. When it first came out, it had a price tag of $8,500. These days, however, these cars are valued at $300,000 to $400,000.
1927 Duesenberg Model X
1915 Hispano-Suiza
This car from his collection was featured in the first episode of the seventh season of My Classic Car. The 1915 Hispano-Suiza is equipped with an aircraft engine that was taken directly from a First World War fighter plane. Whoa! There were only 49,800 such engines made. Eventually, a Soviet Union aero-engine derivative was released and called the Klimov V12. The Hispano-Suiza 8 and the Klimov V12 were both used during the Second World War. At the time, the military forces of the Soviet Union borrowed a lot of ideas from the West. Anyway, the Hispano-Suiza used to be on the market for $1,964. Nowadays, you will need to pay $1.7 million if you want to bring one of them home.
1915 Hispano-Suiza
1931 Bentley 8-Liter
Jay Leno drove around Los Angeles Kelly Rowland in his 1931 Bentley 8-Liter as well! This is another impressive car from Bentley in his collection. W.O. Bentley himself used it as his daily driver, which explains why it now has a value of $8 million even though its original value was only $2,271. This also happens to be the last car that he ever designed for the automaker. Weighing 5,000 lbs, the Bentley 8-Liter comes with a SOHC 8-Liter I6 engine under the hood. The top speed is 101.12 mph, which was super impressive in those days. This model was also the largest car that Bentley produced.
1931 Bentley 8-Liter
1966 427 Ford AC Cobra
The 1966 427 Ford AC Cobra is here to join his Cobra collection! Jay Leno paid only $6,000 for this Cobra in 1963. According to him, it had been a “Pretty-Woman-esque” shopping experience. In 2016, he showed off this beauty on Jay Leno’s Garage. It comes with a 427 cc 7-L engine. The talk show host once offered to go up against a Tesla in this car, but this has yet to actually happen! Originally worth $6,000, this car is now worth about $2 million. This specific model was released as the result of a partnership between American and British sports car designers. It was in production for no more than two years.
1966 427 Ford AC Cobra
1966 Oldsmobile Tornado
Jay Leno keeps his car collection of more than a hundred vehicles in Big Dog Garage. One of his prized possessions is the 1966 Oldsmobile Tornado, which he has since customized. When it first came out, this was considered to be a pretty advanced model. After all, it was the first car model to be equipped with a front-wheel drive and go into mass production. Jay Leno gave it a new engine in the form of a twin-turbo Corvette one so that it can put out 1,055 hp. Aside from that, he also added a powerful transmission from the Corvette C5 to handle its new power. Once worth $3,688, it now has a value of $19,000.
1966 Oldsmobile Toronado
2011 Audi R8 V10 Spyder
In 2010, Jay Leno was one of the first people to bring home the 2011 Audi R8 V10 Spyder. There were only 320 units made for release in the United States. We are not surprised that he requested one of them as soon as they came out! On the international stage, Audi only made 999 of them. It comes with a top speed of 194 mph and a 5.2-L V10 engine that can put out 525 hp. It could go from 0 to 60 in 4.1 seconds. This is 0.4 seconds faster than what the Audi V8 Coupe has to offer. Jay Leno paid $167,000 for it, but its value has since gone down to half of that. It is now worth $80,888.
2011 Audi R8 V10 Spyder
2009 Aston Martin DBS
Did you see the 2009 Aston Martin DBS in the James Bond films? Well, Jay Leno must have felt like 007 when he got behind the steering wheel to drive it around the Willow Springs Raceway. He has said that it was “the most famous car in the world.” This model offers 510 hp and weighs 3,737 lbs. It is possible to choose between a six-speed automatic or manual. Knowing him, we bet that he went with the later. It does not have the best mileage, however, as it only offers 11 mpg in the city and then 17 mpg on the highway. However, you will have a hard time looking for a flashier car than this one. It has an original value of $250,000. This figure has since gone up to $269,000.
