John Paul DeJoria's 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Restomod - Jay Leno's Garage

[@crimson888]

Incredible human being, the fact that he said he is grateful everyday for his life really was something special

[@SamLopezI]

John Paul is Alexis' dad!

[@richardchambers3533]

That 57 is absolutely Stunning!🏆🏆

[@buzzwaldron6195]

Too bad most people didn't have color TV in 1957 so they could fully see the '57 Chevy convertible at 34:10 in this old commercial: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rIjHd2aClNaris0

[@GeorgeOswald-e4s]

Jay and crew. After a very complicated day I get to sit and sip a glass of wine and watch Jay Leno drive what I have always felt was one of the finest body designs every to come out of GM. What a beautiful car and how nice to spend some time with Jay. Tomorrow is my birthday, I'll be 84. I'm a gearhead and proud of it. Thank you for the drive in a candy apple '57 Chevy Bel Air. Wonderful!!

[@chuckb470]

Happy Birthday!

[@kylestewart8354]

Happy Birthday old timer!

[@brunodobia9223]

Happy birthday there fellow gear head and many more i am glad you commented on this car and told us a bit about yourself it is very nice both you and Jay and JP what a story hey I love it made my day .

[@rick.reckage128]

Out of the Chevy "trio" the 1956 is my favorite. I suppose it just comes down to taste and preferences. All three are my favorite Chevys

[@markohara6855]

Happy Birthday!

[@snopunk2]

JPD! What a guy. Saw him at the Pomona drags awhile back. He liked my shirt with a pic of my ‘64 Galaxie on it. As we were standing there, Danny Trejo shows up. Turns out they were both raised in the same neighborhood (Echo Park) and were born the same year (1948)!

[@buzzwaldron6195]

Those two, me, and Hot Rod Magazine all born 1948!

[@danielkeel9265]

What really impresses is how quiet it is untill you request something of it, the stance is perfect, and looks original. Perfecto!

[@UmmYeahOk]

That’s how it should be. I hate those new mustangs that people put the loud flowmasters on, or cuts offs, or something… …and they are so freaking loud at 20mph. Why do you have to wake up the entire neighborhood at 20 mph? You’re going like 1000-2000 RPMs, there’s no need for that. And because it’s a modern dual overhead cam, it sounds like utter crap. Like, I get that it’s fast, but the original, much slower, push rod 302 sounded so much better.

[@danielraymadden]

I'm am glad to see the love this car was given....a true work of art from the bold front to the aerodynamic tail fin....so Bossy.... king of the road....beautiful red....this car commands the love it was given...57 chrome jewelry is excellent...

[@coldwarsarge7592]

Disabled Vet loves your videos, Jay! So many countless hours watching you share your passion for cars here on KZbin! Thank you so much for producing such quality, informative videos. My fond regards to you and to your dear wife...best wishes for her health during this trying time! Hugs! -D

[@cobracommander9138]

John Paul was homeless for a time that man really knows what rock bottom is. I like how appreciative of his blessings he is and I know he worked hard to get to where he is.

[@josephbatta1730]

Good example of "What goes around, comes around." You get what you give. Two amazing car nuts. Love it.

[@johnnymossville]

John Paul is such a cool guy. He has a joy for life. You just want to hang out with the guy and talk about cars and everything.

[@M.Boatwright]

The 57 was one of the prettiest cars chevy ever made in my opinion.

[@curbozerboomer1773]

Yes...along with some of the Chrysler cars...Fins looked clutzy on some cars, but when done right, it was a very cool look! I owned a 1957 Lincoln Premiere, over 50 years ago. I loved it, but had to admit, that the large fins on the 57 Lincoln was not a great look. It turned out, that the 57 Lincolns were the lowest-selling Lincolns of the 1950s. The 1957 Cadillacs outsold it around 3 to 1.

