Johnny Carson’s 1939 Chrysler Royal - Jay Leno’s Garage

Jay was surprised to learn that this Chrysler Royal owned by Johnny Carson’s father was gifted to him, in secret, by the King of Late Night.
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Johnny Carson’s 1939 Chrysler Royal - Jay Leno’s Garage
• Johnny Carson’s 1939 C...
Jay Leno's Garage
/ jaylenosgarage

[@kimchipig]

Jay, your cars, like this one, are 20,000 times more interesting than stuffing 1000 hp into something.

[@MuitoDaora]

I would say that no matter the car if there isn't a interesting story behind it frankly doesn't need to be in the show.

[@shaunroberts9361]

4

[@davidhollenshead4892]

Exactly. The Relics are cool examples of their time...

[@sam_s_]

This would be pretty cool with 1000hp to be honest.

[@sleep_sounds]

First Last cool? maybe, but less interesting, especially with some modern wheels and lowered suspension that they would no doubt give it.

[@GamerNxUSN]

Man, I could listen to Jay talk history and personal stories all day.

[@jennifergunther7281]

GamerNxUSN watch joe Rogans full interview of Jay . It’s great!

[@geofromnj7377]

Jay Leno is the most down to earth, warmhearted, and self-effacing celebrity I know.

[@patricknesbitt4003]

Unlike the degrading schleps who pass for late-night hosts today.

[@Scepticalasfuk]

No. He showed his true colors with the Conan Obrien fiasco. He's a greedy, no-class hollywood slug. I wonder if he's gonna date Amber Heard now? She might go out with him now.

[@bynumjimmy]

Considering the history of Johnny and Jay, it only makes sense that the car ended up with Jay. Great car. Great story. Thank you, Jay.

[@Johnnycdrums]

A worthy choice.

[@leelo5203]

Great post too.

[@jody024]

Now lets hope it wont end up with a dude like Jimmy Fallon or something, good lord how annoying is Fallon....

[@nlpnt]

@@jody024 Conan's a car guy, still has the '93 Taurus SHO he bought new...just sayin'

[@jody024]

@@nlpnt He's alright.

[@Hypnoillusion]

I understand the value of the production crew and I’m sure they are worth every dime. But I’m really enjoying these quarantine episodes with just Jay, a camera, and a car. It seems more pure that way, even with the occasional audio mishap. Not to mention we get to see mostly cars we didn’t know much about. This car was very interesting, and there can’t be many out there because of lack of demand. It’s nice to learn about these cars. And of course, the whole story about how it was Johnny Carson’s car when he was a kid and teenager. What a great story. And that is sometimes what makes a car truly special, not the numbers matching, or the value, it the horse power, but the story that goes with the car. Thank you for continuing to put out these videos even during quarantine.

[@josephgaviota]

100% agree with @hypnoillusion

[@JRotten]

100% agree too. Jay should continue to do shows just like this. 1 man. 1 Mic. 1 car = prefect

[@sambaritone]

Very well said. It’s the history that makes old cars special.

[@darold1966]

Well said

[@timmusk9939]

Well everyone wouldn't be in this long of a pandemic if everyone would have quarantine and wore their masks and wash their hands better. But people are selfish and just don't care about other people needs that are more vulnerable and acceptable to getting this Covid-19 than others. I'm lucky I live on one of the islands in the pacific and we have literally shut down all traffic coming into the island and this has put a stop too people getting the disease.

[@michaellowe17]

Mr. Leno is just a class act. My wife and I toured the Imperial Palace about ten years ago, to me this was the most memorable car there. Thank you for showing this to us.

[@dougtodd305]

No,but Johnny Carson was .

[@jst7714]

I love how modest Jay is. He gave Johnny all the glory, no mention on how he inherited Johnny's Tonight Show.

[@stanlee7635]

Cyber Pleb the smarter business man got the job. Simple as that.

[@merlinvestibule]

Stole from whom?

[@cyberpleb2472]

@@merlinvestibule Letterman the first time, Conan the second time. I don't dislike Leno, but he was a bit of a slease. Jordan and Stan get it.

[@Earthneedsado-over177]

The Tonight Show was over when Carson retired.

[@fyourfeelings3946]

@@cyberpleb2472 ut isnt that the whole definition of "hollywood" do what you gotta to get to the top kinda deal?

[@jppagetoo]

This is why Leno's garage is interesting. Jay collects "cars". All cars, not just rare and expensive ones. And they all seem to be equal in his esteem. This car is just as cool as a Lamborghini in it's own way. I like that, I could own a car like this.

[@jamesslick4790]

I like cars like this MORE than a Lambo. It's far more interesting than any newer stuff, And the "exotics" do nothing for me at all. I've always been interested in cars "real" people owned. Gives a more realistic perspective on history.

[@josephgaviota]

@@jamesslick4790 I'm agreeing with @james slick. These are regular cars owned by regular people. We can all understand them. A relative may have had one.

[@nunya9555]

@@jamesslick4790. Same. Real, useable cars are the best. A Lamborghini would be fun on a track, until someone was faster than you with the newest model. Then it would suck! I am not into the rat race. I like super cars for the application of technology and art side by side, but that is where it ends for me. Something art deco and normal wins for me every time.

[@therrydicule]

I'd rather have that than a Lamborghini if the choice is between that and a Lamborghini... At least the engine can be repaired and there is place to bring groceries.

[@therrydicule]

@@nunya9555 It's not even that fun on a track... I'll tell you why: The suspension" weight balance, and brakes on a stock lambo is not great for track. You'd have a lot more fun with a TCR homolagated racecar, a Formula Ford 1600, or a late model.

[@Jelsick]

As a kid in the 70s I remember being in bed and hearing my parents just laughing hysterically while watching the Tonite Show in the living room. Of course I was "too young" to stay up that late. As Jay said, Johnny Carson was the king of late night back then. Hey, it was a good time to be a kid.

