Jay Leno's Steam Machines | Behind the Scenes

Jay takes us to steam school with his 1909 Stanley Steamer. See how a steam powered car with 700 lbs of torque can keep up with modern traffic and turn some heads in the process. Record date 2-12-2000.
#JayLeno #SteamPower #StanelySteamer #JayLenosGarage #SteamCar #StanleySteamCar

[@wmtrader]

I really do prefer this type of content, low key causal talking without any video production gimmicks.

[@BadBlonde-CarHistory]

100%

[@fergusontea]

It's like hanging out with friends, messing about with some machine.

[@LordHolley]

Well it's certainly more entertaining when you have such an interesting vehicle.

[@zukacs]

yes, more of this please. jays lockdown series is a blessing in disguise

[@willwagner3402]

Absolutely

[@aaronburratwood.6957]

20hp 700 lbs of torque. Freakin cool.

[@adamlewellen5081]

The opposite of a honda, 700 hp 20 lbs torque..

[@TheMijman]

What about the car though?

[@Cola64]

Lol

[@Cola64]

@@adamlewellen5081 Vtec yo

[@aaronburratwood.6957]

@@TheMijman The entire thing is cool but there’s a reason locomotives used steam, power! So a steam engine in that car is awesome.

[@Ofageover50]

I really appreciate that Jay isn't just a car collector, he knows the history of his cars, he actually works on his cars, and knows what he's doing.

[@sporkinstien6571]

Hes a massive car enthusiasts. He knows so much about every car in his collection its amazing lol

[@kathyguinto4585]

Jay Leno's such a cool,charismatic guy,I love the man!.John M Guinto

[@socalRooster]

Not just an average millionaire

[@VintageTechFan]

@Amanda Lochmann I'm quite sure he does at least some work himself. You just don't get that amount of knowledge and experience without getting your own hands dirty.

[@justinmckee2256]

And he drives them

[@fernandodelvecchio6549]

The “no editing” is the charm of this video!

[@staygold902]

Jay has to have some of the best mechanics on the planet. He should get a medal for keeping this history alive

[@alexbaker9967]

That car is over 100 years old and still runs as smooth as butter now that's quality engineering

[@Kannot2023]

Good maintenance too

[@eyuin5716]

This was built before planned obsolesce became a standard practice.

[@robertwoodliff2536]

.......it is, but that's why GM is still around........in that time they would have sold 4 or so more cars.

[@mgabrysSF]

Well, you'd be trading rust on the body work for termite prevention. So it's not impervious by any stretch.

[@funkingitup1805]

If you gave a Geo Metro to a multimillionaire car collector, they could easily run it after 100 years.

[@jeremyschottey6713]

Imagine walking out of the terminal, looking around for your Uber, and see Jay waving you over from an open steamer.

[@BadBlonde-CarHistory]

Awesome

[@Scrapla1]

Sounds amazing!

[@valeriyreiter4199]

I really want to look around for a taxi and realize it's a steam-powered one))

[@TheMijman]

I'd get in my Uber

[@kadenwatt2033]

And dressed in all denim lol

[@garysmith5781]

I can't even imagine going 127 mph in that.. Guys back then were damn crazy...very cool car..

[@packardexelence]

GARY SMITH--IT LOOKED NOTHING LIKE THIS STOCK STANLY!!!!!!;--A FOOT LOWER; BODY LIKE AN UPSIDE DOWN CANNO!!!!;--& IT GEETS BETTER!!;---IN AN ATTEMPT TO BEET THEIR OWN RECORD; STANLY BUILT A MORE POWERFULL RECORD CAR;-------GUESSES RANGE FROM 160 to 190 M.P.H. WHEN IT WENT AIRBORN & CRASHED!!!!!!!----SINCE IT CRASHED BEFORE COMPLEETING THE MILE;--NO OFFCAL RECORD!!---NOR ANY ACCURATE SPEED!!!!!!!!!!!

[@banksuvladimir]

Not like they had smooth roads to do it on either. Imagine going 127 on that bad boy down some narrow dirt road in like 1910

[@boilerhousegarage]

They tended to do that speed on salt flats or beaches.

