Jay Leno on Why He Purchases Cars For Their Story

Clip from Cars and Culture #6 - Jay Leno
WATCH THE FULL EPISODE: • Cars and Culture #6 - ...
A conversation with comedy legend and car enthusiast Jay Leno.
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[@karlsumner5594]

I’m sure Jay Leno has so many great stories; I could listen to him all day. Good interviewer, no interruptions.

[@CarsAndCulture]

Agreed, he has countless incredible car stories over the years!

[@bdsouza1977]

@@CarsAndCulture Exactly. The interviewer is perfect.

[@JerryDLTN]

I hope he wrote a "diary" for each car and keeps the story in/with each car.

[@pwatom22]

Love listening to Jay

[@marckoolwijk2913]

He's looking at his phone (looks like).

[@chriswaldrup9855]

Jay’s garage, isn’t Jay’s garage. He is building a Museum. A love letter to engineering and creativity. THATS what is all about to Jay. The preservation of ingenuity and the Human spirit that happens to look great and go fast in the end.

[@stonewolf7850]

Very well put.

[@Arcexey]

Chris Waldrup dislike leno for being a corporate rich goon but your comment is 100% true, well said

[@webdapeeps9015]

Precisely, thats why i could stop now and id have enough stories to last me 2 lifetimes. Loved that Lebaron, Not necessarily the car, but ya gotta admit, thats one helluva Story. The Wife likes it even betta than the Duesenburg, if ya can believe that? The Story of course not the Car! Enjoy Life Laugh a little every day….

[@Ladco77]

I've heard him say in other interviews that he considers himself less an owner of the cars and more of a caretaker. He curates the collection until one day when they'll pass to someone else to preserve. What I love so much about how Jay does it is he also gets them out and drives them rather than just have them sit as pieces in a museum. He keeps all his finished cars licensed and driveable.

[@luigivincenz3843]

He's at that age where he knows he can't keep the cars once he kicks the bucket. I think he's gonna donate the cars to the Petersen museum because he's pals with the director there.

[@rosssoutherland8118]

If there was an A to Z video for every car Jay owns I swear I’d watch everyone of them. I wish my great uncle could’ve lived long enough to see these. (He was a V-12 Packard man all his life)

[@xidropkillzx3246]

That sounds like an amazing YT SHOW IDEA!!! A-Z new car every episode. Buying new cars too id watch that

[@grumpydave5377]

Just go to his KZbin channel, he has videos of a lot of his cars.

[@frankmiller95]

We'd all be "Packard V12" men if we could afford one.

[@seattlegolfer]

I've always respected that Jay Leno just doesn't collect cars for strictly status purposes. Just the opposite, actually. He knows everything about each vehicle he owns. Jay Leno is the most Blue Collar multi-millionairre on the planet.

[@ssvis2]

I always respected him for that, too. He's a true car lover. He has the finances to buy any car he'd want, but he doesn't. He picks out the cool, different, and interesting vehicles that have great history and that history is often the story of those specific vehicles.

[@shane864]

He's a true car dude. No matter what anyone thinks about his comedy/career/whatever, he's a real one. You can love or hate him, but he's real as fuck and if that isn't obvious to someone that's a them problem.

[@psmirage8584]

Jay Leno is always entertaining and funny. He should've been a comedian.

[@johnnyredux4019]

Well played, sir. Well played, indeed.

[@pauljnolan1000]

I love the gentleness of Leno's humor. He has a warmth and affection for the subjects of his anecdotes even as he (and we) chuckle at their foibles. George Burns was the same way reminiscing about Jack Benny, his life-long best friend.

[@michelvondenhoff9673]

A gentleman in denim.

[@venturerempathetic2018]

My dad owned a prestige Ford Fairmount that he daily driven. Odometer rolled over so many times on that vehicle. He gave it to my sister and she sold it for $500. 😤 I wish I still had they vehicle so many memories and reliable to boot.

[@Jarrahvrx]

I always preferred the classic cars on Jay Leno's Garage just for stories like these. Jay is such a good story teller.

[@quietguy1948]

Jay is the whole package... Respect, sir.

[@johnnyjames7139]

Jay brings one of his steam powered cars to the Los Angeles Live Steamers spring meet in Griffith Park each Memorial Day weekend. It is always a pleasure to have him visit.

[@magiccheeseball]

I love when Jay tells stories like this or about the history of the car in general not just the individual car it's always good stuff! Nice interview!