[@chilimostess9763]

Yeah, all the way up to 1992, things haven't been the same since.

[@Jelsick]

@John Barber 😭

[@BillofRights1951]

You described my youth exactly. They were wonderful days then

[@harrykuheim6107]

We watched Jonny Carson all the time...the first half hour was good...then it was non-stop Commercials for an hour

[@Mrfixitmarty]

It was probably the best of all times to be a kid! I feel sorry for the children of today, with the sex, "climate change," horrible debt, and political division/hatred that they have to love with today!

[@Not-Great-at-Gaming]

This episode is perfect. I love to see "normal" cars, but the story with this one makes it even better.

[@jlind00]

The comments seem to agree: the pandemic “less is more” folksy style is preferred, especially your calm, humble off-the-cuff commentary, Jay. It felt like I was along for the ride with Jay & Johnny. You explained the audio issue... but besides that - PERFECTION! 👌 Johnny couldn’t have picked a better trustee for this classic.

[@jonnda]

Jeffo Yeah, but for me a huge reason why I prefer these videos is that these are all Jay’s cars. Not a sponsorship, and not a guest (as nice as that can be).

[@karll3119]

1000% agree with every aspect of your comment #Jeffo.

[@bushtruck]

I'm starting a channel where I take trucks up into the mountains and wreck em. Try and make a few people laugh.

[@aerospot2]

Thank you for honoring Johnny and the car. I am old enough to see Jack Benny. This was much needed during lockdown. I'm happy to hear your recent joust with fire has been resolved! I like the way you honored Carson when you took over. Keeping politics out of it, for the most part.

[@gcnd9031]

I've never seen Jay this authentic and casual before; when it comes to show production, I think less might be more, these personal chats are absolutely fantastic. Thanks man

[@172-e5s]

That's EXACTLY how I would put it too. Reminiscing on a one-to-one with us about the good old cars and ways of life.

[@franknewling1139]

I like all of the shows, even the promos, but I like it much better when he mixes it up more. He probably has someone who sets up the guests but the show was getting a bit too commercial. Good information but too much of a good thing. This kind of episode is a great break from the run of the mill shows that were being done!

[@harryballzack]

I completely agree with you.

[@ModelA]

Agreed!!!

[@marctronixx]

@@franknewling1139 agree!!! total agreement!

[@CalvinHikes]

An ageless classic. The car is nice too. We love you Jay!

[@HoosierDaddy_]

I love the intricacies of these beautiful old cars. Look at how mush design went into the tail light assemblies. Just a great old car.

[@pussygalore5947]

I love when people in other cars look at Jay - I'm sure they're thinking "look at that old guy in his old car talking to himself." There was no better choice Johnny could have made than to bequeath this car to Jay Leno.

[@Johnnycdrums]

Amen.

[@jazzjokesjalopies]

I worked at the Beverly Hills Hotel when Johnny lived there. A real gentleman, beloved by the staff.

[@emjayay]

A real gentleman, with the possible exception of his private life you didn't know about.

[@leecox1513]

@@emjayay ....but apparently you do?

[@tiprat5051]

@@emjayay in his experience he was a gentleman an all the staff loved him so he is correct an you are not

[@chilimostess9763]

That's awesome.

[@chilimostess9763]

@Bjorn Sorenson Yep.

[@glnnchrstphr9717]

This car, much like Leno himself, is a humble classic.

[@Redmenace96]

The Art Deco design on the handles, dash, chrome, etc is fanntastic! This car is humble, but a masterpiece.

[@shkeni]

I just love that front. Atrocious accesibility but what a lovely front.

[@leecox1513]

That it is. A shame that the hood couldn't have been designed to open from the front. My '38 Chevy opens from the sides, but there is no vertical sheet metal to inhibit my getting to the LS6 Corvette engine and associated goodies.

[@geoben1810]

@@leecox1513 So in other words, your FAKE '36 Plymouth. Just couldn't resist ruining it huh?

[@baconsarny-geddon8298]

Seems weird to call a Chrysler "humble"- A '39 Dodge or Plymouth would be "humble", but this was a relatively "rich guy's car", in it's day. Not quite the Bentley or Duesenberg that a millionaire would own, but this was the 1939 equivalent of maybe a 5-series BMW, or mid-range Audi, today- Not super-rare or super-pricey, but not an average worker or farmer's car either.

[@patrickhinds]

Great to hear that Johnny wanted to leave Jay a car with such sentimental value. Obviously had a lot of respect for him

[@oldenweery7510]

IKR? Stay safe.

[@Senator107]

Plus he had a garage.

[@wolfchrt]

@Marco Deeo Nah. Its like leaving your buddy your prized baseball card to a person whos a huge baseball fan.

[@foe11191969]

@Marco Deo Your personal recollections are tainting your experience for enjoying this show. You are remembering your hate, and projecting it upon others. ENJOY WHAT YOU HAVE.

[@jackfinucan9785]

I remember watching the "Johnny Comes Home" special in 1982 and you could hear Johnny's pride in his voice, that this was his dad's car.

[@richknudsen5781]

Hey Jay, I want to personally thank you for showing us the King of Late Nights car that he was gracious enough to bequeath to you. Your a monument to the car world and I am so glad to be able to enjoy your enjoyment of these amazing cars. God Bless.

[@bbb462cid]

I agree Richy. Johnny *was* late night entertainment, and nobody has come close to matching him. He thought a whole lot of Jay to do that for him.

[@salty5706]

Jay leno's garage is one of the only shows on Y.T. that i would bother watching with horrible audio quality 😅

[@jack002tuber]

True. I still wonder what he said. Something about how to tell a joke

[@Hoggdoc1946]

@@jack002tuber He said tell a joke in a deadpan manner, if it gets laughs, then it's a good joke. Then add your performance to it.