2009 Aston Martin DBS
1989 Bentley Turbo RT
The Big Dog Garage is also the home of this 1989 Bentley Turbo R. The automaker produced 7,320 of them from 1985 to 1997. In the two years after that, Bentley only made 252 RT versions. The Bentley Turbo R has a lot of similarities with the Mulsanne Turbo, although it offers a smoother ride. Suspension changes also made it more performance-oriented. Mike Dunn, upon his appointment as the new engineering director, is responsible for these changes. He also upped the roll stiffness demand by 40%, which worked wonders for the company even though some employees did not support it. This car used to be worth $149,500. Sadly, its value has since gone down to $20,000.
1989 Bentley Turbo RT
1957 Buick Roadmaster
Jay Leno acquired the 1957 Buick Roadmaster in 2015. Normally, he tries to bring classic cars back to their former glory by switching out parts and replacing them with better pieces of machinery. However, he decided not to change anything about this one. According to the talk show host, he did not want to replace the 364 cc engine that can put out 300 hp. The car came with a Dynaflow transmission that had a ”bad reputation,” he said. However, he could not shake the feeling that it lent the car a “smoother ride.” This is a huge model that made history for having the largest wheelbase in the Buick lineup back then. It used to be worth $4,680, but its value has since increased to $14,000.
1957 Buick Roadmaster
1956 Chevy Nomad
The 1956 Chevy Nomad appeared in an episode of Jay Leno’s Garage in 2006. Chip Foose restored it on Overhaulin’ Show as well! It was from the first generation, which meant that it was produced from 1955 to 1957. It received a huge facelift after the two-door station wagon was changed and the grille widened. In 1955, customers told Chevy that they were not fond of its front end. The automaker listened, which is why the ’56 variation had the same interior sheet metal and rear-wheel as the Bel-Airs! It also received a new padded dashboard. It was originally for sale at $2,450, but it is now worth $89, 950.
1956 Chevy Nomad
1924 Bentley Twin Turbo
Jay Leno also took the time and effort to restore a 1924 Bentley Twin Turbo. Even though the chassis is set for a 3-L engine, he took some liberties while working on it! This was why he fitted it with an 8-L twin-turbo engine that is capable of putting out more than 400 hp. It has always been an impressive model, but he wanted to turn it into a hot rod. In the year that it came out, it won the 24 Hours of Le Mans race. This feat happened again three years after that. From 1921 to 1929, only 1,622 units of this model were produced. Initially, the car was worth $1,785. The number has since increased to $265,908.
1924 Bentley Twin Turbo
1970 Mazda Cosmo
Reports claim that the 1970 Mazda Cosmo had been a tough sell for Jay Leno. He was not sure if he liked the white Cosmo being offered to him. In the end, he bought it in 2012. It was eventually featured on his TV show as well. It was built a decade after Mazda released its very first car. This sporty car underwent modifications under the instructions of Leno, which is nothing unusual whatsoever. Like his other cars, the Cosmo received an upgraded engine. The 12a was swapped out for a more RX-7 engine. It used to be worth $4,390, but it is now worth $169,500.
1970 Mazda Cosmo
1973 Citroen SM 5 Speed
Jay Leno bought a teal blue 1973 Citroen SM 5-Speed from Ron Susser. The SM is known for its incredible performance and came equipped with a 3-L motor and a five-speed manual transmission. This is among the rarest Citroen SM models in the world. There were only 2,500 of these ever made! In 1971, it finished in third place during the European Car of the Year competition. The following year, it did even better in the United States as it bagged the Motor Trend Car of the Year Award. Under the hood, you will find a V6 engine. Robert Opron designed the car, which was produced from 1970 to 1975. It originally sold for $13,000 but you now need to pay $55,000 if you want to get a copy of it.
1973 Citroen SM 5 Speed
1925 Doble E-20 Steam Car
Car #20 from the Doble Steam Car lineup is owned by none other than Jay Leno! This is not surprising since he has always been a fan of rare and antique cars. It was built by a craftsman called Abner Doble, who had been building cars since he was a teen. In 1910, he went to MIT but dropped out to work on his own projects. The Steam Car was produced from 1909 to 1931. The later models came with an electric start and a fast-firing boiler! They were all considered amazing steam cars during the early 20th century. In total, 39 cars were made. At the time, it was worth $20,000. These days, it is valued at $250,000.
