The Iconic 1977 Pontiac Firebird Formula from "The Rockford Files!" | Jay Leno's Garage

[@thellamaman]

This is my granddad I’m so happy to see this I love him and that car

[@bluesky9093]

You should be very proud of him. To stick with this car for 15 years to see it restored says a lot about him. I hope he and you spent some time together during the restoration.

[@leejohnson3209]

I thought it was Sunny Curtis for a second.

[@jonmassengale]

Wow so cool. Tell him this was my favorite JLG episode of the year. Such a likable guy your Granddad

[@kurtvanluven9351]

This is one of them. Have no idea how many total are left. Most were damaged/scrapped.

[@MikeEngblom]

He’s a real genuine car guy. No pretense, no BS.

[@leroyybrown]

Rockford files had one of the great theme songs of all time.

[@williamsporing1500]

Mike Post wrote it, who also wrote other themes like A team, law and order, magnum P.I. and others. I believe he also produced a Van Halen album?

[@pminiger9278]

I'm suprised they didn't play that in the intro

[@smal1393]

Along with the phone answering machine messages played on the intro.

[@craigloschky9293]

Even played it on the radio. Didn't some other show steal that song and garner took a swing at that guy ?

[@the_lost_navigator]

My buddy went out and bought the 45 back then

[@wyattoneable]

Tom Selleck once said of James Garner that he was an inspiration because James would always take the time to learn everyone's name that work the set. Pretty cool.

[@sstills951]

The Rockford Files basically birthed Magnum P.I

[@drumtum]

@@sstills951 Lance White =) My two favourite shows of all time. So entertaining!

[@bustermot]

200 years ago actors were one step up from criminals and prostitutes. Humble is good.

[@413TomaccoRoad]

...that worked on the set?

[@randynutt5660]

Tom Selleck basically owes his career to James Garner. The role of Lance White got Jim started in Television, and James Garner's mentoring went a long way!

[@sheepdog401]

Can you imagine restoring a car and the first real presentation of it is on Jay Lenos Garage !!!

[@TobyCatVA]

One of the best TV shows ever. I still watch the reruns of Rockford. Fun episode, Thanks Jay!

[@jeanlawson9133]

My highschool gym coach was a Rockford fan and had the car the perm the jacket and dress .....He even said he wanted to be like Rockford...

[@TobyCatVA]

@@jeanlawson9133 NGL Rockford was why I went to work for Wackenhut Security to get certifications and eventually become a PI right down to $200 a day plus expenses.

[@Diogenes1360]

The License Plate on the car "853 OKG" has significant meaning, "August 1953 Garner landed his 1st acting job. Oklahoma Garner's Home State. OKG, The 1st Letter of Garner's Last Name."

[@philh3178]

You beat me to posting the same comment, can’t believe they didn’t mention that. And they didn’t do a Rockford turn !

[@MarkR973]

@@philh3178I posted then saw this... pretty cool...

[@jb678901]

Garner was his stage name. His surname at birth was Bumgarner, and altered form of the German last name, Baumgartner.

[@johnwilson2338]

🤣 Hilariously Nerdy of you to pick up on that!😂🎉🤙

[@MCLUHANVIDEOS]

Awesome context

[@acemacgruber6593]

This is why I watch Jay Leno's Garage. Great episode guys.

[@jamesreid5134]

He’s a very nice man

[@kellismith4329]

Maybe for the coolest cars too, I love that he rescues them and keeps them original

[@bigcity2085]

Exactly. Just a nice peaceful episode....you can tell Jay was having fun.

[@Supercalifragilisticexpial-r2x]

Jay absolutely needs to take his collection and prepare it for a museum to be opened to the public upon his passing funded completely on ticket revenue. Add a casino or restaurant to it

[@bluesky9093]

I truly admire this man for sticking with it for 15 years and doing the work in his garage. A real car guy, now he needs to drive it and enjoy it.

[@Rarerat]

I couldn't agree more.

[@kfrerix9777]

No reason not to, it's got tons of miles already! 🤘

[@Chernochegger]

He doesn't need to. He gets to

[@gerry-p9x]

Thought he wood buy the car. From. Angel

[@PlayitagainVHS]

America needs to bring shows back like the Rockford Files.

[@jeffreybarton1297]

Great to see the Car is still going strong. When I was a kid in the UK I was obsessed with Pontiac cars because of the Rockford files.

[@billbob9304]

Not to mention that he owns 3 of them!

[@PolPotsPieHole]

Firebirds of the 70s were some of the best looking cars ever, Like you I was obsessed with them. In 1985 I purchased a 1976 Firebird, it was gorgeous. Like a dummy I sold it a few years later

[@jeffreybarton1297]

​@@PolPotsPieHole Dang! That must be painful! I'm in the UK, in Bournemouth. There is, amazingly, a man in Bournemouth who drives around in a firebird. Admittedly it looks rough, but it's still one of the two best cars in Bournemouth. The other is a metallic green Dodge Charger 😎

[@ingmarvanderhoek6314]

That is what i like about jay: he has no pretensions, is genuinely happy driving and chatting and makes you feel at ease as a guest. Great guy.