[@billluchterhand9176]

@@Hoggdoc1946 Yes turn up the volume. It might hurt your ears but this impor tant stuff.

[@VL1975]

Wasn't that bad.

[@mikeobrien3744]

C'mon, cut him a break love that guy aud-skfjrhsbcndkrf-io and all.

[@kurtschindler360]

Hearing you reminisce about Johnny -- made this my favorite Jay Leno's Garage yet. Thank you.

[@jamiesut5866]

It’s really lovely to hear such a legend as Jay talking so humbly and with such admiration for somebody he looked up to, it just goes to show that something’s value isn’t measured in £ or $. Thanks for another wonderful video Jay!

[@josephgaviota]

+++

[@craigtalbot607]

Can we get an A-MEN!! ... and how respectful he still is to adults ;-)

[@icyhotmike]

This is a true legendary gem. What are the odds Leno would end up with Carson's car AND his show?

[@gregfielder4763]

Clearly Johnny had a great deal of respect and trust in Jay. That says a lot, as Johnny was so influential for so many comics of the time. RIP JC.

[@martinnpatriciaregueiro4035]

I remember those days watching Johnny Carson with my family. Different times, Good times. I am a big fan and this was one of your best shows. My sincerest thanka Mr Leno. God bless you.

[@iHaveTheDocuments]

It's definitely a pandemic when Jay ISN'T WEARING DENIM

[@bradyelich2745]

The denim was under the coveralls.

[@psygn0sis]

Them is no "coveralls"! That there is a gen-u-ine WWII siren suit invented by Winston Churchill himself.

[@HigherPlanes]

He's wearing a denim jumpsuit.

[@gogogeedus]

@@psygn0sis Jay's not ashamed to wear overalls, get over it!

[@CommodoreFan64]

@@gogogeedus It's a joke "Get Over It!"

[@eggbirdtherooster]

I love the in depht story telling always with Jay.. its like your favorite uncle with always great stories! 🙂

[@tommywatterson5276]

Thank you Jay, for being one of those true car guys whom truly appreciates old cars, buys and fully restores them for posterity's sake. Not just buying and selling them for a business investment only. You have a living wonderful collection of historical artifacts for all of us to appreciate. I really appreciate your historical stories that go with each car too. Thank you.

[@JeffreyWilliams-dr7qe]

Donuts and Burnouts. That's it!

[@sirsteele]

Beautiful car... I think it's great that it belonged to Johnny Carson and he thought enough of you to leave it to you. Thanks for sharing with us, Jay!

[@bbb462cid]

Johnny getting the last laugh once again! He had to enjoy that secret.

[@joe6096]

I'm 42, so I rememeber the last about 6 years Carson was on the air before he retired and you took over. It's hard for people under 30 to comprehend how big Johnny was. Kids might remember you and Letterman but before that it was Carson and that was IT. Letterman was sort of an afterthought till he went to CBS and you and him kinda got head to head. The thing I remember about Carson (and you as well) is that he never got one sided politically. He'd make fun of both sides of the aisle equally. As it should be. The guys on now are so biased it's nausiating. I haven't watched any latenight since you retired.

[@Bigbadwhitecracker]

Agreed

[@gtuttle4]

I totally agreed Joe!

[@BlackSmokeDMax]

I mostly agree, except i watched Craig Ferguson until he called it quits. That was the end of late night talk show watching for me.

[@darryl7256]

@@BlackSmokeDMax I'm exactly the same way. Carson was the benchmark. Letterman and Leno were fantastic. Ferguson came close, but since he quit, I haven't watched late night talk shows at all.

[@justina249]

I watched Jay and then Conan right after. And my mom yelling at me get your butt (she used stronger language so im cleaning it up) in bed you have school in the morning.of course i didnt listen lol. But Ive seen old Johnny shows on old reruns. He was the best. That must have been such an honor and high part of your life when you followed in Johnnys steps when he retired. Long live Johnny Carson and Jay Leno. What I admire about Jay is he doesnt let money and fame get to his head. To me he seems like just one of the boys. Not oh im rich im better than you.

[@kathyflorcruz552]

This was really special to see. Loved Johnny. Loved hearing the history of his father's car & aren't we lucky Jay ended up with this treasure! It's a beauty.

[@bradyelich2745]

I remember when Jay was on John's show the first time.

[@southernbreeze3278]

yeah, that lime green suit was unforgettable

[@bradyelich2745]

@@southernbreeze3278 kzbin.info/www/bejne/qKnQiaOwmNFng6s

[@bradyelich2745]

@@southernbreeze3278 And the hair ...

[@bradyelich2745]

@Marius Ipad Yeah, Johnny was like an outsider to the Rat Pack.

[@bradyelich2745]

Dean Martin did not drink. That is the funny part.

[@spaert]

Great car and story. I remember watching that special and seeing the car. The one good thing about the pandemic - we're seeing your personal cars and hearing your stories. I much prefer that to the guest vehicles showing up at the shop. Thanks for the videos.

[@Rouge_7]

As said before, I totally love these videos. Just Jay, one mic, one camera, and a great classic with fantastic stories.

[@steveolsondrums9363]

Thanks for continuing to give us new episodes Jay, despite the difficult conditions!

[@doughaynes8771]

Jay, I am of a certain age that that desk was eveything. Johnny sat behind that desk every night for as long as I can remember. I got really choked up when you went to that. I really appreciate that and thank you. Yeah, of course I watched as you came up, and it, too, was great. It just replaced something that I almost thought was irreplaceable. I love Johnny Carson, and I do love you. Thank you for all that you do for us in your current position. I love cars and will never have what you have, I still have appreciation for it.

[@adammiller6606]

Interior shot while you were driving showed the geometry of the interior. Crafty, irregular shapes. Art Deco like. Sharp!