[@LivermoreTelCo]

I didn’t realize for a while that Jay doesn’t just buy and collect; he really knows how all this stuff works and really knows his stuff..

[@AcceptMetal13]

21 years ago. I was 6 when this was recorded. I watch Jay Leno’s Garage on YT every Monday, one of my favorites. I hope he finds the fountain of youth!

[@josephgaviota]

If anyone deserves it, it's Jay.

[@kevinloving3141]

My mom would call me and we would both a Jay Leno car video,sigh she passed about 5 years ago.

[@BurtSampson]

This is the Jay Leno I think of when somebody mentions Jay Leno.

[@BadBlonde-CarHistory]

LOL love when he talks about steamers

[@pashakdescilly7517]

There's only one Jay Leno

[@martinphilip8998]

Me too. I didn’t like him as a host and comedian. He was too Republican in my mind. But I love this aspect of his knowledge and interests. Thank Jay, sorry I "hated" you.

[@jtjtrs8806]

It's funny how jay is just scaring people with the horn unintentionally but funny

[@Scrapla1]

lol I noticed that after I read your comment they all jumped up like WTF and that lil kid at the airport looked like he wanted to run away

[@robertphillips6296]

It must be a real hoot to live near his shop to see him and his vehicles cruising around! Thanks for posting!

[@Mrbfgray]

All the fussing and conniptions HE's having--imagine trying to teach your wife how to drive that thing, guess that's where the tradition of the man being the primary driver came from.

[@pashakdescilly7517]

The Stanley brothers loved to ease up silently behind someone stopped at a railroad crossing, then blow the steam horn. Drivers often had a wee panic

[@docsgearheadgaming2503]

Love how everyone notices Jay, and i love even more how Jay notices everyone else. He's not above saying hi or chatting with people, Man is a legend and would be a dream come true to meet him and see his collection. The men and women that work there are so fortunate, would be such an amazing opportunity to care for a collection like that.

[@veritaslibertas4976]

0:01 Twenty-one years later and Jay still hasn't changed from his "steam clothes". That's dedication.

[@rodneycusi7978]

Love how this is so casually filmed

[@SuperDcopeland]

I can’t tell you how much fun it would be to hang around jay for a day, week , heck a month. Lol

[@MattMorris481]

Jay says “they always catch fire” Dennis says Ha ha like oh really I’ll get off now.

[@matthew-jy5jp]

Amazing vehicles. I am a plumber and I know all about steam Heating. Steam Heat is fascinating by itself so to see that Engineering in a car is amazing

[@Model3GenerativeANdroid]

Solar steam hybrid is the way.

[@vibingwithvinyl]

Jay was around 50yo when this was recorded and he's still doing the videos to this day.

[@wickedmuffin76]

Hah, I was thinking the same exact thing.

[@matrox]

Yeh...21 years ago.🤔

[@rouge5140]

and nowdays he doesn't have a single mor wrinkle. I guess his face is getting pressed from working on all these steam cars

[@SCORP1ONF1RE]

he seemed a little crankier back then, now he's a bit more laid back lol

[@davidgarza1331]

I noticed noticed the lrice of gas in the video

[@InflatablePlane]

Fun fact. Stanley Steam cars were built in Tarrytown, NY, up the Hudson River from Manhattan. The factory was sold to Louis Chevrolet in 1916 shortly before his company merged with GM in 1918. That plant built Chevrolets up until the mid 90’s. Sadly nothing remains of the old factory site.

[@matthew-jy5jp]

It's a common misconception that steam automotives used to blow up. Steam engines and trains were almost Bulletproof and the same is true for cars. What became a problem was steam boilers in homes because they couldn't find a way to equalize the pressure. Until The Hartford insurance company invented what is called the Hartford Loop which is on every single steam boiler you will ever see

[@BadBlonde-CarHistory]

True!

[@gerfmon1]

In a steam locomotive they can rarely have what's called a crown sheet failure, which can cause an explosion. An old stream tractor blew up in Iowa a few years ago from such a failure. At least a couple of people died. Also sometimes locomotives would blow up during collisions.