[@bobjohnson1587]

But just a little accident prone! lol 😉

[@DougMedeiros]

Jay’s great every episode is great .

[@michaelpalm2210]

He's from Boston....that's why he is so great!

[@ingmarvanderhoek6314]

@michaelpalm2210 hahaha, i like that!

[@brt987train]

How to 75 Camaro. Beautiful white car tan interior. A lot of fun

[@Scripts360]

Pat spent many years restoring this beauty. Thank you my friend.

[@donmacquarrie9161]

Did a fantastic job - looks brand new!

[@markwilliamson2795]

Looking Great ! So happy to hear his wife also enjoys the show too..lol.....NO !

[@Scripts360]

@ LOL

[@maximan4363]

Probably looks better that it did out of the factory, as they didn't offer that paint scheme!!! Honestly the car looks amazing, inside & out!! I used to love the Rockford Files, James Garner was a Gentleman & true American!! Merry Christmas from the UK!!! Jay is such an amazing person!!!

[@hyacinthlynch843]

Shout out to Mike Post for composing The Rockford Files theme, one of the greatest tv themes ever written.

[@collinrust2641]

He also wrote the theme to “The White Shadow” which is the greatest TV theme song :)

[@hyacinthlynch843]

@@collinrust2641 The White Shadow was another good show. But I have to disagree about the opening theme.

[@collinrust2641]

@@hyacinthlynch843 Fair enough.

[@davidhinkson8856]

Mike Post did some of the most memorable TV show theme songs ever.

[@philiptidmarsh]

As British kid in the uk the Rockford Files was my highlight of the week. I think this program, along with the Dukes of Hazard , is where my life long love of american cars comes from. What a great Christmas present this video is. Many thanks and Happy Christmas Jay !

[@gregb6469]

Does Jay have a General Lee in his collection?

[@davidclarke6658]

When I was a kid in the 80s in Australia I loved the 70s Trans Am's and I used to see them around on the roads here. A few were privately imported here back in the day.

[@restaurantattheendofthegalaxy]

The Rockford Files was a great show, and James Garner really was a good actor, great video!

[@DustVirginOffRoad-pj9kt]

I probably did the driver side window install if made at the Van Nuys Plant. Worked there from 74-79 Fisher body side.

[@goratgo1970]

That's cool, how do I best set the two upper felt stabilizers for the glass? To me it is tough to get right. ..good holidays

[@DustVirginOffRoad-pj9kt]

@@goratgo1970 I wish i could tell you, but it's been way to long ago. Merry Christmas.

[@1FAKIND1980]

My 1980 Camaro Z28 was built in Van Nuts 12/79.. it’s now in Florida!

[@josephgaviota]

As a kid, we did a field trip to the Van Nuys plant ... I remember them building the Firebirds ... and the think that impressed my little brain the most was watching them inflate the tires on the rims on the assembly line.

[@PhenomProductions-tn5fj]

I have to install new window felts on my '76, but the window doesn't go down all the way on its own, got to remove some bolts that adjust the height of the glass

[@threeer02]

I love episodes like this! Forget hyper or super cars! This stuff is gold!

[@danielfarmer1334]

Literally !

[@jamespn]

Like the color, don’t miss the screaming chicken or the scoops and air dams.

[@HADJEE]

@@danielfarmer1334 You beat me to it.

[@earheadsix4119]

Mannix ‘Cuda next?

[@stevebakker6884]

It's gold jay! It's gold!! (lifted from Seinfeld)

[@npxmnpxm]

The show holds up, even today. Great writing plus great acting.

[@baronarmenian5019]

Agree. I love it.

[@SA-bq1us]

Today's writers are lazy and have no creativity or originality and rely on the recycle bin

[@stanley2004]

YES!!!!!

[@hornetbrown]

I bought all five seasons in a DVD box set. Excellent entertainment.

[@NoNameMnk]

Some of it is cheesy but considering the time period I think it holds up. I recently watched the 5.5 seasons and had a great time.

[@MrGman2804]

From the UK. I used to watch the Rockford Files as a kid. That was a great car then, & it still is now. I am impressed.

[@billmcpheeters1888]

The firebirds of the 1970's are some of my favorite cars. The original Rockford Firebird was an Esprit model. Later cars were Formulas, with standard hoods (minus the scoops) and spoiler removed, because the suspensions were better for stunts and hard driving. Beautiful car.

[@Mark-sc9iu]

Correct. I was wondering why they kept referring to this as a Formula. I know the Formulas that year had the twin hood scoops and the rear spoiler.

[@kimj4185]

Thanks for the info, thought they were all Esprit's.

[@Warshipmodelsunderway]

I was wondering about that hood. I had a 76 Formula with the disco paint job (yellow, with black rockers and red and orange stripes. I had T-Tops installed in it, one of the first sets in California, and they loved to leak LOL. A buddy of mine wrapped his 71 GTO around a tree, so I bought the drivetrain (a 400 Ram Air IV, TH 400 trans). Later I bought a 70 Formula and almost had it restored before the Bodyman destroyed it joy riding. In the end, I found and restored a 71 Trans Am that had the 455 HO - best car I ever owned, so my F body saga ended on a happy note LOL

[@3VAudioVideo]

@@Mark-sc9iu He stated that the show used formulas, but they replaced the hood with a regular hood, as well as other things, to make it look like the more affordable base car. They ordered formulas because they wanted the performance of the trans am, but not have to pay as much money. the TA and the formula had the same performance upgrades added to the base. the TA just had more bling. Rockford's character was not about bling, because he was kinda poor.