[@buzzwaldron6195]

And too bad most people didn't have color TV in 1957 so they could fully see the '57 Chevy convertible at 34:10 in this old commercial: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rIjHd2aClNaris0

[@SteveC-p5m]

I would concur. In 1966 I bought a '57 Chevy Bel Air convertible from a widow for $350.00. The car had only 51K miles on it and was in excellent shape in and out. It was her late husband's car, and always garage kept, but it was a 3 speed on the column and she did not know how to drive a stick shift. She just wanted to get the car out of the garage to make room for her new Pontiac Tempest. The car was Tropical Turquoise with a Black canvas top and a turquoise and white interior. It had the 283 Power Pack and the famous Wonder Bar signal-seek radio. I had a lot of fun cruising on warm sunny days with the top down, my girlfriend sitting next to me and the Beach Boys, Beatles and Chuck Berry playing on that radio. I'd give anything to be able to have a beautiful ragtop like that again...what a great memory from my long-lost youth. :-)

[@buzzwaldron6195]

@@SteveC-p5m - Too bad we can't go back or 'go home' again...

[@SteveC-p5m]

@@buzzwaldron6195 You're right. If I had a Time Machine I'd get in, set the controls for 1966 and I would be out of here in a flash...a one-way trip, never to return. Most of us who remember the 50's and 60's wish we could enjoy those days, (and the cars), all over again. Life was simple, cheaper to live, and it was a slower-paced and more sane way of living. Frankly, they can take the 21st century and put it in a place where the sun never shines. :-) Long live the '57 Chevy...and thanks for your post. Have a great day!

[@Farlig69]

What a beautiful car, I want one!!! The weight is falling off you Jay, well done!!!

[@ronspeer]

OMG! When Mr. DeJoria walked on, I thought he looked familiar. I never noticed his last name until Jay mentioned his last name which more focused my attention. I met him a few years ago when he went to see his daughter race at Indy. I talked with him a few minutes. He seemed like a super nice guy.

[@haroldbirge6881]

🏆🍀👀✌️

[@djbazzmaster]

The 57 chevy got a special place in my heart. My wedding car was a white ‘57 on airride. Day of my life, hopefully one day…

[@buzzwaldron6195]

See the '57 Chevy convertible wedding car at 34:10 in this old commercial: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rIjHd2aClNaris0

[@ACoustaDC]

My heart goes out to ya Jay. Take care of Mavis...... and yourself. Love to you both.

[@colinthomasson3948]

That paint ! Flawless, not to mention the mechanical engineering perfection and the way the engine performs...a masterpiece , best practical and sorted out custom car you'll ever see , i think

[@michaelmurray7199]

Looks pretty sharp, plus it combines the best of both worlds. Classic styling and modern engineering.

[@choward5430]

My mom bought me a 1956 Bel Air 2-door hardtop in 1976 for $200.00. A few years later, I was driving and I looked down an alley and saw the fins of a '57 Bel Air. It was covered so I didn't know what model it was. I rang the doorbell. An old man answered the door. He said, "I'll show you." He pulled the cover off and it was a Red and white Convertible in absolute mint condition with 17,000 miles on it. He said, "I'll let you have it for $1,500.00. I couldn't come up with the money!

[@BillyLintzenich-wf7sk]

Although i'm a ford guy i do like those tri-five chevys. Btw i have a similiar story except i didnt try to come up with $2500 when i should have. In '80 i looked at a ugly green 67 gt500 shelby with a blown up motor or a 57 nomad for $9500 sitting in maryland back around 2010. Anyway enough about the ones that got away.

[@buzzwaldron6195]

Check out the '57 Chevy convertible at 34:10 in this old commercial: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rIjHd2aClNaris0

[@stevenslater2669]

That car is exactly what I wanted back in 1960. ‘57 Chevy Belaire, 283 Power Pak, dual exhausts, and ‘57 Dodge Lancer wheel covers. Ended up with a ‘57 Rambler. Clean car but not fast. Its seats folded down into a bed. My best buddy had a 1960 Corvette, 270 BHP, dual quads. Power top. We would swap cars when he had a hot date. I got to burn his tires off + a tank of gas. I would get back a freshly detailed vehicle with a full tank of gas. Good old days. And the ‘57 Chevy still lights my fire…

[@buzzwaldron6195]

Light your fire on the '57 Chevy convertible at 34:10 in this old commercial: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rIjHd2aClNaris0

[@jimkalfakis9893]

Paul Mitchell appears to be a totally cool dude. He’s very humble and certainly remembers where he came from. And also, that car is drop dead gorgeous!