[@Dan-oj4iq]

Got a photo of my dad and Johnny Carson on the USS Pennsylvania battle ship in the Pacific taken around 1942. Johnny was a teenager and my dad was a physician Lt. Commander.

[@dreadpenguinlord340]

I never thought I'd watch a car review I'd call heartwarming, but Jay proved me wrong :)

[@MarianneD1952]

Jay, you just talked about Johnny giving you this beautiful car... It brought tears to my eyes. I still drive my dear mother's 33 yr old Mercedes 300E. I carry a bag of various fuses. She(car) loves to "pop" them!! I think of her so often when driving it. Thanks for this story. This Chrysler is near the top of my list of your vehicles, due to the provenance! ♡♡♡ This car is stunning!! ♡ PS: I still miss wing windows!!!

[@DJWilder87]

Jay Leno you have been a huge part of my upbringing. So amazing to see a vehicle that has had so much importance in your life. Thank you for everything you continue to do.

[@nickturner2813]

Leno assisted in your upbringing, really? Bollocks, I think, if he had been you wouldn't be thanking him deep in the depths of KZbin comments.

[@rapturebound197]

You're a class act Jay Leno. This is a very cool and interesting video. Its like you're talking to a friend. Thanx man. God bless.

[@dennisrockwell7834]

THAT Chrysler reminded me of the 1938 Plymouth owned by my grandad, we went fishing in it when I was a kid, fond memories of many years ago! I can still smell grandad's pipe, Prince Albert in a can, I got pretty good loading and lighting that old pipe on the way to the fishing hole! Jay thanks for the show, I love your garage!

[@donjones4719]

Poor Prince Albert - "why don't you let him out"? That joke wasn't current when I was young, but I heard it.

[@reelreeler8778]

15:21 the headliner viewed from the back seat looks like Radio City Music Hall

[@UberLummox]

Ha! Nice one.

[@greco37]

Ha! I was thinking Looney Tunes...

[@smokeydabear9073]

Or the view through an "in-your-endoscope" !

[@timbrown9731]

I remember stories when my uncle was in World War II when he came back from the war he would go to the army surplus and pick up one of these Chrysler’s that was a war car or a GM model for like 20 bucks back in the 50s back in Oakland Cali. Thanks for another great video Jay !

[@DD-ze7qm]

I wonder if Jay could find one of those crated army surplus jeeps - was that a myth?

[@275DWL]

My Father said when he returned from WWII He bought a Cadillac coupe for $45.00

[@TheFogLakeshore]

@@DD-ze7qm It's not a myth, but the Allies with surplus vehicles destroyed them for a variety of reasons, not least of which was that people needed to work. There are entire lagoons in the South Pacific filled to the brim with 2 1/2 trucks, tanks, and jeeps. They just shoved them over the side. At Noumea in New Caldeonia, they had a company of motor techs who spent weeks siphoning all of the gas out of the vehicles, putting bricks on the gas pedals or fixing the throttles forward, start em up, put em in gear, and letting them drive themselves into the ocean. There were Dive companies established around those graveyards (which are now mostly about the reefs that grew on the vehicles in the last 80 years). In Britain they disassembled entire acres of trucks and jeeps, taking all of the heads off the motors and driving them to another County where they'd dump them, then taking the rear axles back with them, just so that you couldn't easily re-assemble the vehicles. Because if they hadn't done that, we would have gone back to the Depression because no one would have made cars. The Depression never really ended due to social programs, it was the War and the national credit which put people back to work. That was before the Consumer Economy began, when all economies were mainly about Manufacturing. That's what Mad Men and Madison avenue is about, hawking consumer items for the new Consumer Economy which is now the dominant form of commerce. That didn't exist back then so they destroyed as many vehicles as they could. The only reason they didn't go to the scrap heap is because the mining, steel-making, and scrap industry was wayyyyy over-utilized for the demands of a post-war economy. Scrap was going dirt-cheap, they shut down mines and steel plants... Britain was bankrupt and had to scrap all her old warships for pennies on the dollar. The US just put all of their HUGE fleet into mothballs to wait for better scrap prices or re-activation, which is what we did with a lot of the Cruisers and DDs, and Battleships and Carriers. It's part of the reason the ship-building industry took a dive, we made over a THOUSAND Liberty and Victory cargo ships, the ocean was crawling with an infestation of cargo ships built during WWII, now there almost none left. But anyway to get an actual surplus Jeep was somewhat common back then, but a lot less common than what you might think. They shoved F6F Hellcats and F4U Corsairs over the side of Carriers steaming at flank speed to San Francisco and Seattle to have bunks installed inside to bring the boys home in Operation Magic Carpet. People just wanted to come home, shove it over the side instead of fly them off, why waste the gas and time? The big Carriers and Battleships were stuffed to the gills with GIs, they'd get one maybe two trips out of them, and then straight to mothballs. That's crazy but it happened. The US did not establish a Military Empire after WWII when they easily could have (who would oppose us? We had nuclear weapons and over 50% of the world's manufacturing power), mainly because everyone wanted to get home by Christmas.

[@hendo337]

@@TheFogLakeshore what you're describing is the most disgusting, wasteful, sad and infuriating thing I ever heard. That equipment belonged to the American tax payers, we should have been given the opportunity to buy it no matter how cheap rather than just waste it. No wonder our country is in the toilet and is never going to be the same again.

[@DD-ze7qm]

Thanks Robert Anderson. I understand now how that made sense in the context of the time - fascinating!

[@sethm8432]

Just purchased one in fair condition for $1000. Needs plenty of work, rusty but nothing structural. Sitting on 4 flats, but the car is untouched. Excited to get her all fixed up. Pretty cool to see my car in Jay’s collection!

[@dlwatib]

The sound of Jay's fading voice reminds me of my dad when he was old. He would sit in his easy chair and mumble to himself. Every so often you could pick up just enough to be able to guess what he was talking about.