[@HeelsFan1967]

It needs the hood scoop and spoiler desperately.

[@hoost3056]

Used to be a fan of The Rockford Files as a kid. When I found out James Garner was a serious driver and car enthusiast, it just made his legend go that much higher.

[@jamesadams6262]

Yes, Garner was trained by Bob Bondurant to drive a F1 car in John Frankenheimer's 1966 classic, "Grand Prix."

[@daveallen8824]

My wife was a tremendous fan of the show and was IN LOVE with Jim Garner. When she was graduating from college, her parents were going to buy her a car, and she had to have a Firebird. She got a 1975 Esprit ; we went on our honeymoon in it, and as I write, it is sitting here still in the garage. After kids happened, we sold it, but were able to buy it back from the friend we sold it to. At that point, it was pretty sad; ran poorly and needed a lot of help. I couldn't see rebuilding the 350 in it, so I found a 455 and went through that and added a little cam, intake manifold, and true duals. It does a fine job of roasting the tires any old time. A lot of memories in that car, and a real time machine for me. And, yes, the 70's were a terrible time for American cars. I remember on our honeymoon, this thing rained screws from under the dash, nothing fit - they even left off one of the Esprit badges - real build quality!

[@bustermot]

Thanks for the nice story -don’t listen to that troll.

[@jacktorrance2633]

I enjoyed the story as well.

[@marcathens2951]

Awesome love the story !

[@MrRoadWorrier]

There are some mean-spirited people in this world - if they don't have anything nice to say they should just shut up. I enjoyed your story so thanks for sharing. EDIT: I see the bad comment was deleted - good riddance.

[@RichardLOVEDAY]

Esprit only appeared in one side of the car.....curb side!! Look it up. Fact! Thanks for sharing that awesome storey - and for keeping it alive.. Don't crush em restore em! 455...that era of SD trans am made me pee my pants in a brand new trans am age 10. My brother in law's best friend was not impressed it scared me so bad.... LoL

[@mercedes-mark]

Jay looks happy and healthy in this episode!! He was looking tired in past episodes and I was worried, he looks great here!! Love you Jay!!

[@tylerjames-yf1ho]

I agree, i was so worried about him! This was a great and fun video 😊

[@boredom.victim]

cool cars are good for the soul ❤

I havent seen him for awhile , i thought that he dosnt look well , hes dropped a lot of weight .He looks old .

[@chrisbrown7362]

He IS old! Can't be breaking his Mom's windshield, biting into them Doritos anymore.

[@TheOrangekrate]

He must have recovered from falling down the hill in Greensburg, PA.

[@musicessexx]

I'm 35 yrs old, and I remember and loved watching re-runs of Rockford Files!!

[@rickblackwell6435]

62, yep!

[@maximan4363]

55 today!! OMG Pat, thank you!!!! Utterly amazing car, your work is amazing!!! Thank you so, sooooo much!! Let your wife know how much her Husband is respected and loved!!! Wow what a Guy!! Much love from the UK!! Merry Christmas!!!!🎄

[@fartholemechanic9252]

The episodes with Isaac Hayes were the best

[@garyt19651]

YEP, Lindsey Wagner was in the first ever episode and he fell for her.

[@Jstring304]

Nice car!! I've had an '80 Firebird for about 30 yrs now. Still has under 50,000 miles on it. I like these body styles.

[@michaelpalm2210]

I miss my 1980 Firebird. They were great...except by 1980 mine had a 3.8Litre V6 engine....Low power

[@thrashed22]

@@michaelpalm2210 I miss my 1980 Esprit. Mom made me sell it after I moved away. Some kid bought it and wrecked it of course.

[@Jstring304]

@@michaelpalm2210 Mine has the 301 non turbo. Good cruiser

[@Jstring304]

@@thrashed22 That sucks. Mine is an Esprit also

[@thrashed22]

@@Jstring304 yeah mine did too. Had a 2:41 posi in it. In the snow, the car would sit still while the tires spun.

[@thomaswelcomer8443]

With all this James Garner talk, if you havent read his autobiography, you will have a new appreciation of the man behind the image. He was like, if one of us "normal" folks saw such insane success, he was just like we hope we would be.

[@gaden002]

I am about 1/4 of the way through it now.

[@rchrisutoob]

What I liked about Jim was that he did not "do" Method acting. He would read his cue and react to it as he would in real life. For him, acting was a job same as any other and he made it his business to show up on time and hit his marks - nothing glamorous. Fans would greet him with, "I just love acting and want to do it more than anything!" He would tell them, "Go back to Butt Fart Indiana, attach yourself to some community theaters there and keep your regular job." He understood that they were in love only with the fantasy of celebrity.

[@mtshasta4195]

Garner in "Support your Local Sheriff" was an all-time classic and funny as hell!!

[@andyharman3022]

Free to watch on KZbin!