[@normc4603]

I had the privilege of meeting JP at Bristol one year , Super humble man, he was busy with his daughter but not too busy to speak to their fans, Jessie James on the other hand didn’t even nod his head to his wife’s fans!!

[@idontlikecops1]

I've meet jesse twice and he was always kind. He was probably working on the car. When I'm in the garage working on my frap the last thing I want to do is chit chat

[@barath4545]

If you guys wanna see how awesome this guy is, watch the interview with him after his daughter (Alexis DeJoria) won US Nationals in Funny Car in NHRA in 2013! Just the best family-relative interview and very wholesome!

[@lutomson3496]

and she married Jesse James also

[@johnfrei9057]

Yeah he’s an awesome dude.

[@waynekaminski5438]

Got to wonder what JP thought of Jesse James marrying his daughter!

[@jamesburke4302]

Thanks , brought tears to my eyes . I think your car is the very coolest 57 Chev 2 dr hardtop I've ever seen! I think I can die now. My first car too. I had for almost 40 yrs & before I ever drove it I lost it in a horrendous fire along with my 111 Van Norman crankshaft grinder 1944 Model year that worked perfect (grinds cranks between centers same as the factory work & no need to rebalance "a precise " ) & machine shop I spent my whole life building up after working for a Shipwright retired from the Halifax Shipyards after WW2 . The Shipwright had tools my grandad made for him . Some days are diamonds & some days are coal ! Thanks this a diamond day ! Perfect I love it and we all know you can not improve on perfection . The earth is perfect with more than enough space for everyone to get along together . You 2 looked like a couple of kids having the time of your life . Good work fellas keep it up . We need a lot more like you 2 ! (clones lol) Gooday A Thanks So Much Jay , John for all your efforts . James T. Burke homeless retired on disability .It is not how many times you get knocked down it is how many times you need to get back up. Cheers ! I think I just got back up

[@HausFit]

Ah, dads birth year! He taught me about the fins and how each year changed the shapes. 55 56 57's. Also the hood had the rockets!! 55 and 56 had smooth hoods. What a vehicle. One of my dream cars! Thanks Jay!

[@jefffrancis8769]

Once again Jay Leno's Garage proves why Jay Leno's is the best. Thanks Jay👍

[@ralfrainfurth6034]

It was a beautiful discussion about memories, history, cars, motorcycles, I love it, well done gentlemen. 👍

[@SOLDOZER]

In 50 years nobody is going to be standing around talking about how awesome their classic 2024 Tesla is.

[@4literv6]

So says you, bet you won't be around either boomer!

[@doctoribanez]

I'm expecting post apocalyptic ruins 😂

[@andymelendez9757]

I remember seeing these around. Loved the Nomad too. Johnny has done very well for himself.

[@MichaelBradley1967]

Weren't the Nomads always 2 doors and the Bel Air wagons usually 4 doors? Or was the Nomad just the 2 door model of the Bel Air?

[@The_R-n-I_Guy]

Steve Magnante needs help! He's recovering from an infection in his brain and is doing better physically. But financially, not so good. Everyone in the automotive community who knows Steve, or knows of him, knows that he is important to our hobby. Im hoping that the people from Motor Trend or Barrett Jackson will help. But im not counting on it. If there's anything you can do to help, please do. If you're like me and can't help financially. Spread the word so maybe we can get the right people involved so Steve doesn't have to sell everything he owns to survive. Nobody should go broke because they got sick. Spread the word! Help Steve!

[@TheRealCCSmith]

Yes Steve is an auto guru and a great person. Maybe some of us could donate project cars for a charity auction.

[@conantheagrarian]

only in America can you go broke from medical expenses. Not France, not Germany… medical bankruptcy, insane.

[@HandicapRacer]

Where's Maguire's when you actually need them😂

[@richardboettger6761]

​@@HandicapRacer Is the Old Man still alive?

[@richardboettger6761]

​​@@conantheagrarian It's absolutely pathetic that we don't have a National Health Care system here. I remember being in the third grade in the mid-60s and my teacher telling us to expect that we would soon have National Health Care. Yeah, unfortunately there are too many greedy insurance companies and lobbyists in the way these days for that to ever happen. Nixon absolutely opened the door for that one.