[@xjmg007]

He sounds and comes across pretty sharp to me

[@CommodoreFan64]

Growing up in the 80's when I would spend the night at my grandmother's house, it was always a treat when she let me stay up to see Carson, and see who the guest would be back when most stars where not a major embarrassment to our great country. As always thank you for sharing another wonderful car. 🇺🇸

[@anderander5662]

You are exactly right.....

[@philliphoward7455]

I too visited the Imperial Palace some years ago and this car was on display at that time along with the items that Jay mentioned were specific to Johnny Carson. It is nice that Jay Leno is now in possession of this car. It will have a good home.

[@lw4518]

Very humble of Jay to say Carson was the biggest late night host . I’d argue Jay was all day !

[@kathyflorcruz552]

Nobody was like Johnny though.

[@rbhusana]

I agree, I liked Jay Leno way more than Johnny Carson.

[@johncronin7481]

Not me

[@normanduke8855]

My favorite: When Jay does the bias ply tire squeel "yee-yee-yee"...cracks me up.

[@philipbennett2973]

Love this car got to see it in Vegas on display a number of years ago . My 1954 Chev car has the same 3 on the tree transmission pretty cool to see you drive it Jay i guess Johnny knew you would look after it for years to come thanks so much for taking us for a drive.Philip Bennett Newfoundland Canada

[@dadsc10]

I saw videos of this car with Johnny in the 80's and when he was a young man, so cool :) Im so thrilled you have the car Jay!!!!!!!! no other person it should be with my friend :) R I P Mr Carson , you were the best

[@musoangelo]

Hey Jay, thanks for this. When you were talking about tuning up the car, I remembered something I hadn't thought of in years. In 1970, I was in high school working at the El Cordova Garage on weekends cleaning up (moping the floors with gasoline and then spreading wood chips to soak up the gasoline and grease.) I remember the boss telling a story about a woman who came in with her car running rough. Bob the owner tuned it up and replaced the spark plugs, which were all carboned up. The woman came back a day or so later and said the car was running rough again. Bob checked the plugs and they were carboned up again. He cleaned them and set it up again so it was running right. A couple days later she came back and was furious that she was still having trouble. He looked inside the car and there was the choke pulled out and her purse hanging on it. He called her on it and said you can't do that. She snapped right back "well where am I suppose to hang my purse." Bob just shook his head and told her not to come back.

[@kennysherrill6542]

Hey, that sounds like a good store for Jay to tell, people would get a kick out of that.😅

[@jimmysapien9961]

Women - you can’t live with them and you can’t live without them 🤔

[@isaakwelch3451]

@@jimmysapien9961 lots of men live without them, and are happier for it

[@robedmund9948]

The older I get, the more I appreciate both Johnny Carson and Jay Leno. Both legends.

[@lewisfrank578]

This is what I love about Jay, it's about cars and their history not just how fast or how expensive they are. True down to earth person not like what most in Hollywood are. Person I would love to talk about vehicles and ride motorcycles with.

[@gregeconomeier1476]

When I was "younger" the day was not over until you watched the late news and then Johnny. Seems like it did that for years and years. Then as I was older I watched the late news and then just Johnny's monologue. Then, fortunately, I moved from the eastern time zone to the central zone and was able to watch the late news and Jay then just Jay's monologue. Then Jay retired. Then as Jay said "tv has become so diluted" or something like that. That's good for me. Now I can go to bed when I feel like it!

[@jasoncharles9481]

So great to see Jay in his element, no jokes just a pure passion for cars. He knows his stuff.

[@kickinbackinOC]

Very touching story...More than just a car.. And I like that simple, straightforward style! Loaded with character!

[@frankturrentine]

I've never given you your due consideration as a talent. I mean, I grant that you're competent at everything you've done. But watching your garage videos has been something of a revelation. You are a tremendously likeable and authentic person, and I could nerd out on cars with you all day. You also seem incredibly kind and humble.

[@Dive-Bar-Casanova]

The car Johnny Carson learned to drive in.

[@bilbobaggins4710]

Really

[@jimmysapien9961]

🤔

[@bilbobaggins4710]

@@jimmysapien9961 hey. Man

[@Dive-Bar-Casanova]

@@bilbobaggins4710 Yeah he mentioned that in his documentary when he returned home. A really good Doc BTW.

[@The_sinner_Jim_Whitney]

Yeah. Let the gravity of that work on you for a minute.

[@SailBeforeSunset]

I like to think of these vids as “back to the heart” videos. More basic and more pertinent. More meaningful.

[@barberdoug2012]

At 70 myself now I can relate to both the car and the story. Grew up with cars of that era because my father was a auto mechanic and I drove them around Detroit. 3 on the tree? I ordered a 81 f150 with it along with the straight 6. Everyone said I was crazy. I enjoy the stories Jay tells as much as the cars. That's what you call history.

[@ericward8010]

God bless you, Jay. I'm slightly younger, but old enough to remember these. And I worked at Hoffman Import Motors in Baltimore. Down the street from Pimlico where the Preakness is held. I lasted a week cause I couldn't drive a manual. I drove a Jaguar up a snowbank....

[@billmoran3219]

Now days manuals are modern day theft deterrent.

[@aaronbiggin1103]

My dad worked for a Jag dealer in 60's England, fresh out of school and wrapped an e type around a post in the showroom, right in front of its new owner. Pritty sure he went home after that.

[@jimmysapien9961]

Aaron Biggin wow 😳

[@josephgaviota]

@@billmoran3219 What @bill Moran says is 100% true! I was at the car wash a couple months back (pre-covid), and my car was WAY late coming out. I asked what what's the hold-up; they needed to find someone who could drive a stick to pull it onto the line!