[@geoffkburton]

What a treat , riding with Jay in a Stanley Steamer.

[@matthew-jy5jp]

Jay Leno is a legend. I am always impressed about how knowledgeable Jay Leno is about these old vehicles. Or any vehicle for that matter. I like this channel very much

[@BadBlonde-CarHistory]

Absolutely!

[@theupscriber65]

You should google search Dennis Gage. Not only does he rock that mustache, he's an actor, director, producer, musician, chemist by education and profession, former director at Bristol Meyers, has his own impressive car collection and is a millionaire. The guy is super well rounded.

[@HangtownTactical]

He’s a super nice dude too. When I was a kid my aunt was a guest on his show and he was REALLy cool to me and gave me a fred flinstone toy 🧸

[@The_HillPeople]

I spent 30+ years working for Burbank Public Works out on the streets. I saw Jay roll into town in so many different vehicles on his way to NBC studios, usually when we were cleaning the underpass by the studio, including the Stanleys. Rolling down Hollywood Way, chin sticking out of a huge cloud of steam with a big grin on his face. Got a close up of his roadster with the 6 speed prototype transmission and 50 studio crew members with drool on their chins when we were working on the NBC lot one morning. He's a cool dude.

[@justjulian7503]

Imagine whipping this thing around in the 1900’s. “Father, may I use the steam car to purchase clothing for my female friend?”

[@carlwheezerofsouls3273]

“Father, i dearly ask of you if i may ride the Horseless carriage to the Market, and purchase a new Whalebone Dress for the mistress?”

[@yaboi5932]

"Father I humblely request,as your first born and heir to your manor and vast fortune, if I may utilize the new steam car to pick up my dear Susan in the hopes of "Getting some" from the mistress"

[@td3993]

Prob just called it a car eventually.

[@guspisano9777]

Thanks for the post, Dennis. Jay could have chosen anything to apply his interests to. I'm so glad he chose cars

[@BadBlonde-CarHistory]

Agreed!

[@Captain_Char]

I think what I like most is everyone just waving and say "hi jay" as he goes by on another of his crazy cars like its a normal day to see a 100 year old car driving down the road

[@caseyrevoir]

Most of the vehicles they are passing and general traffic are now classics... This is fabulous!

[@TempoDrift1480]

Yeah I was noticing that too.

[@loganbaileysfunwithtrains606]

That old caprice/impala at the airport was the one that I immediately noticed, and those old police cruisers

[@rhinez6793]

lsl she made one

[@askhowiknow5527]

Jay is one of the very few people in show business that I respect

[@Android-vk8yh]

While all the girls in my family are out I could watch these all day long, what an amazing machine Jay Leno is an absolute legend. Anyone who moans about their classic cars been a little bit finickity imagine trying to look after one of these. It's my 50th birthday this year I wish jay leno could meet me at the UK Brooklands Museum invent a competition called a day with Jay.🤣👍

[@e-train765]

As someone who has been around and worked on steam locomotives; I love seeing steam power in other applications such as steam cars and steam tractors, just shows you the power of steam 💪

[@H4rleyBoy]

I like that Jay actually knows how it all works, he really is the most dedicated petrol head, it's a shame that he has no kids, he'd have been a great dad I imagine, and it must pain him that there is no one to pass on his great collection too.

[@jakereal3604]

@ H4rley. I didn’t know he has no children. He’s awesome and I agree he would have made a great parent. He’s very genuine, caring and kind.

[@nitromartini1422]

Having children nowadays is an idea which is even more obsolete than those old cars.

[@H4rleyBoy]

@@nitromartini1422 Putin will make it all academic anyway unless something is done about him.

[@jakereal3604]

You’re right. I wouldn’t bring any children into this world now the way it is. Very sad state we’re in IMO

[@H4rleyBoy]

@@jakereal3604 well sadly someone will have to or we'll vanish as a species, may I offer my services?

[@undrcoverlouky]

I like this format almost as well as the actual show. It's not as polished, but I think we learn more.