[@onetwo12onetwo526]

They only kill their masters is the one

[@HootakaBJ]

Don’t forget Support Your Local Gunfighter!!

[@EMGroup34-k1w]

He put his finger in your what?

[@JoBartelme]

Co starred with Suzanne Pleshette and her great tush in leather pants

[@DKR977]

Mc Cloud, Rockford files & Columbo, love those old 70's crime shows.

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

Don't forget McMillan and Wife, Cannon, Mannix, Kojack, Hawaii Five-O, The Streets of San Francisco, Starsky and Hutch, Barnaby Jones, Quincy, Baretta, Ironside, Harry O, The Mod Squad, and of course Charlie's Angels. lol

[@kamuelalee]

@@OMGWTFLOLSMH And Banacek.

[@no_nuts]

Petrocelli too! Many episodes are on KZbin

[@josephgaviota]

@@OMGWTFLOLSMH There were a LOT of good ones !

[@joeking2961]

@@OMGWTFLOLSMH B.J AND THE BEAR 😉

[@JayWelchy]

As a kid of the late 70's, early 80's I have to say its the vehicles I remember most to this day. I remember this car well, watched the reruns a bunch growing up. Cool car, glad he took the time to bring it back to its former glory!

[@davidhinkson8856]

Great to see this car is still going strong, and excellent job on the restoration. Loved The Rockford Files when i was a child, and while i love the Trans Am from this generation, it's great to see one that's unadorned.

[@jamesrobinson3663]

Good ‘ol Rockfish…what a man. We miss him.

[@12345682900]

Yep! Thank you, Isaac Hayes!

[@sstills951]

Gandy please don't call me that.

[@gman1003]

rockFORD!!!

[@kamuelalee]

Isaac Hayes in the house!

[@mikeholland1031]

Only Gandi called him that

[@bobschenkel7921]

"It's a replica?" "No it's THE car." I like the way Pat is calm and assured, just like Jim Rockford. Thanks for saving a piece of 70's TV history, and thanks to Jay for putting him in front of a camera. And that color, one of a kind.

[@willieshaw2522]

While I have no reason to doubt that this was ONE of the actual cars used in filming the series, given that they used (even by Pats admission) about 15 Formulas throughout the filming if the series - IMO they are overstating the cars significance by constantly referring to it as "THE" Rockford car, not "A" Rockford car. You could take this a step further, since Pats car is a twin headlight '77 that wasn't even made when the series started in '74 and the ORIGINAL Formulas used then had single headlight front ends. As with many series that feature a certain car, there is rarely one car that can truly be called "THE" car when there were multiple cars used in various scenarios. With that said - the car is a very well restored piece of TV history.

[@bobschenkel7921]

@@willieshaw2522 All true, but when Pat showed Jay the Mic inputs and controls, it is clearly one of "THE" cars, that kind of detail is not something a faker would do. I agree there were at least 15 of "THE" cars, but this one was one of the 15. Good enough to be on the Garage.

[@PhenomProductions-tn5fj]

As long as Jimbo drove it or it was used in the original series, it's an original Rockfordmobile

[@willieshaw2522]

@@PhenomProductions-tn5fj Read my post. I never contested that it isn't an original car used on the set. When you call a car "THE" car, with no further description, you imply there was only one car - period. Now you might say that a series had an original car that all the others were patterned after - that could be considered "THE" car, and all others used in filming were original replicas. In this case this isn't possible, since Pats car wasn't built in '74 when the series started. Pat has THE SOUND CAR used in '77 - one of several cars used in that year. Maybe this is nitpicking, but since the Formulas were all cars built to spec to Garners idea of what he wanted, and there has never really been a single '74 Formula that was used in filming and copied by all to follow - there is no "THE" Rockford car, only original REPLICAS built to Garners design wishes - copies of a concept and not an existing car. Best description for this car is a beautiful and accurately restored original Rockford series car. So as quoted from above "It's a replica?" "No it's THE car." - actually it's the '77 sound car that's ONE of the REPLICAS built to Garners concept design.

[@davedave2882]

Come on Jay! I'm 52 I remember the Rockford files like it was yesterday used to watch it as a little kid. Great TV show!

[@marcathens2951]

Ditto !

[@macpdm]

Yeah I used to watch it with my dad too ❤

[@stephenlan5450]

You guy must have been like six

[@ricochetey]

I'm not even 30 and I have seen every episode twice! My all time favorite show!

[@marcathens2951]

@ricochetey awesome the younger generation can appreciate these shows. It was popular back then. Remember it well. Always loved the car and now here it is !! Kind of surreal ✨️

[@andrestenstrup1042]

I was an exchange studient from Denmark in 1986 - 1987 in PA, and Rockford files I alsways had to see when I got home from Highschool. James Garner was a top actor.

[@rotaxtwin]

I like this guy's style. I agree w Jay, he did a good job restoring it and the trim/personality of the car is spot on.

[@jhhudson47]

genie ​​My cousin was a firefighter in the '70's and he said that Garner stopped by the firehouse (near the studio) frequently, sat down and told stories and had some laughs with the firefighters.

[@d.g.degennaro2464]

Watched and loved the show as kid . Always loved the car and was a huge James Garner fan. I'm glad the car went to a fan of the show who appreciated it.