1925 Doble E-20 Steam Car
1918 Stutz Bearcat
According to the Henry Ford Museum, the 1923 Stutz Bearcat was the first American sports car. Jay Leno owns one older than that: the 1918 Bearcat. Prior to the First World War, it was the sports car that everyone wanted to own. It came with a straight-four engine capable of putting out 60 hp. This car came with minimal bodywork that was typical of race cars from that era. It was also equipped with a monocle windscreen, a “dog house” hood,” and open bucket seats. The racer ranked eleventh in the 1911 Indy 500, which moved Stutz to use a slogan that said, “The car that made good in a day.” Back in the day, it sold for $2,550. Now, you need to shell out $275,000 in order to bring one of these oldies homes.
1918 Stutz Bearcat
1932 Duesenberg SJ Murphy-Convertible
Jay Leno can be seen cruising around California in a 1932 Duesenberg SJ Murphy-Convertible. The seats are so low that he can’t even see over the wheel despite being nearly six feet tall. Model J is a full-size high-end car that was introduced in 1928. This was a year prior to the stock market crash and the beginning of the Great Depression. For four years, it was put on a hiatus of sorts. When it was reoffered in 1932, it came with a supercharger. The car had a powerful 7-L DOHC straight-eight engine. It was sold for $20,000 until 1937. This is one of the most expensive cars in his collection – it is worth $22 million!
1932 Duesenberg SJ Murphy-Convertible
1961 Volga GAZ-21
This might just be the most unique car in his collection! The 1961 Volga GAZ-21 is a sedan designed when Russia was a part of the Soviet Union. The Soviets had a reputation for its topnotch aeronautic and weapons tech, so people assumed that they would produce very impressive cars. Sadly, a mechanic publication once said that the Volga was “an anvil.” It was a status symbol that only the connected and wealthy Soviets could afford, so the production had been limited. The KGB used the exact same model but painted the vehicles black. In Russia, they are known as Chernyy voron or “the Black Ravens.” Its original value was $69.20, but it is now worth an impressive $337,000.
1961 Volga GAZ-21
1961 Chrysler 300G
Jay Leno is the proud owner of a 1961 Chrysler 300G. Only 1,280 units were ever made. Virgil Exner designed the car, which ushered in the end of the automaker’s “Forward-Looking” era. According to him, it was the last stylish car from the company. He also called it a “plucked chicken” in the past. Leno has said that even though it is huge at 4,200 pounds and 19 feet long, it is lighter than the Dodge Hellcat! This car did not come with sufficient safety equipment, but it can pull out 375 hp at least. There is a 4.13-L engine under the hood. It used to be worth $5,400, but its current value is $164,500.
1961 Chrysler 300G
2008 Corvette C6RS By Pratt & Miller
The talk show host worked with designers from Pratt & Miller to build a C6RS that used E85 ethanol. This meant that it was going to be more eco-friendly compared to the average gas guzzler. The 2008 Corvette C6RS is essentially just a converted Z06. What makes it so special, however, would be what lies under the hood. It comes with a Katech Performance 8.2-L engine that can put out 600 hp, 600 lb-ft of torque and a max speed of 202 mph. There are only seven of them in existence. In 2007, Leno showed off his for the first time at the SEMA Show. It was first valued at 260,000 but now worth $330,000.
2008 Corvette C6RS By Pratt & Miller
1953 Cunningham C3
This is not the first and only Cunningham car owned by Jay Leno. The other one is an older 1920 model. Despite this, the 1953 Cunningham C3 is still very rare since there are only 25 units ever built by Vignale. Under the hood, you will find Chrysler parts and a Hemi V-8 engine. Leno purchased this car as soon as it was restored, which means that it is one of the handful units in good condition. The designer was Briggs Cunningham, who came from a very wealthy family. Aside from sports and yachts, he was passionate about cars and decided to build supercars like this one. The car was originally worth anywhere from $8,000 to $11,000, but it now has a value of $550,000.