[@johnbaker5199]

it’s really cool too looking at how much his shop has changed in 20 years lol

[@geebs76]

I really enjoyed this. In the 1960's my town had a July 4th parade and every year there would be 3 or 4 Stanleys. I loved the way they sounded chugging along slowly in the parade. I always wanted to ride in one.

[@TinyMaths]

I kid you not, I just put my kettle on, and thought, what shall I watch for the next half an hour? Then I saw THIS. The universe is playing jokes.

[@BadBlonde-CarHistory]

Hahahahaha!

[@grrwuff4099]

I couldn't stop smiling...

[@jackandblaze5956]

Nah... Google is just watching you with your phone camera and listening with Google assistant. It's called curated content.

[@ChipmunkRapidsMadMan1869]

With a steam car you have a tea pot on the go. Old school Navy Enginemen would have a coil of copper steam line for their hot water for tea or coffee.

[@ChipmunkRapidsMadMan1869]

@@jackandblaze5956 remember, even paranoid people have stalkers

[@chrisbayne3512]

Love how this man has so much love for these cars and teaches the unknown about them with much respect

[@paulbennett4548]

Amazing how easy it was too hold a conversation in a open car in 1909 and I thought the new electrics are quiet. The topper for me was the whistle, you can really mess with peoples heads going over the railway crossings. Great video, lovely old technology thanks for keeping it alive Jay.

[@pjbth]

Looks like Jay does up an extra button on his Canadian Tuxedo every decade

[@BadBlonde-CarHistory]

LOL

[@Mrcaffinebean]

I very much enjoyed the behind the scenes look. Jay is one of those rare breeds that truly understands and appreciates all things mechanical. He could have just as easily worked in some kind of engineering field has he not also been a great late night host.

[@Brett710]

Love how at 7:55 you can see the audio mixer even has a big mustache 😂😂

[@mohanperformance.enginerd.1308]

J's the coolest guy ever! Also legit car crazy and as mechanical as could be. Super enjoyable video presentation.

[@danamuise4117]

wow, the GO PRO camera changed things more than we realize

[@monarchmark1967]

I'm so glad Jay is in this world. That was fun.

[@RyanTreks]

I miss the young Leno. I hope he has so many years left in him!!! Same for the my classic car guy.

[@andyh027]

I used to dislike Jay Leno so much but his car shows have made me really like him again. I respect his knowledge and enthusiasm, and he even seems funnier when he's talking about cars.

[@jakereal3604]

I don’t follow celebrities nor do I really care to meet any BUT Jay Leno is the one man who’s famous that I’d love to meet, tour his collection and have car talk over a cup of coffee. Such a cool down to earth and interesting man. Very humble too which is key! The only famous woman I dream of meeting is Barbara Eden. I’ve been in love with her since watching reruns of I dream of Jennie in the mid 70s. Charming , beautiful humble woman. Two Icons I truly adore and admire. GREAT WORK Jay. You’re the best

[@jimr5703]

I am so very grateful to Jay for collecting and showing all the automotive history. His collection is absolutely breathtaking, but now that Jay is starting to show a bit of frailty from age I worry what might become of his museum. Long life and good health, Sir!

[@daniellclary]

It's incredible that he knows so much about every car, and how to drive, fix, and care for each one. Also dang that was alot of steam he vented, interesting you can hold that much in a small space. And still had enough power to get parked.

[@MyClassicCarTV]

Jay is one of the most knowledgeable car guys I know, and I know a lot of car guys!

[@carlosmcollignon8672]

I'm a 70 year old mexican man from Guadalajara, when I was very young, maybe 5 years old, steam locomotives were on they way out but since my dad as a railroad man we traveled a lot on those wonderful Pullman cars, I have a fading memory about the time when I was 4 or five years old being at the station and walking by the engine which threw steam at different places, then going into our bedroom and very, very gently the train would start rolling for the overnight trip to Mexico City, in the morning we would wake up and dress to go to the "dining car" to have breakfast while rolling into Mexico City, once off the train I remember seeing the locomotive at the end of the train again throwing steam around it. Soon after that the locomotives were diesels. I've read some history about mexican railroads and I belive those steam locomotives were Niagaras.