[@MichaelVanDyke-c1g]

Also he was a war hero / purple heart recirpant.

[@Oceangirl_505]

I didn't know that, thanks! Sounds like he was a great guy. My Mom had a huge crush on him. There's a free Christmas movie starring Julie Andrews and JG here on You Tube. I highly recommend it.

[@kamuelalee]

And he walked with MLK during the civil rights era. A real man's man with a social conscience.

[@KaliMaaaaa]

Apparently, he chose to be buried in the National Cemetery in central CA that has a special memorial for veterans of the Korean War.

[@EXTREMEMIDSOUTH80]

The Rockford Files is still a great show, i still watch the episodes, glad this car still around, he always ate tacos on the episodes,

[@spunas1]

So cool to see two down to Earth guys BS’ing effortlessly! Up there in the best of Jay’s episodes.

[@ms8596]

I always liked James Garner. Growing up as a teenager in the md/late 70s, i loved the Rockford Files. It was a shame when he discontinued doing the show because of the punishment his knees were taking, doing his own stunts. I recently watched the whole series again. It still holds up. I always loved his girlfriend, Beth (Gretchen Corbett), too.

[@rocketscientist007]

Don't forget Noah Beery Jr. as his father.

[@graeme9679]

Gretchen was a cutie.

[@dougjustdoug6391]

And after 6+ successful years on the air the studio claimed the series never made a profit when Garner sued them over his share of profits from the syndication rights.( The studio 'cooked the books' to minimize any payout)

[@ms8596]

@@rocketscientist007 he was great.

[@alsheremeta]

I can still close my eyes and picture him doing those J turns...

[@ggusta1]

I love the humility of this guy. I can see his affinity for Garner very easily

[@corm7538]

Jay, I'm 49, I love The Rockford Files, and I still watch it on MeTV sometimes. You're a little over two years older than my dad and he is who got me into the reruns of the show in the early 1980s when I was 6 or 7 years old so there are people that are around 25 to 30 years younger than you that watch it still today.

[@johnde2754]

WHEN and how often does MeTV channel run the show ?!? We would love to view the show again. Many Thanks Yo ! 🔜. 📺. - 🤷

[@douglaskuhn3781]

I owned a 1980 Formula, Turbo that I purchased direct from General Motors Proving Ground as an employee. The color is Firethorn, and I sold it to a collector in Cincinati a few years ago. Loved the car, had it in lots of parades and car shows. It had the 4.9 L engine with Turbo that made it fun to drive - just a bit squirrely on anything but clean, dry pavement.

[@PhenomProductions-tn5fj]

James Garner was the coolest guy and a real life badass yet humble.

[@craigmerrow225]

Always loved the opening segment of the show with the answering machine! My favorite was a message from the electric company telling Rockford that he was behind on his bill and they were cutting off his power in afe minutes...

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

Yep. That was one of the highlights of the show, a different humorous message each episode. Kind of like The Simpsons opening.

[@hereforthechips7710]

Sounds like my life now.

[@805NAVE]

I’m 23 and Rockford was one of my favorite shows ! Columbo is my favorite of all time. I hope Jay can find his Peugeot Cabriolet !

[@obesefeline]

You have great taste my young friend!

[@edgarbeat2851]

Universal studios I think owns a few of the 203 Peugoets. Also good taste I'm 40 and enjoy both shows 👍 greetings from Scotland.

[@craigloschky9293]

Columbo - "Just one more thing" !

[@gnatsum-uy4fo]

Hemmings Classic Car magazine did a story last year or so, in the Colombo Peugeot, and the current owner who lives in the Midwest (I forget which state).

[@edgarbeat2851]

@@gnatsum-uy4fo That is cool

[@salebrosity22]

I still watch the Rockford Files whenever I need an enjoyable hour in my life.

[@GginoBlue]

This is now a favorite Jay Leon’s garage episode. Love the Rockford Files (Dashiel Hammett, Raymond Chandler, Ross Macdonald: that line of hard-boiled detective ends in the Rockford Files which added humor to the heroic decency and realism of the American detective..I think.). I like the modesty of the owner of the car. You can tell he’s a good egg. James Garner would like this man. And he has the blue and gold license plate! The original? That’s a fascinating thing to see. I think he’s right about the color making the car so notable. It’s really a beautiful gold, the color of a lion as much as a metal. Thanks for the episode!

[@karafarinperesentati]

When we were teens in Tehran we used to do "Rockford Turn" in parking lot with our ridicules domestic cars. after 35 Years I know now where the term comes. Thank you Jay! Happy Holidays

[@bluesky9093]

Had to laugh when Jay sat in the car (24:38) and asked “it’s always the square key right”, and then said “this stupid interlocking deal here”. It made me laugh because it sounded like my cranky old self.

[@MarkR973]

The license plate was symbolic as well... "853OKG"... the "853"stands for August 1953 when James Garner got his first acting job and the "OKG" stands for Oklahoma Garner where he came from... I still watch Rockford files nearly every night on tv here in NJ... god bless ...