1953 Cunningham C3
Blastolene Special Twin Turbo
The Blastolene Special Twin Turbo, also known as the “Tank Car,” was a design by master craftsman Randy Grubb. Jay Leno is lucky enough to own one of these rare cars! He likes to drive it around in public and usually shows it off at meet-and-greets and car shows. It is unique since it has a military tank engine. That aside, it also has a custom all-aluminum body. This car can put out 810 hp and 1,560 lb-ft of torque. Jay Leno added a lot of changes to the interior of the car and even added twin turbochargers from Gale Banks Engineering to its engine. Once worth $125,000, its value is now $350,000.
Blastolene Special Twin Turbo
1928 Bugatti Type 37A
Before Jay Leno, this 1928 Bugatti Type 37A was owned by Pierre Veyron, a test driver for Bugatti. If you recognize that name, it was because the automaker used his surname for some of its luxury offerings. Anyway, he was a racecar driver who also served as a resistance fighter during the Second World War. Upon acquisition, the only changes that Leno made were the ones needed to keep it in mint shape. He hoped to honor Veyron by ensuring that it stayed in original and perfect condition! The car used to go for $1,000, but it is now worth anywhere from $2.6 million to $3.2 million. How amazing is that?
1928 Bugatti Type 37A
Citroen SM series
Jay Leno’s Garage viewers watched Jay Leno take out the tires of his 1971 Citroen SM. The one in the photo is not the only model from the lineup that he owns. The 1971 DS Pallas is an innovative vehicle that was first introduced to the general public back in 1955. Leno has said that he has a “deep appreciation” for the company and its cars. He gave the ’71 car an air conditioning unit from a ruined 1972 Citroen. Aside from that feature, everything in it came from 1971. According to the talk show host, he is surprised by its smooth handling! It used to be worth $11,700 but now goes for $50,600.
Citroen SM Series
1966 Dodge Coronet
Here is an example of a muscle car that was not flashy but got the job done anyway! The 1996 Dodge Coronet in his collection has a black-and-white paint job. It used to be a police car! You see, this model had been used by the police for patrol purposes during the ‘60s and the ‘70s. This is a vehicle made for performance! The car is equipped with a Hemi 426 engine so that it can be eligible for NASCAR racing events. This vehicle used to have a price tag of $7,625. These days, you need to pay $19,500 for a unit.
1966 Dodge Coronet
1963 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
Jay Leno once talked about the features of his beloved 1963 Chevy Corvette Stingray. He went on for 20 minutes! It is a rare car that he restored. This vintage sports car only had 10,594 split-window iterations produced. That year, the automaker produced a total of 21,513 Corvettes but half of them came with the regular window. Aside from that, the 1963 model also came with hood vents. They did not really have a real function and were only decorative. Chevy took it out the following year. The vintage sports car has a max speed of 142 mph thanks to the V-8 engine that can put out 340 hp. Originally, the vehicle was worth $4,037. Its worth has since multiplied several times – the current value is now $185,000!
1963 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
1937 Bugatti Atlantique
Because it is so rare, the 1937 Bugatti Type 57 SC is considered to be one of the most expensive cars on the planet. The 1936 edition of this car is owned by Ralph Lauren after he shelled out $40 million for it. The one owned by Jay Leno is a 1937 model, but it is still very rare. His copy is one of the few ones built on a genuine Bugatti chassis. While it is just a replica, it is exactly the same as the original one. The Atlantique had been known for its mysterious history and modern shape. It is now worth $18 million.
1937 Bugatti Atlantique
1918 Cadillac Type 57 Victoria
Jay Leno is the owner of a 1918 Cadillac Type 57 Victoria Model. It is original and has not undergone any restorations! He has compared it to a 1918 CTS-V thanks to its luxury and age. Even though it remains in its original state, it is in excellent condition. The unit, after all, stayed in a GM showroom for a long time. It is equipped with a V8 engine and has a closed-roof design. This was the first car in the whole car industry to come with detachable cylinder heads on the engine. It weighed just below 4,000 pounds. When it first came out, it was priced at $4,000. Its current value is now $35,200.