[@syoung1908]

I would love to spend a week looking at all these cars. Fascinating stuff. Jay seems like just an ordinary guy. Always a fan.

[@daveg.1051]

It would be a good day just hanging with him fixing stuff it's on my bucket list I'm 60 not holding my breath.. Haha the steamer is vary cool you can tell he's a vary real down to earth motor head..gld you got the chance to ride and hang out and have that day

[@BadBlonde-CarHistory]

Totally,,

[@4looming]

These are the most wholesome videos. ❤

[@BadBlonde-CarHistory]

Yep!

[@williamworth2746]

I can only pray when Jay Leno passes that it becomes a Public Museum

[@alphamale1717]

Thank you Mr. Leno for keeping these pieces of American history alive.

[@clementrodrigue]

😮 Incredible and very surprising to see this machine released in 1906 which gives so much performance. A real pleasure 👍🏾

[@HDVisionsMedia]

Imagine having never seen a car before, then seeing this thing roll up.. Must have been like seeing a UFO or something.

[@fredmartine674]

I've heard of the Stanley Steamer but never seen one running til in this video. I was underestimating the power of it til I saw this video and Jay saying it had 700 ft-lbs of torque. I love how it runs with the steam horn, thanks for sharing the details about this unique vehicle, Jay. I'm looking forward for another spin around the block again 👍🇺🇸..

[@WvlfDarkfire]

Steamers sound like the ultimate tinker contraption a man could want

[@alanlovesheidi1]

I love how nothing was cut out. Even when the car was having trouble, they didn't show just a perfect car they showed it had problems and that who things were back then

[@michaeltaylor1603]

Thank you Jay! I love those Stanley's. As a former ride op & railroad hobbyist, I love + respect the power of steam locomotion. I giggle like an 8 yr. old boy when I hear that "sweet" whistle blow.

[@BadBlonde-CarHistory]

Cool!

[@d.a.2742]

The original steam cleaner !!!! Clothes super cleaned by standing in front when steam is released😁

[@radioguy1620]

When the pedestrian asked what year the car was Jay should have said 1909 same year as Dennis' mustache.

[@SUPRAMIKE18]

Any more 90s/2000s era Jay Leno car footage like this? Pretty fun to watch.

[@MyClassicCarTV]

Yup!

[@justplanebob105]

When we lived in Colorado, Estes Park was just a few miles away. While shopping the "strip" the Steamers from the Stanley Hotel usually were up and down the street all day delivering hotel guests and taking folks for rides. It was quite a kick.

[@EristiCat]

If this 30 minutes didn’t make you smile and lol I don’t know what would.

[@HeavyMetalGamer45]

What a cool car I love the sound when Jay parks it back in the garage.

[@ellisc.foleyjr9778]

I had no idea how much speed and power they delivered. ! from Rails to road looks like steam had it all. I've heard of Stanley Steamers all my life but never really seen one in action. thanks a lot for taking the time to show this to us. and sharing. ECF

[@skipprice4376]

One of the most enjoyable videos I've seen in quite awhile. It's not easy to make me smile these days.. Thanks for the effort 👍

[@robertdavidson3090]

It would be great to be a fly on the wall and listen to these guys. They are really educated especially Jay as he knows tons about all the cars he owns.

[@johndyson4109]

That is a lot of pressure for such a small boiler!!! WOWZA! Luv ya Jay... Your tops..

[@z06doc86]

Jay: let’s prick it! Dennis: it’s a family show Jay. 😂🤣🙈🙈

[@DarkElfDiva]

I wonder what a modern steam car would be like, he the technology continued to progress.

[@kieranjamieson]

The 1906 Stanley Steamer land speed record was finally broken in 2009! 127 mph in 1906 and 148 mph in 2009 so not hugely different. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inspiration_(car)

[@billthompson2478]

Faster, easier, and more efficient, like any other technology, probably. I'm guessing that, like modern electrics, not that different from a modern car. Start it with a key, 15-30 seconds for steam pressure from dead cold, condensed steam, and computer control of everything from fuel pressure to blowdown descaling. Close to zero pollutants, about 30 MPG of gas and 500 miles per tank of water. Low maintenance, insanely complicated, and very torquey. I really wish there was a company that would use and develop steam power for cars today.

