10 Mind-Blowing Facts About Jay Leno’s Car Collection

For car buffs, Jay Leno's name is as familiar as their own. Jay Leno, the iconic comic and TV star, has a truly epic car collection that's become something to aspire to for auto collectors all over the world. Leno cherishes his classics. He still cherishes his first car, a Buick Roadmaster, which he occasionally takes for a spin. Fast forward to 1991, and Leno purchased a 17,000-square-foot property in Burbank, California, to create his dream garage. Over time, it expanded to a colossal 122,000 square feet to accommodate his ever-growing collection.

"I was born the day I got my license." - Jay Leno

We’ve explored his collection of beauties and uncovered 10 amazing facts about man and his machines.

1. Massive "Big Dog" Garage

Jay Leno’s cornucopia of cars is in a garage in Burbank, California. He calls it his “Big Dog Garage”. The garage is massive! With room for a staggering 200 vehicles, this car enthusiast's dream spans an impressive 17,000 square feet. The garage draws gearheads with its ample space and quality equipment. It’s a well-organized and maintained facility that is fully loaded with the best equipment, working tools and multiple lifts. It's more than a mere parking lot for cars; it's akin to an archival treasure trove, eloquently narrating the grand saga of automobile evolution.

Although, unlike museums, it’s not open to the public but Leno does often host tours for car clubs and charity events. Leno's garage tours allow car enthusiasts a rare, up-close look at his renowned collection. Leno's Big Dog Garage, without a doubt, is a clear testament to his profound car enthusiasm and the joy he experiences in displaying his prized collection.

2. The 1955 Buick Roadmaster

Jay Leno’s 1955 Buick Roadmaster is an iconic American car that exemplifies classic styling from the 1950s. This car was ahead of its time. Equipped with a robust V8 engine and power-assisted features from the steering wheel to the seats, this Roadmaster was nothing short of impressive. This was Buick’s cream-of-the-crop model.

Leno has owned this car since he was 19 years old. Decked out in a sleek blue and white palette, Leno's ride has been seriously tricked out with top-notch modifications. He jazzed it up with bespoke suspension, a high-tech sound system, and chic 19-inch wheels. This whip, straight out of the 50s, is a real showstopper for auto enthusiasts due to its quintessential American design.

3. The 1925 Doble Steam Car

Jay Leno appreciates unique and rare vehicles, and the 1925 Doble Steam Car is a perfect example of this. The Doble Steam Car was steam-powered and was built in 1925 by Abner Doble, an American inventor and engineer. This accomplishment was a standout, really showcasing his inventive mind and forward-thinking approach.

The Doble Steam Car was remarkable, also ahead of its time. It ran on a steam engine that pumped out 100 horses and allowed the Doble to hit speeds of up to 90 mph.

Leno first got the 1925 Doble Steam Car in 2004 and has restored it to its original condition. Leno's passion for unusual vintage cars shines through in his meticulous restoration of the 1925 Doble Steam Car.

4. Ultra Valuble McLaren F1

Jay Leno’s collection wouldn’t be complete without the coveted 1994 McLaren F1, which is perhaps the greatest supercar in history. Among the rarest and most coveted cars in the world, Jay's McLaren F1 is undoubtedly a treasure. Leno is the proud owner of 1 of 64 cars ever made and it’s estimated to be worth over million.

Oh, the McLaren F1? That's more than just a supercar - it's an icon with a storied past. With a staggering top speed, the McLaren F1 isn't shy about hitting the 240 mph mark. This car's looks, craftsmanship and sheer power never cease to blow the minds of car lovers everywhere.

"If there isn't a parking space out front or I can't see my car from the window, we're eating somewhere else." - Jay Leno

Jay Leno’s F1 has been modified to his exact specifications. The exhaust system has been upgraded to make it sound much more powerful and he’s tweaked the suspension to make it handle better. He's amped up the visual appeal with an eye-catching paint job, marrying bright orange to a glinting metallic overlay. He's given the car's insides a personal touch, decking out the steering wheel, pedals and dashboard in a style that's all his own! Often, you'll spot Leno cruising around in his renowned McLaren F1 - always a thrilling spectacle to witness this iconic vehicle hitting the streets. Jay's McLaren F1 stands out as an exceptionally crafted car.

5. Jay Leno's Motorcycle Collection

Not just cars, Jay Leno's got a real thing for motorcycles too - quite the enthusiast. His stash of bikes, collected over many years, boasts an array of different types from a multitude of makers. One of the most notable motorcycles in his collection is a 1930 Brough Superior SS100. George Brough's creation, a bike that has etched its name in the annals of iconic designs, is truly one to lust after. The bike's stunning craftsmanship and clever design make it nothing short of extraordinary!

Also part of Leno's eclectic collection is a '69 Lambretta scooter - an odd, yet exciting piece that collectors really dig. That Lambretta? It's more than just a scooter; it's an iconic relic of the 50s and 60s that collectors can't help but cherish.

You can clearly see Leno's deep-rooted love for anything on wheels. His car collection teems with thrilling prospects. The anticipation of what innovative treasures he'll introduce as the future unfolds keeps us on our toes!

6. Blastolene Special

In Jay Leno's assortment of wheels, the Blastolene Special stands out as a real showstopper. Beneath its hood, the Blastolene Special houses a mammoth 14-liter V12 engine snagged from a Patton tank, churning out an impressive horsepower of 1000. The heart of the car, a powerhouse engine, sits up front and links seamlessly with an efficient six-speed Allison automatic transmission. Sporting a sleek, hand-shaped aluminum body, the car is dressed in an intense shade of maroon. Jay had his team make modifications to make it street legal and even turbocharged it!