[@anupamtheboss4536]

This episode was special because , I a Bigg fan of Jonny Carson too

[@mikecee3058]

If you're such a big fan, you should consider using the correct spelling of his name.

[@bbb462cid]

@@mikecee3058 All that matters to me is that Anupam shared his kind sentiment. I am a big "Jonny" Carson fan too and if you don't like the way somebody spells that, well, that's a 'you' problem, because everybody who speaks English on the planet Earth knows what Anupam meant. Even you did. I bet you couldn't ask for a glass of water in Anupam's home town. And I also bet they'd try to understand you and help you out. Criticism can be "helpful". It can also be "mean spirited". Mike, take some constructive criticism here: you're doing nobody any credit by putting a person down like that.

[@mikecee3058]

@@bbb462cid I also didn't point out the fact that he incorrectly spelled 'big', nor did I point out the rest of his grammar errors. If he claims to be "the boss", then he should at least know how to spell. Now, go untwist your panties and have a nice day.

[@matiaspugliano1556]

@@mikecee3058 Imagine having nothing better to do than focusing on other people's spelling. Oh boy.

[@rossr6616]

Jay, My Grandfather had one of these, brown. He was a retired naval commander and he would put me in the back seat with grandma, slip on his white officers gloves and drive us proudly down to Moffett Field, which was still a Naval Air Station into the 60's and 70's where he loved to be saluted as he entered the base. They'd buy me a plastic model of some Vietnam era Plane to work on while I visited with them, and we'd park by the landing strip and watch all the takeoffs and landings for an hour or so. Loved seeing those massive Naval Airship Hangars, which are still there, one of which is a full 8 Acres. Good memories. He sold this car and bought a boring new Dodge Polara and I think someone got a great deal on a PERFECT old Plymouth, because it was always garaged and he polished/dusted it off whenever he got home with it. I also remember the rule for us kids was "don't touch a GD thing in the car!" Yes SIR! Good memories!

[@thomaslemay8817]

When that was new every man and most women wore hats every time they went outside even if only for a few seconds. When you take that into consideration you realize why so much hat room.

[@jimmysapien9961]

AWSOME

[@Pete-z6e]

Thomas LeMay , hit that right on the head.

[@dyingangelo]

I do too go out with my hat on. Just because Im a young man with the hairline of a 60yrs old 😭

[@jackkruese9929]

Yes funny when you see something like race day 1938, here in the UK, and literally every man has a hat on. EVERY

[@paulrogers6037]

I have a friend who is 78. He said he asked a haberdasher 50 years ago why he didn't have many hats anymore. He said, "John Kennedy. John Kennedy had great hair and didn't wear a hat at his inauguration or outdoors anywhere. That was the end of the hat."

[@PorscheSC]

thanks so much Jay for your videos. It sure helps to get thru another day. Always have enjoyed the knowledge you have and share with us about each car/vehicle/cool thing your showing. Stay safe

[@TuffBurnOutTeam]

Jay has always been down to earth all his life And never big noted him self on what he's got A real true Blue Bloke Australia 🌏

[@tiprat5051]

Gimme a spell has he even been here

[@P46345]

Johnny Carson was a class act all the way, the same goes for you Mr. Leno. ;-)

[@OffTheJacks]

Growing up I watched Johnny Carson with my dad on Friday nights, nothing like him on TV now. Very cool to see his car and hear your stories of knowing him.

[@pennywise8182]

I always wondered what happened to Johnny's old Chrysler.....Glad you got it Jay.....Johnny Carson and the original Chrysler company.....Can't get any more American than that.

[@JonBlondell]

Johnny's comedic advice is stellar, I've never heard that idea before! I guess that's why he was Johnny Carson and nobody else was!

[@boataxe4605]

As a musician it reminds me of what is said about a good song, it will sound good played in it’s most basic form on a piano or acoustic guitar before you add additional instrumentation, effects and studio wizardry.

[@josephgaviota]

If you're any relation to Joan Blondell, she's interred at Forest Lawn just a couple feet from my mom.

[@JonBlondell]

@@josephgaviota distant cousin.

[@josephgaviota]

It's funny how "three-on-the-tree" was the standard user interface for 40+ years and now-a-days, nobody even knows what you're talking about.

[@Earthneedsado-over177]

I do, I do. My dad's Chevy pickup was three on the tree.

[@incognitotorpedo42]

@@Earthneedsado-over177 Thank god for people like you. I bet you can function in the real world and fix stuff when it breaks, unlike so many kids today.

[@caribman10]

We called it "monkey motion" and Honest Charley sold truckloads of floor shift conversions, leading to all those holes in the floors of cars of this era...

[@curbozer5006]

Nowadays people would assume it was some sort of weird sex position!

[@blitzroehre1807]

I do, still drive one, probably the last column shift vehicle produced: 1992 Fiat Ducato van. Its five- on- the- tree though and shifts like stirring in a bucket full of cowdung :-)

[@joeguzman3558]

Jay Leno is a great man, I don't believe there's anyone in USA that doesn't love Jay Leno, it's a pleasure to watch him and listen to him, there's something that makes you feel good about Jay even my grandson watches Jay, you can feel his good spirit goodness of his heart may God give Jay many more years of health and a long life.

[@mikestevenson576]

There are so many people in the USA that don't love or even tolerate Jay Leno. I'm not convinced that any of them have ever worked a day of manual labor, but they do exist.

[@marko11kram]

so relaxing to watch these Leno vids on ordinary vehicles

[@jeanettestilwell2369]

Hello how are you doing Mark. I trust you are safe and in good health. Thank you.

[@marko11kram]

@@jeanettestilwell2369 I'm safe, and have been commuting to NYC every day through this mess. Thanks for asking. I hope you are staying safe as well.