[@karenjones8713]

Yes, love this!

[@Hitman-ds1ei]

That is why he became king of the talk shows, he would just be himself

[@Xyz_Report]

I can listen to JAY ALL DAY

[@msstroh]

I remember this story. It still brings tears to my eyes. The Duesenberg just slay's me.

[@ThomasRonnberg]

I love listening to Jay Leno discuss things from the view of a consumer / customer. Makes me more humble as a business owner.

[@adamb2619]

This right here is why I want to meet Jay, I want to hear those stories.

[@leipersgreen6763]

What a down to earth guy. I've always liked Jay Leno.

[@jamesburke2759]

For a man who does not have children and has given us all laughter for so many decades he deserves every inch of metal in his collection.

[@bobzani]

Jay as a comedian is good. Jay as a car guy is magnificent. I could listen to him all day. His stories about cars and their history are SO interesting!

[@chocolatcats]

I remember being in his audience. I asked Jay "How many cars do you have?"........he said, "You sound just like my wife" hahahahahahahhaha Then I saw him walk into the In & Out at LAX and come out with a large bag. Hop in a car and his friend drove off. Cool guy

[@Steve211Ucdhihifvshi]

I love jays collection, I used to love watching anything relating to his garage etc.

[@hansuhlig8565]

I once had a 348ts challenge and needed new break pads. The dealer ask for $800.- per axle. The parts guy treated me like a piece of crap. A bit of research and they use the same pads as Porsche does on the Porsche 928. Went to Napa autoparts. $80.- front and rear. The difference, they stamped a white Ferrari logo on the backside of the pad. The ONLY nice thing was the engine,, the rest was a bag off screws from Giuseppes barn. And that was my last Ferrari, never looked back.

[@jblyon2]

There's another clip from this interview where Jay talks about why he doesn't buy Ferraris, and it's because of how badly the dealers treat their customers.

[@wagnergitirana]

What a great guy and what a great story teller. He’s the best of the best.

[@TheReal1953]

As you get older and collect 'stuff', you quite naturally become more interested in the provenance or the 'stories'. Because at some point, it's just stuff, or just a car. I only buy 'stuff' these days if there IS a story attached.

[@jeanvaljohn3921]

I hope too hell he had all of these stories documented ,somewhere . Jay is a superb raqonteur

[@larryps]

I love Jay Leno.

[@thosewhohaveearstohear....3838]

Like the rest below, I could listen to every story Jay has to tell. We can "almost" enjoy them (the vehicles) as much as he.

[@michaelj.kastner5165]

We love you JAY !!!!! Judy an incredible person to listen to!!

[@michaelbodine6142]

:01 2 Duesenbergs and NAVY BLUE Bughatti about 55 feet behind Leno. 💙 M.A.Bodine

[@homecottage875]

Jay s like your dad telling g the story about how he and brothers would push their dads '35 Chrysler down the driveway at 3 in the morning , to go joy riding for two hours.

[@RustOnWheels]

I can totally relate! I had my dream car but sold it because it had no story. I bought my Hudson and got a great story so I kept it.

[@RayRayMcAuliffe]

This is great. Thanks man!

[@gaborkorthy8355]

Such a gentleman! Jay doesn't tell the former owner the car was a frame off nut and bolt restoration. He just acknowledged the car did indeed stop well.

[@Rasscasse]

I understand why Jay loves an interesting car with a good story, because I love the stories too. I like that Jay shares his vehicles with us petrol heads. Not for him, the private collection that is for his eyes only, like some prefer to do. I don’t think I’ve ever watched a film of Jay Leno talking about his car collection, where I haven’t learned something interesting. So, Thank You Jay Leno 👌

[@HolidayRambling]

I love that car and the story with it.

I love te see this, keep pushing in KZbin

[@bricklawson9745]

The Duesenberg he's talking about is one of the most beautiful cars i've ever seen in my life

[@stonewolf7850]

I could happily spend years, browsing Lenos cars, and listening to him tell their stories.

[@KC_Smooth]

I love listening to good story tellers.

[@bruzote_]

I feel the same way about objects in general. I recall watching the PBS TV show Antiques Road Show, with the appraisers often saying the objects are worth more with a story, especially if there is documentary/physical proof of the story.

[@uowgj]

what a great video, deserves more views.

[@heybro6105]

His cars don't just have stories, they have freaking movies. 🤯

[@ennisgunns]

Great interview. Great interviewer.