[@Denvermorgan2000]

James Garner has always been one of my favourites. I’m glad to hear he was really a nice guy.😊

[@ricdale7813]

This car although a very mid level sport car was so Iconic it made thousands and thousands of us want this very car. Specifically the Plain Firebird or Esprit sleek back without spoilers. I had a Honolulu Blue 78 Esprit with a 350 in the 1980's and it was a Farking Blast and imo looked fast even when parked.

[@maxbrazil3712]

One of the most iconic cars of all time.

[@TheDejael]

I'm a Pontiac guy, and owned a 1979 Firebird Formula coupe with T-Tops, second owner from 1990 to 2005. I really enjoyed driving it. It had the 403 Olds V8 with the Turbo-Hydramatic transmission. It had a lot of options like the Trans Am so it was special. I have a 2002 Firebird now as my daily driver since 2010. 22 years and counting, with over 200,000 miles on it, but I keep it well maintained. It's a base model with the Buick 3800 Series II V6 with fuel injection and five-speed stick shift.

[@hendo337]

You should swap an LS4 into it, same bolt pattern as the V6. Wouldnget the same fuel economy and have 100-200 more hp.

[@andyharman3022]

I have a '99 Camaro with the 3800/5-speed. Nice to drive, but needs more power.

[@manher4335]

@@hendo337 That's been a popular thing to do to these cars for years. But at this point in time I think it'd be best to keep these things all Pontiac (a traditional, metallic light-blue colored 350 or 400, 455)

[@SquirminHermanthe1eyedGerman]

Watching Smokey & the Bandit getting filmed the summer of '76 when I lived 2 miles from Snowmans house in Jonesboro Georgia & seeing the Trans Am come out the back of the trailer is what made me a huge fan! I had a black '76 with the Hurst Ttops in 1983, a new '85 Bandit II Edition & a new black Ttop '98 Ram Air LS1 6sp...wish I still had them all

[@SquirminHermanthe1eyedGerman]

@@andyharman3022 put a supercharger or turbo on it & I think you can up the tune on the ECM to get more power

[@DougBow96]

Old guys like me with useless knowledge 😂😂 Jay is a national treasure ❤

[@westcoastwoodsman2289]

Thumbs up as soon as he said he has been at this car, in his garage, for 15 years!! This guy is a trooper! The work and love that went into this car is most likely beyond most peoples imagination.

[@superduty4556]

A few notes - first car was a '74 Espirit painted in a factory color of Denver Gold. Color was not offered in later years but was kept for continuity. Also, in '74, a Formula could be ordered with a 350, 400, 455 and 455SD.

[@johncornell3665]

Great actor, great series and of course, this Firebird. Always loved The Rockford Files. Thanks Jay!

[@T.Tuxedo]

I wish I could give this video a million likes! "The Rockford Files" is my FAVORITE television show. It was a big part of my childhood and I own _every_ season on DVD!!

[@JacksonD489]

Tennessee Tuxedo!

[@stevebakker6884]

Agreed. I went through the entire series twice as an adult, after watching it as a kid. Had to stop though when Jimmy's dad wined out a "Jimmy" just once too many times. Got that character was winey.

[@karlnitz1126]

This raises the question, where's Rocky's GMC 4X4?

[@gaden002]

Where it is I don't know, but that was actually James Garner's personal truck.

[@vm722]

I remember that truck. ❤

[@althunder4269]

@@gaden002 Wow. Didn't know that.

[@pR1mal.]

@@althunder4269 Check out the episode of Leno's Garage with Garner's Oldsmobile 442.

[@billstevens5049]

The last I saw it was under private ownership somewhere in Florida

[@davids4754]

Wow! Watched the Rockford Files every Friday night with my Dad growing up. It was his favorite show!!

[@DavidClark-vu3dw]

Yep, Chico and the man, Sanford & Son, Rockford Files and Police Woman starring Angie Dickinson❤

[@bobjohnson1587]

@@DavidClark-vu3dw Yeah, NBC had quite the line-up on Friday night!

[@rodneybaker1903]

Loved the 70s cop shows as a kid. Rockford Files and Starsky and Hutch were highlights as the cars were also stars.

[@JH_75]

I'm 48 and I do remember the Rockford Files. It was on all the time as a kid and it was great. James Garner was great in just about everything else he did as well.

[@richardc751]

I still love James Garner to this day. My uncle did a Rockford episode in the late 70s my mother and my sister got to see the filming and got to meet James Garner and Purnell Roberts. The shooting was at 5 AM so they didn’t wanna wake me up I’m still not over missing it. I was only about 12 at the time but I would’ve loved to have met James Garner. They said he was absolutely wonderful. Kudos to this man who restored such a wonderful car well done Jay.

[@PhenomProductions-tn5fj]

Do you know what particular scene from that Episode your uncle was in?

[@richardc751]

@ the episode was called the House on Willis Avenue. My uncle Vince Milana played the character, Tim.

[@PintoPopProductions]

Love the 77 Firebird, love the Rockford Files. Mike Post's theme song goes hard. I'm 36, so yes, some people younger than you appreciate the show!