It was built in 2006 by the team at Blastolene, led by Randy Grubb. Grubb was inspired by Art Deco cars of the 1930s. What emerged was a colossal, sleek beast of a vehicle that seemed as if it had just rolled off the set of some futuristic blockbuster.

7. 1966 Oldsmobile Toronado

Image Source: MotorTrend

This historic ride was among the first American cars with front-wheel drive. Leno's touch turned it into a rear-wheel-drive beast, with a roaring 1,000 horsepower engine! Back in the 60s, folks were all over this car - it had a swanky interior and was smooth as silk on the outside.

Leno's Toronado, an old-school Oldsmobile, stands as a dazzling display of automotive elegance. Of course, he has made a few modifications to improve its performance. He has added an air suspension system to provide a smoother ride and he has upgraded the brakes to improve their stopping power. This ride takes you back in time, epitomizing the golden days when American car makers were celebrated for their fusion of style, power and comfort.

8. 1909 Baker Electric

Jay Leno’s collection mainly consists of high-performance machines with internal combustion engines, but he also has an appreciation for the early electric cars. Namely, the 1909 Baker Electric. This trailblazer of an electric car was among the first of its kind, making waves in a time when electricity as fuel was more science fiction than reality. You can cruise about 100 miles on a single charge in this beauty, but don't expect to break any speed records—it tops out at just 20 mph. The lovingly restored black and white paint job really show’s off the beauty of the Baker Electric’s original design.

What’s fascinating about this car is that it’s still in drivable condition and Leno has even taken it out on the road for a spin. It's mind-blowing how this car, even after a whole century, is still in tip-top shape—proof of some seriously top-notch upkeep. The Baker Electric, a striking car with an imprint on automotive history, stands as a testament to the inventive drive of the early 20th century - it's amazing how well this beauty has held up over time.

9. 1963 Chrysler Turbine

The 1963 Chrysler Turbine is another unique cars in Jay Leno’s collection. For starters, only 55 of these beauties were ever made! For secondary starters, it can run on anything from diesel to kerosene and maybe even a shot of tequila! Chrysler tested gas turbine engines in cars to see if they were practical.

Leno's Chrysler Turbine, a standout among cars, still runs like a dream even today. He has enjoyed many memorable drives in the Chrysler Turbine. The turbine engine used in this car is well known for its incredibly smooth and almost silent operation, giving it a comfortable ride every time. It has an advanced four-speed automatic transmission and air-conditioning, and naturally, has been well preserved by Leno for future generations to admire.

A revolutionary concept from 1963, this car was designed to run on a gas turbine engine. Only a few were saved from destruction, and Jay is proud to own one.

10. Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren

Image Source: GettyImage

Another breathtaking car in Jay Leno’s collection is the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren. So, Mercedes-Benz and McLaren joined forces to create this beast of a car that's pretty much at the top when it comes to advanced, super-powerful vehicles on the planet. The SLR’s engine alone was spectacular. This sleek beauty with 618 horsepower in its supercharged engine makes it a sight to behold in Jay's garage.

A fun fact about Leno’s SLR McLaren is that it’s a unique edition called the “Stirling Moss.”. Stirling Moss was one of the greatest Formula One drivers, winning many races for Mercedes in the 1950s, so Leno's special edition pays tribute to the British racing legend. The Stirling Moss edition has a sleeker and more aerodynamic body. It doesn’t have a roof or windows and is a true open-top roadster. Only 75 Stirling Moss editions were ever built and Jay Leno owns one of them.

Related: 6 Best Italian & German Sports Cars Everyone Loves

Bonus // Garage Value & Insurance Cost

Jay Leno’s impressive collection of over 180 exotic cars, hypercars, and museum-grade artifacts, has been a labor of love for decades. Jay's garage attracts car fans globally for its unparalleled collection.

How much is “Big Dog” worth? How much are those popular items worth? Experts estimate the worth to be tens of millions. It's the exceptional condition and unique customizations of each car that really drive up their worth. It’s also the pristine condition of each car, the special modifications and considerable care Leno has taken of each vehicle that reflects his great passion and love for cars.

With such a valuable collection, it’s no surprise that the insurance cost for Jay Leno’s garage is very expensive. In fact, it’s estimated that it would cost over one million dollars per year to insure his multitude of cars. For Leno, his cars aren't merely a mode of transportation; they're snapshots from chapters of his life story. To protect his prized collection from harm or potential loss, he made a hefty yet crucial financial commitment. Having poured years into gathering and cherishing them, it's only right to make sure they're kept safe for the long haul.

"When you fix something with your hands it gives you a sense of accomplishment and a sense of self-worth." - Jay Leno

Jay Leno’s car collection is truly a spectacle to witness. In Jay's garage, you'll find a breathtaking variety of cars - gutsy classics from America, sleek sports models born in Europe and hypercars that seem straight out of the future. With "Jay Leno's Garage," the TV series, both car aficionados and casual viewers get a taste of an unmatched journey into the realm of automotive marvels. Undeniably, Jay Leno takes center stage in this show, warmly welcoming us to delve into his vast car collection and passionately partake in his profound love for automobiles. The show underscores how cars, in their raw and pure form, can spark profound joy and sheer happiness in our lives. Missing an episode would be unfortunate!

Cars in The Jay Leno Car Collection

Jay Leno Car Collection Questions