[@jacquescarrier9713]

Link to the CHRYSLER 1967 here. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nH7XpHacjr-fpck

[@markwarren7959]

Not much a fan of Jay Leno "the comedian" but hands down he is one of the best car collectors on the planet. Through his knowledge and his collection.

[@writerconsidered]

Great interview. You knew enough to shut up and let Jay talk.

[@sorintarna9649]

such a pleasant interview

[@bryanmaxwell7332]

Jay is a national treasure and genuine gift to humanity

[@nancychace8619]

Thanks for the smile this AM. Both good stories, liked the Chrysler one best. Agree, the cars' histories are important - with antiques, their history counts for a lot. Same with other machines of various types including boats and aircraft. Always important to maintain a sense of humor and be able to not take yourself too seriously. Thank you for sharing -

[@tomoday4450]

Love the stories 👍🏻

[@Brosephballen]

got yourself a new subsciber great work!

[@neverhit17]

When Jay tells the story about the diamonds, I wonder if he ever thinks about where they came from.

[@randyjames693]

I could listen to Jay Leno car stories for hours ~ would dred looking at or listening to Letterman for a minute

[@Deadbuck73]

When I was a kid I felt the opposite but Dave has just become such a turn off over time… maybe it’s the beard… maybe because he’s not giving out canned hams anymore… I don’t know 🤷‍♂️…

[@Wilhuff_T]

When Jay is no longer with us. That garage had to become a museum. He's planning it. That will be a very interesting car museum.

[@darylwizzard5832]

I could listen to Jays stories for hours

[@mannyp.7721]

Amazing stories! Classic!

[@klakier19901]

It is amazing how many different things you can do when you can afford.

[@brentmann2988]

0:32 The movie producer Jay's referring to is Leo Popkin. Here's a brief write-up on Leo: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leo_C._Popkin

[@shawoo]

Great story !

[@Draxis32]

LOL Jay Leno and all his stories. Man he's an old timer but I'd love to watch a podcast with him!

[@phillipthethird42]

I could do this. Just sit and talk cars with Jay Leno all day long.

[@davidparadis490]

And the story Jay adds to the vehicles history makes the car even more desirable

[@markoivulic372]

Jay is greatest guy and most important guy for car culture

[@joseperez1085]

What a nice guy Jay is…

[@AaronSmith-kr5yf]

1929 Duesenberg for $17,0000=$277,000 in today's dollars. Keep in mind that was just an EXTRODONARY amount of $$$$ for a car back then, there were no "rare collectible cars" back in that day, something 15/20/25 years old back then was kind of worthless, just considered antiquated and out of date. A basic Ford Model A in 1929 was $500-700 depending on options.

[@bricklawson9745]

I love Jay

[@Ganiscol]

Stories are priceless and thats why you buy a car with a story to it 😌

[@jamesdellaneve9005]

I’ve seen all of Jays videos on his channel. I am not sure if he’s recorded a show for all of his cars yet or not.

[@thudercougarfalconbird855]

Straight Talk 👍

[@jackj3542]

Jay has such a collection, I wonder what his plans are when he goes? Jay Museum?

[@scratchpenny]

Probably. He has perhaps allotted a portion of his money to a trust that cares for his cars.

[@walteryew9487]

"It snows in this car" Hahahaha hahahaha.

[@johnnyredux4019]

OMG! Such a great story!!!

[@johnnyredux4019]

Except about the thieving GIs. Karma got them for their evil deeds.

[@rolandrodriguez7145]

He hit nail right on the head 'corvette heading in the same direction

[@jakethetool698]

I have something to sell Jay Leno An original bronze gear pump, for converting an old Model T engine to marine use. Never been used. Found it, in a boat I bought, but if need be, I can come up with the best story he’s ever heard.

[@jsusna1972]

After winning at Pebble Beach (or maybe it was another event), Jay said something like, "Isn't America great? It's where a mere millionaire can compete with a billionaire and win." I know it's silly, but maybe a lot of you can relate, but when I see an old car languishing in a field or at a salvage yard, my mind wanders to when that car was bought brand new from the showroom and the family that took rides in it to grandma's house or brought home their first-born. You wish you could somehow see a movie of the things that car has seen and the places it went. At one time it was a dependable machine and now it sits in silence, slowly turning to rust.