[@shaun2072]

Don't forget Gretchen Corbett aka Beth Davenport drove a nice little Porsche 914 on the show. I remember an episode where Garner borrows her car and she yells "Don't redline it!" as he takes off and immediately redlines it 😄

[@mrb.5610]

There's a scene in one episode where he's tailing a Porsche and Rockford can't keep up because 'it has too many horses under the hood'. And that stuck with me - I still use that expression !

[@brett-h2v]

Before she could finish the sentence!

[@anthonym.cardali1875]

He was a Football Player Build 6 Footer....It was funny watching him squeeze in there and drive it hard.

[@jamesrogers4339]

Loved Rockford and the car and Rocky's truck too. Watched reruns today.Thanks for sharing this.

[@TheMultiGunMan]

I use to watch The Rockford Files in syndication after school when I was in High School back in the early 1990's. I think it's very cool that somebody tracked down this Car and restored it. Good on you Sir!

[@esousa486]

WOW .... What a real TREAT to watch this episode of Jay Leno's Garage !!!!! I was/ still am, a HUGE James Garner fan / Rockford Files fan ...... A sincere "THANK YOU" to Pat for sharing his Rockford Pontiac Formula with us all ..... He did an seriously AWESOME job, re-newing this popular GEM !!! Enjoyed his knowledge of the actor, show production details, ..... and could FEEL his love for the BEST series ever on TV ..... HUGE respect for Pat, keeping it alive and "kicking" !!!!!

[@michaeljordan6008]

Thanks for reminding to grab my dog a treat.

[@jeffreyjohnson3103]

It was great hearing Pat talk about the details of the show and the car - a true fan. I could watch the show just to see the Firebird driving around LA, but of course there's so much more to love. The one time I've been to LA I had to make a pilgrimage to Paradise Cove.

[@tulsatoolfool]

Some of the best times of my life watching "The Rockford Files" with my Dad. So proud for Mr. McEntee and this iconic piece of rolling history...

[@ato137528]

I watch Rockford files on GET TV almost every night. Magnum PI comes on after.

[@sstills951]

No kidding. I'll have to keep an eye out for it.

[@SquirminHermanthe1eyedGerman]

yup, me too

[@PhenomProductions-tn5fj]

Same here

[@alycecoleman6830]

My Dad Clifford Coleman was the first assistant director on The Rockford files one of the most enjoyable times of my life that long span. I lost my two molars in the backseat of that car when I was 12 years old Garner had bought me a box of jujubes. Gave my dad his daughter Gigi Garner's first Cushman it was probably wrote it up and down the promenade in Santa Monica. Rip Dad and uncle Jimmy. And McQueen. Three men that set the bar razers edge.

[@voiceofreason7856]

THIS is the car I wanted - back in the day - when all I could afford was a Ford Pinto, that was about half the cost ! Fast forward a few years -1993 - and I saw a '76 Formula, in good shape ( silver grey paint, black interior, 350 V8 ) ), on a used car lot. Had ALL the documentation, 61,000 original miles. You better believe I bought it ! A few years later, repainted it and went the true Rockford Files light gold colour, because I loved that show, too ! Still have it, and because it was my second car for years, then off the road for a few more years ( couldn't afford to have two cars on the road for a while, there ) the original mileage is still just below 76,000 miles. Now it's my 'every day' car but me being retired, now, it has a pretty easy life far as mileage goes. It's still a head turner at about 48 years old ...me ? Not so much..... ! No, my metal baby isn't for sale. :)

[@robertmoriarty925]

My college roommate’s family lived in a mansion in San Marino (L.A. suburb). They filmed a lot of shows there. James Garner was there for a filming. My roommate said he was the nicest celeb he ever met. He had a picture of his girlfriend sitting on JG’s lap. None of the other celebrities would take time to meet the family.

[@PhenomProductions-tn5fj]

He's lucky Jim was already married otherwise he would have had his girlfriend in the Firebird. 😆

[@CauliflowerMcPugg]

The 70s was the best era for TV . What a beautiful restoration, always loved that colour and the Rockford Files. I can hear the theme in my head as I write this. 😂

[@brettkoeshall2325]

🙏 R.I.P. James Garner.🎉🎉😢😊😅

[@fredanddebramacdonald2445]

I’m a big fan of the Rockford Fills and also of Jay Leno! I was surprised to find out that Firebird didn’t have a stock Pontiac color, and also that those cars were the Formula model. This reminds me of my first new car so much! In March of 1971 I bought my first new car, a Camaro with an 350 and a 4-speed. It was a factory gold color very similar to the Rockford Firebird. The interior color was almost identical too! I actually test drove a 1973 Formula Firebird, but didn’t want the automatic transmission or the deal I was offered, so I kept the Camaro. Thanks for the episode, Jay, and the memories.

[@mattofafnir5654]

Jay Leno is wonderful and the best car guy … this is a nice interview. Jay typically honest about the quality….

[@elosogonzalez8739]

After all these years, it's hard to believe nobody's seen "ROCKFORD FILES". It's still on tv everyday. Loved James Garner. Great piece of history! Great actor. His work will be there forever!😊

[@bradleylovej]

The problem is, no one under the age of 40 watches tv anymore

[@elosogonzalez8739]

@bradleylovej They're not watching because the networks aren't making quality programing.