[@pyrotechnick420]

Jay nailed it, 815 dollars in 1939 adjusted for inflation would be a little over 15k

[@ScottKenny1978]

You really need to correlate to the annual income back then. Or to the price of gold. In 1939, one ounce of gold was $35, so that $815 is 23 and a bit ounces of gold. At $1500 an ounce that car would be $36k.

[@toronado455]

Yes! I checked the CPI and Jay nailed it!

[@ScottKenny1978]

@@toronado455 except that the average income hasn't tracked the CPI. Average income in 1939 was $1386, so this car was 7 or 8 months pay at the time. Average annual income in 2019 was $63k. Nothing wrong with the CPI, but it's just not the right tool to compare prices before about 1973.

[@MrCarGuy]

Purchasing power comparing averages of a "basket of goods" in '39 to now is the proper way of measurement.

[@leoaksil4085]

Well he comes prepared, so he calculated it .

[@emjayay]

Of course there's a lot of headroom. You wouldn't want to knock your fedora off while driving.

[@rocksandoil2241]

Exactly...I'm a hat wearer- and I have to take it off to get in my car, then put it back on once inside.

[@donjones4719]

One guy who headed a big car company felt strongly a roof had to be high enough that a man could wear his hat, he resisted styling his company's cars to lower rooflines in the early-mid 1950s. The cars didn't keep up with the style the public wanted and sales dropped. Finally his stylists won out. (May have been Henry Ford II.)

[@jonmassengale4878]

“Lincoln could drive this car with his hat on.” Can’t believe Jay didn’t say it this time.

[@whalesong999]

I was raised in the '40s and into the '50s and loved the comfy interiors of the autos of that time. We had a '37 Packard sedan, such a good ride and quiet. Dad then went to a '49 Chevy four door then to a '52 Cadillac, still very solid feel in all of them and quiet riding.

[@scotpens]

@@donjones4719 Actually it was Chrysler president K.T. Keller.

[@aussiebloke609]

jay's been quarantined at the garage so long he's run out of clean shirts. For the love of all that's holy, can't someone bring the poor man some fresh denim? LOL

[@harryballzack]

😂

[@lennartengel1971]

😊👍

[@JerryDLTN]

Should we start a GoFundMe page for new shirts for Jay?

[@gibsonfenderbacker2374]

@@JerryDLTN dollars for denim

[@motors5153]

Most mechanics smell a bit gamey, I wouldn't trust any mechanic or body man that smelled like Aqua Velva.

[@JoeMama827]

Many years ago, my dad told me of a trip he and my grandparents made to Las Vegas. One night they went to a show featuring Johnny Carson. At some point in the show my grandfather stood up and said, " Johnny, my son here was born in Norfolk, Nebraska". Well, my dad said he wanted to crawl under the table, and for the rest of the show Johnny was ribbing him every couple of minutes.

[@mousearebec]

We love you talking about anything Mr Leno...... show business or cars. You keep us entertained seeing these days there are no more good shows on the television anymore. So Thanks...... for the memories, haa.

[@WilliamParmley]

Beautiful color. The speed limit story was interesting. The rule of thumb for braking distance on cars of that era was "divide your speed by ten and square the result, then multiply by ten." So at 60 MPH your stopping distance estimate was 360 feet! No wonder 60 MPH seemed insanely fast.

[@555Trout]

Johnny was the best. Can't imagine how Jay feels about him. Johnny pretty much made Jay's career. Great old car.

[@goyadressunofficial]

I think you can definitely tell by the end of this segment.

[@jonboy9912]

Des O'Connor had Jay on his programme in the UK when nobody had heard of him over here!

[@kellyjackson7889]

Oh thats' who's responsible good gonna go and kill the fu..oh wait.

[@555Trout]

@@goyadressunofficial yes, Jay is old school when it comes to showing emotion but you could tell.

[@seankennedy18]

I think they had a great amount of respect for each other and I'm sure Jay is proud of the fact that Johnny picked him out of everyone in the world, to take over his spot. Jay did him proud and was number one until the day he handed it over. Both times. That car is exactly where it belongs, where Johnny wanted it and Jay was exactly where he belonged exactly where Johnny wanted him. Our family loved Johnny Carson and we continue to love Jay.

[@PrinceAlhorian]

Like a captain on the bridge of his ship. Glorious machine.

[@PaganWizard]

Great car, and a great story to go along with it. 19:46 You mentioned "young people don't even know what that expression means" The very sad reality about younger people today is that the very strong majority of them have very little if any appreciation for vehicles from decades ago, and even other antiques for that matter. While most of Generation X, and all of the previous generations still do appreciate older "collectible" items, including cars, when we are gone, most of the old cars that have survived, will lie dormant, neglected, ignored, and eventually get recycled into some piece of junk that will get thrown away after 2 or 3 years and maybe get recycled again and again. We will, in their eyes, have spent an exorbitant amount of money on some old piece of junk. I really enjoyed listening to the stories you told about Johnny Carson in this video, and seeing you start to get a bit emotional about them. It shows us how close you were to him, and what he really meant to you. A lot of today's youths don't even know who Johnny Carson was, and some might even want to erase his legacy, the same way they want to erase John Wayne's legacy. Hell, some of them probably want to erase their own parent's and grandparent's legacy. I hope one day, younger generations will stop trying to erase history, and instead, embrace it, learn from it, and preserve it, the way our parents did, and we did. I am glad to see that you have remained true to yourself, and to your roots, unlike the guy that got salty and childlike when you were chosen to follow in Johnny's footsteps, when he retired. Sorry for the rant.........GREAT VIDEO!!!!!!

[@franknewling1139]

That salty young fellow wasn't good enough, as his career shows. Even Leno wasn't good enough but he showed Johnny that he could be. Johnny is the king but Jay made his own mark on the world stage, in his own way.

[@gohan420]

i disagree, me and a lot of other people i know love collecting and cherishing antiques, from old cars to old coins not everyone in our generation is the same.