[@oBseSsIoNPC]

Now THAT was enjoyable to watch!

[@vahagnmelikyan2906]

He really loves what he's doing, he's so focused. 😀

[@NicoSuaveee]

Love how the sound guy has an impressive mustache too

[@toddperry9860]

Car Jacker better never stand in front of this thing! He’ll wind up with the ultimate weenie roast!

[@alwayslive7460]

THANKS FOR SHARING JAY, HANDS DOWN, ONE OF THE BEST JAYS GARAGE EPISODES

[@1sames]

That was fascinating. I've never seen a steamer operate before. .

[@j2z1000]

Videos with the two of these guys together are the best!

[@greggjohnson621]

Wow... ok I finally get why SteamPunk is so cool... (or HOT as the case may be.)

[@Juan-ll6sf]

Nice ride with the shoo shoo car. Great video. Thanks .

[@Dekko-chan]

I love that it sounds like a train too And i love the whistle so much

[@dastrayer63]

Thank you Dennis and Jay for sharing this. Fascinating.

[@stevenwarren5333]

5 or 6 years ago an old buddy of mine came in where I was bartending and said I need to swing by his place and wouldn't say why or take No for an answer. I'm a big car nut and have been deeply involved in motorsports for over 40 years as has my buddy in different motorsports. Upon arriving, sitting in his shop was Leno's Steamer... Pretty Sweet machine and pretty cool Jay shipped it to my buddy for a little paint work.

[@bjorngve]

He put his money on saving motor history for future generations.

[@kingjames8283]

This is the Jay I love, better than any of his standup stuff. Many of his cars are of interest but the very one I'd love to get to ride with him in is that 1966 Ford Galaxy (maroon). Actually I should call it the impersonator car since he wrapped the first one (his dad's) around a tree.

[@FamilysimonUSA]

Love the breakdown(s) and the debugging. Jay taking the lead with his mechanic, figuring out what’s going on: total mastery of the machine. Fixing it. Hands on with the tools and the torch. Who else on planet Earth knows more about Brass Cars and Steamers? Jay is a world treasure.

[@mikeyo4406]

Such a great video. So glad I stumbled upon it 🙂👍

[@jwc4520]

In the mid. 70s I run a small auto parts and machine shop. Lovely middle aged couple came in, needed a part ...don't remember what, but it was for a steamer. Which was now sitting in the lot. Well the nearby warehouse had the part, our driver was there and picked it up. During the short wait, we went out to learn more about this auto yep phones ringing , let's look at ...wow, they had driven from New York, to Cincinnati and planned on going to California... well they got their part and a spare. Nowafter watching this , I wonder did they make it ? Thanks for sharing your knowledge ... I learned a bit.

[@garyditmore]

Jay sure does love his cars I can see why

[@lznicu]

Jay is the man, an international treasure! I learn so much from him...

[@mgabrysSF]

I'm more of a fan of the Dobles Steam cars (and planes), but I love just the idea of zero gearing, massive torque cars. I still love the steam tractor description where it had enough power 'take the building down' - or if the boiler were to go critical, it would also take the building down. Curious how many people got the reference at 07:20 about 'going backwards' regarding hills. The gravity fed fuel system of the Model T prevented approaching severe inclines head-on. To climb a steep grade, you'd need to go ... backwards (at least until fuel pumps were invented / implemented).

[@Agorante]

The ultimate Happy Car. Jay Leno in a Stanley Steamer makes every one on the roadside happy.

[@hendu7111]

Jay's not scared to get is hands dirty. I love it.

[@darrenbird124]

Pure Awesomeness Jay love to see the collection some day.

[@agalgonzalez]

Love the sream whistle! Rig it to shoot extra steam to clear the leaves from your driveway.

[@ronniescott5179]

Good video showing how smooth the steam cars are. Keep up the good work.