[@haroldbirge6881]

🏆American badass 🏆 that 🍀 Jay Leno😎✌️

[@chrisholcombe137]

Greatest car ever built ! Pontiac WT5 ! Built in California ! Delivered to La Crescenta California ! 1970 ! Freeway Enforcer. I-5

[@barrymccokiner2779]

Dude purchases cars with less hesitation than I do when buying a loaf of wonder bread

[@sirloin4372]

I completely understand what they mean by this. I bought a car because of it’s story. 69 Cadillac deville. It was owned by a little old lady and she used the car to tow her trailer and took the car to car shows. She died and the car sat for 15 years just rotting away. I picked it up for $2500 and have had it ever since that was almost 10 years ago. The car still had tires on it from 1989! Tires were installed by Sears robuck!! Had papers in glove box. Sadly mice got into the car and ate most of the documentation I had for the car.

[@jameskringlee8974]

"more dollars than sense" describes many "collectors" - who do have fun and thanks to "new" collectors sometimes more dollars

[@williamsporing1500]

All celebrities should be like Jay….

[@Dsmpunk59]

Anyone old enough to remember jay and pat morita making a car related movie together in 87 or so?

[@shawnpark7620]

I prefer buying from private sellers for exactly that reason; I want the story..a lot of dealers can't tell you much..I've had great adventures and met some very nice people along the way buying vehicles across North America...that's the fun of it.

[@c.s.hayden3022]

Smarter move. The story is what really creates the value. I collect books and some of the best ones I own have a story.

[@latenightguitaradventures3022]

I would hope they all do, being books.

[@Worldtraveler75]

What a great story. :)

[@billschiller6649]

Truth is stranger than fiction.

[@LOSKOSKI]

His fleet of cars is incredible. Id just like to walk around the place and drool.

[@robertheinrichvonseyfenste267]

great story...

[@bigrich6750]

Jay Leno was the only late night comic who equaled Carson, IMO, and for all the same reasons. Listening to Jay talk about super expensive, exotic cars, that I will never own,I get the feeling Jay is just one of us, but with a lot more money that he doesn’t look down on us for not having. Carson could pull that off, and Jay pulls it off effortlessly, but the rest give the impression of being elitists, but not Jay, and not Johnny and that’s what sets them apart, imo. God bless you, Jay. You made our lives better by just being you.

[@johngoard8272]

Good to hear someone pronounce coupe as "coo-pay" and not "coop" very refreshing.

[@cutehumor]

Jay wears the same shirt everytime he is on camera at home. lmfao

[@sk22ng]

Nice story.

[@aldito7586]

I have only watched a minute of this vid. I think I know what Jay Leno means. The history, the significance. How it's changed the world. Yes. For me too this means more than "Gold plating here and platinum there and zero to 200 MPH in less than 1 second. Saw a video the other day on the "De Tomasso P-72". What a COOL looking car. What a sound from the engine. What a cool story. Allejandro De Tomasso and Carrol Shelby got together years ago to make a car. Well, if you're a car buff like me and you are interested - check it out.

[@alanjohnson2528]

Jay says to him self the story is worth 16 grand ....

[@billhedrick17]

Jay Leno (probably): Marilyn Monroe has been bukkake'd in more of my cars than any other car collection. I'll pay for that

[@snapfinger1]

How often does Jay listen to I’m in Love with My Car ? How many of his cars are Trailer Queens ?

[@jackxiao9702]

Does anyone catch the full name of the movie producer? I want to see the Black James Bond of that era.

[@robertpolnicky7702]

Jay Jay Jay. You've got to get a dodge charger 3 experimental 1969. You've got to get that. From stan

[@frugalliving73]

What movie was he talking about with the Black James Bond?

[@Cirathos]

The same movie experience that has been hidden from public for years. Those "segregated" movies were kept away by the movie companies. How far from the truth media shows us. JAMES LAFAYETTE , JOSEPHINE BAKER, HARRIET TUBMAN, ROBERT SMALLS, MALCOLM NANCE.....look then up for "movies that are based on a true story." So far has things gotten away from how white people have oppressed, which is a garbage opinion. The media and government have steered the way of not letting the public know. All you have to do is open the correct history books, and be interested in history of film. Many, many people have recognized achievements, not just the white folk. All you need is to open your eyes and not let government or radical negativity like feminism sway you from finding the answer, not what the poison they want to shove down our throats.

[@webdapeeps9015]

gotta million of um! A little love to J Durante. Be well, Own more cars.