[@vtr0104]

Thank you very much for your comment Mr. Wizard! I don't know how much comfort this'll be to you, but we're still out there. I'm 34 and not a US resident (I'm Romanian), but I've loved old cars, trains, aircraft and machinery since I was little. Sadly, I realized even back then that I was in minority, and growing up I had to fight to keep our family car from the scrap-pile, with every family member telling me to get rid of it and even my Dad's mechanic dropping jokes on how much longer I'd be coming by or how much more money I was planning on dropping in it. I'm not upset though, because everyone's reluctance got me into wrenching by myself. This episode was special to me because I love watching Johnny's old aired episodes and seeing all the genuinely amazing people be themselves and poking fun at things without the strange filter that's on everything nowadays (say anything and you're bound to hurt someone or other's feelings...). I especially liked Joan, the two of them were amazing together and I was sad when I learned how they eventually fell on bad terms after she left the show. It was through Johnny that I even learned about her, as before I only knew her by name and had no idea what a hilarious lady she was. I hope someday I can visit the States and meet Jay at the garage and visit the Petersen Museum as well. Stay healthy and safe, and have a great week ahead!

[@jez_stephensanotherapex5921]

Loved, loved, loved, this episode Jay! Fantastic story and just like Mr. Carson to silently have the last word on something. . . Perfect timing, and all. . . Thanks for doing all these solo shows Jay; this is truly some of your best work, IMO ! ! ! Thank you for sharing the story. . . Please let’s see Jack Benny’s Maxwell - or Packard really I guess - next time. . . Hah! 😃

[@172-e5s]

Yes...very well put!

[@jimmysapien9961]

Very interesting Jay - Beautiful car 🚗

[@nfscooterguy]

Mr. Leno, I really enjoyed this episode. I appreciate what you do and the stories you tell. Thank you.

[@paulsharp6559]

Jay was lucky to get this car. We all love Johnny Carson. All The good late night host of television is gone forever.

[@GeorgeSemel]

Johnny held Jay in very high regard. It shows not only about, the car but his whole career. Johnny could make or break comics.

[@shuzbut8121]

I grew up watching Jonny and then as an adult watching Jay. Love these guys.

[@JesusLovesYouPerfectly]

hey Jay, when it comes to calling people by their proper names, i totally get it. i had a marine biology teacher in high school whose last name was Nishimura. everyone else always called him " Nish " but to me, that sounded like a bit of an insult ( especially since he was really short ) so, i always called him by his full last name of Nishimura because i felt that was the most respectful thing to do

[@ym3763]

I agree with you. I assume your teacher was Japanese American from his name. Here in Japan, calling someones last name with his title is paying respect to him.

[@deen8232]

Your channel is one of the best really cool too see how stuff used to be made really well in the USA

[@ericwerner9605]

"Three in the Tree" was how I learned to drive in a '68 GMC 3/4 ton pickup truck.

[@oldenweery7510]

Right, and me in my brother's '50 Ford and my dad's '53 Ford, which I borrowed from Dad the my first date after I got my license. Straight sixes had a lot of torque (but my bro's '50 had a V8, which _really_ growled [he was a volunteer fireman and drove all the way to a fire in second gear!]). Stay safe.

[@bobdadruma]

I still watch Johnny on YT. I loved him. He was the best. I watched every show where Buddy Rich appeared. I am a life long Buddy fan too.

[@donallen3332]

You’re a class act Mr Leno. Thanks for sharing. I really enjoyed it.

[@glenniz1]

Jay Leno......The Guy every kid wishes, that they could call Uncle!!! You are a part of American Culture Jay, Thank You!!!

[@allareasindex7984]

The cloth-covered “grab rail” is to hang a lap blanket on. Rear seat passengers would use it while waiting for the heater to reach them. They used to call them lap “rugs”. A lot has changed, even the words.

[@deltajohnny]

Thanks for the explanation 😉😉

[@JohnSmith-yl6dn]

We used to hang our clothes from it on vacations because ceiling hooks above the window were not introduced yet. When they were, cars no longer had the "sling rope" attached to the seat back.

[@bullettube9863]

I remember all the cars we had before the 61 Chevy that they had the blanket rail, and boy did we need it! It took several minutes and miles before the car warmed up, but our feet never did. It's one of the reason I liked the 1970 Volvo my wife and I owned, it had vents that directed heat to the rear seat.

[@dennis885600]

John Smith my ‘54 Mercury both has the ceiling hooks and the rope. It’s pretty handg

[@bullettube9863]

@Alex M Man those old Buicks and Pontiacs were made to last! My uncle had one and loved it for 8 years and 130,000 miles! Jay has a 1955 and a 1957 Buick Road Masrter as well!

[@alancohn3817]

Yep, just like a big ol dog, comin down the rode. Doh de doh doh doh... LOL.. Too funny... What a heart warming episode. A great old car driven by a TRUE car guy, owned by one of his idols.. You KNOW he's loving every minute behind the wheel of it. Somewhere, Mr. Carson is smiling, no doubt...

[@audiotechlabs4650]

Jay talks about the smell of the fabric. Mohair being the fabric of choice for that time period, did age and carry a distinct oder, but think about the smell cigarettes added to that! 1000s of cigarettes were smoked in the car and the smoke, with all of its disgusting smell went right into the fabric, not to mention the windows and all of the hard surfaces inside the car. Everyone, I mean everyone smoked! It would be impossible to find a vintage car that was smoke free! Luckily over time the oder dissipates to a level that's not too bad. I agree with the other comments that this is one of the best cars Jay has done on the show!!! It is a beautiful car, probably ahead of its time. With what Jay let us know about him and Johnny, it's no wonder he replaced Johnny and they were very close friends! To be given such a gift was the ultimate tribute to a friendship! Love from NW Colorado. Thanxz