[@bradleylovej]

@@elosogonzalez8739 Eh, kinda. It's a bunch of things. No quality programming, an absolute distaste for commercials, the fact that cable is so expensive, and the rise of amateur content. A lot of younger people want to watch something that isn't over-produced, inauthentic, and full of commercials.And that's all that TV is, really. The TV model just feels really dated, expensive, and obsolete right now. I'm sure it will come back around.

[@DenoRook]

I loved that show !!! Great theme song too !

[@brett-h2v]

@@DenoRook Great guitar.

[@68orangecrate26]

Two REAL car guys… Outstanding restoration! A real piece of automotive history…😎

[@donaldduncan7095]

🎵"More harmonica !!" 🎵 My favorite TV show of all time, I fell in love with L.A. watching this show and moved here in 1981. Rockford & Angel, great chemistry and humor. Love that car, thanks.

[@bryduhbikeguy]

Joe Santos, his ever suffering 'Cop friend' always did his part to help Jim get 'the bad guys'.

[@robertmarszalek1978]

My two favorite TV shows growing up were Mannix and Rockford Files. I think Jay has done the episode with Mannix 68 Dart GTS and now Jim Rockford's Firebird perfect bookends for the TV show history this gentleman really did a great job and I'm really glad the Firebird is in the hands of a true fan!

[@flfbsphatboyblue8970]

I truly enjoy these classic car videos. Brings back so many memories. On a side note, every time I watch these videos, I get drawn to Jay’s choice of shirt so much so that I had to have one. 😂😂😊 Jay has great taste in both cars and shirts! LOL

[@MWestern-m4g]

Jay really appreciates this man's passion for restoring this iconic car. A True American. Both of them. "Hey Rocky!" Remember what Isaac Hayes called Rockford? Rockfish!

[@papaloongie]

Jay looks and sounds fine. So does the car and its owner. Thank you jay for helping to keep us sane.

[@kendigjl]

Jay's looking great. Good to see him recovered from that fall.

[@ToyKingWonder]

And he has his energy back. I was really worried about him!!!!

[@bobjohnson1587]

This episode was taped before his fall. I just saw him in an interview last week and he was still wearing a wrist brace for his broken wrist.

[@kelli217]

And the burn!

[@bobjohnson1587]

@@kelli217 Don't forget the 'clotheslining'! lol

[@keithwitts2177]

Greatest TV series ever made, fabulous looking car. Happy Holidays to you all. Keith (Southampton UK)

[@bobrogers5458]

Another great show by Jay!! He’s the best and so was Rockford/James Garner❤

[@bronco1199]

For us 70's kids this and the General Lee definitely imprinted on us. I did a Rockford in my work truck 2 days ago. Im 51 and i said to myself, " let's do a Rockford outta here."

[@bobjohnson1587]

On snow/ice or on bare pavement?

[@bronco1199]

@bobjohnson1587 snow lol

[@bobjohnson1587]

@@bronco1199 Yeah, me too. I've never had the guts to do it on bare pavement - I love my transmission too much! lol

[@bronco1199]

@@bobjohnson1587 exactly, I have done on dry pavement with beaters but not with something I need

[@fixedgearfever69]

They called that move a J turn.

[@aresee8208]

From O:03 to 0:10 I thought I was watching The Rockford Files.

[@n6mz]

4:35 "I've been around this game, television, for a long time. You know that I have not, in all these years, found many people who have the universal respect and affection of their colleagues as you do. Everybody you work with just thinks you're great." - John Charles Daly, host of "What's My Line?" to special guest James Garner, October 25, 1964.

[@tagnut1952]

I have the entire series on DVD and watch it all the time. Put in episode 1 and run through the whole years. Years 2 and 3 are the best imo. And if Angel Martin is in the episode, you know it's going to be a good one. (Stuart Margolin) He was such a great actor. Love Beth Davenport too. And Rocky had the coolest pickup on TV. Never missed it when it was current, and it really brings back memories when I was in my 20's. Three things you could usually count on in every show.......Rockford would get beat up, crash his Firebird, and never get paid. lol Just a super great show.

[@garyt19651]

I had a Formula Firebird that was VERY similar to this color.

[@sstills951]

Oh cool. For years I was wondering when Jay was going to have a Rockford Files Pontiac episode. Great Show!

[@simonlange6726]

I absolutely loved the Rockford Files ! I watched it from when it premiered, till its finally. I was 13 years old when it first aired. James Garner was the best actor. Played the "reluctant hero" roll to perfection. Thanks Jay for doing this episode.

[@davidyork2775]

Car looks great, love the mic plugs! Never saw that before installed in a car for film production. Had a 1977 Buick Estate wagon with the Olds 403. Could whip a lot of other smog equipped "muscle cars" of that pitiful performance era (well, not off the line, but shortly after with 320 foot pounds of torque). Love the show Jay, always worth the watch.

[@MS28227]

This man did an amazing job restoring this car. The Rockford Firebird is an unappreciated icon in my opinion. Thank you for sharing this.

[@DavidBrown-bs7gg]

Rockford Files (followed by Smokey & The Bandit) is what made me obsess over the Pontiac Firebird as a kid ~ I owned a 1970 Firrbird later in life (imported into the UK)