1918 Cadillac Type 57 Victoria
1963 Chevrolet Corvair Rampside
We know that this 1963 Chevrolet Corvair Rampside looks cartoonish with its long bed and paint job. The pickup truck was novel since the cargo bed opened from the back and the side. This is not a feature that you will find in pickup trucks of today! The Rampside had a lot of problems as the Corvair. In fact, a car magazine said that it was a “stake to the heart” for the automaker. It did not become a hit among buyers, and Jay Leno only has it for its antique value. The pickup truck weighs 4,700 pounds and has the ability to tow up to 1,500 pounds. Originally sold for $2,136, it is now valued at $15,000.
1963 Chevrolet Corvair Rampside
1991 GMC Syclone
Jay Leno got his 1991 GMC Syclone as his daily driver in 1991. The talk show host used it that way for a couple of years after buying it brand-new. This model made history as the fastest-accelerating car in the United States when it was introduced! The pickup came with a 4.3-L V6 engine that he turbocharged. Even though there is nothing newsworthy about a pickup with a turbo-engine, it was very rare during the early ‘90s. The automaker had been a true pioneer when it comes to pickup truck technology. Even though Leno eventually had to retire it as his daily driver, he is still fond of it. He bought it for $18,700, but it has since devalued to $5,810.
1991 GMC Syclone
1963 Chrysler Turbine Car
Have you ever watched James May’s Cars to the People? If so, we are sure that you noticed the Chrysler Turbine Car. Jay Leno introduced it a couple of years ago. It was a unique car, if a bit of an amalgamation. Its body was the creation of an Italian design studio called Ghia, and Chrysler worked on its engine in Detroit. The Turbine had an A-831 airplane engine that proved beneficial since it did not require a lot of maintenance. On top of that, it lasted longer than a regular car engine and could run on many different fuels. Sadly, Chrysler decided to halt production in 1979 because it was such a loud and gas-guzzling car. The original value of this car was $50,000 to $55,000, but it is now worth $415,000.
1963 Chrysler Turbine Car
Maserati 3500 GT
It turns out that Jay Leno did not exactly buy this one intentionally. He had been looking for an Aston Martin DB5 but stumbled upon a Maserati 3500 GT. It had been in storage for twenty years and boasted 100,000 miles. It was going to need a lot of work, but the talk show host fell in love with its body and paint job. He paid $25,000 for it, which is unbelievable since it is now worth $269,000. Its restoration involved adding a new fuel injection system, throttle, and more. He decided to keep most of it original, although he did replace the radiator and shocks altogether. In 1962, buyers could get one for $25,000.
Maserati 3500 GT
1962 Daimler SP250
Jay Leno has a 1962 Daimler SP250 in his collection, but it was formerly in the possession of Bob Brzozowski. Apparently, he nearly forgot that he even had it because he left it in his backyard, where it dealt with the rain and snow for four decades. The talk show host somehow learned about it and bought it from him. After its restoration, the first ride did not go very smoothly. There is footage of it, but it turned out to be a bad idea since the engine almost kicked out. Fortunately, Leno was able to make it home despite its slowness. The Daimler retained its 2.5-L V8 Hemi but needed more work. It used to be sold for $3,750, but its current value stands at $56,500.
1962 Daimler SP250
1963 Ford Falcon Sprint
Bring a Trailer sold a 1963 Ford Falcon Sprint to Jay Leno not even 24 hours after it was on the market. This is a good example of his wide-ranging taste when it comes to cars! The comedian fell in love with this model ever since he was a lot boy at a Ford dealership. Of course, this happened before he made it big. He has described the model this way: “big engine, small car.” The vehicle comes with a 2.6-L V8 engine. Before it made its way to his hands, it had seen an upgrade in the form of a 289 V8 engine that was capable of reaching 360 hp. Aside from that, it also received a Monte Carlo brace for improved balance. The car was originally sold for $1,974. However, its value has since climbed to $33,000.
1963 Ford Falcon Sprint