[@ksjhong]

It is good to see John Paul, what a stand up, down to earth guy.

[@frankE91210]

he was sitting down most this video

[@justinroper4872]

Super impressive how easily he opened the hood.

[@allenkranawetter9482]

My late father for 10 years old a 1957 Chevy Bel Air 4-door. Powerglide 2 speed inline 6 cylinder. It was black with a black and silver interior

[@peterdevreter]

I'm not really into 50's cars, but this thing is just perfect. What a machine! With respect to the old design build for the modern age with perfect craftmenship. Just awesome.

[@305classics]

Beautiful!!! I just love classic cars!!! Hello from Miami’s classic car scene💪💪😊

[@mzaccagnini7179]

That is one beautiful hotrod!😊

[@ClassicChrome86]

The '57 Chevy is the epitome of 50's CLASSIC CARS! Even if you're not a car person, when you see it, you automatically know what it is. BEAUTIFUL!

[@allenkranawetter9482]

Such a beautiful 1957 Chevy. 1957 Chevys are my favorite car because. My late father had owned a 1957 Chevy black the black and silver interior. 235 straight 6 with a 2-speed powerglide. I have wonderful memories of that 🥰 😁car

[@dauntlessasmr7910]

One of the best rides you've ever featured on your channel, Jay.

[@laurabuffone4742]

Love the restomod - and loved listening to these two chat! Two mediocre students that made good, and give back with gratitude. ❤

[@tompage6421]

That is honestly one of the most beautiful cars I've ever seen. 🇬🇧

[@MatyHam86]

I love how Jay kinda steps away from the car a little before he’s about to tell a joke like he’s o. Stage or something. A true car guy and a true comedian

[@steveshoemaker6347]

WOW WHAT A BEAUTIFUL 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Restomod.....JP is an amazing man....Thanks Jay and JP.... Old Shoe🇺🇸

[@bcgrittner]

My family had a ‘57 210 Townsman Station Wagon years ago. That car is a story in itself. I had that car for a while. Then I settled for the Old Spice. I noticed that J. P.’s BelAir has all silver toned trim. It really works on his car. The BelAir was known for gold-tone trim. I’m in love. Fine car.

[@seinsmeld13]

Thank you John Paul & Jay.

[@DrDennis]

Had a blue one just like it in HS. Had 283, corvette heads, Edrlbrock with Holly 4 bbl. 4 speed Muncie trans with white ball shifter. Corvette cam and solid lifters. Loved that Chevy!

[@fleece192]

Cool

[@jeffm234]

My OCD, I always have to rotate the cigarette lighter so the smoke is going up

[@michaeldalzell6670]

The 57 is undoubtedly one of the cars with pure classic lines… By far one of all time favorite cars actually my dream car

[@buzzwaldron6195]

Dream on the '57 Chevy convertible at 34:10 in this old commercial: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rIjHd2aClNaris0

[@michaelfew7704]

That car is wet dream for most all of us!

[@alexandremesquita7631]

Stunning!

[@ronlynch7744]

The Ultimate Hot Rod! Very cool colour. Thanks Jay. 😎👍😎

[@ronlokk]

Thanks for the mention of the motorcycles "None of us had." Got to love it.

[@yambo59]

Im 64 and you can keep your soulless Tesla's Prius' and Cyberjunk there will never be car styling like this again, and what an outstanding job they did restomodding this one, just a perfect all around looker, runner etc. - absolutely superb both visually and mechanically and a couple of real class guys to boot.

[@barath4545]

I am way younger than you, but if I can one day afford a customized car a la what Icon makes (it has to be electric for me to use it in the cities in EU) I will absolutely get one. I love the looks but unless I relocate to the US (unlikely, too risky w crime/illness) I cannot get one with a proper V8, so a classic swapped to a Tesla powertrain will have to do for me. Goal is a 1956 Studebaker Golden Hawk, completely overhauled restostyle, but with the front fender lights shaved off.

[@thomasgray9824]

Why can’t we make cars like this anymore.. so sick of white , grey or black SUV’s . All identical save the badging …

[@gordocarbo]

@@thomasgray9824 THey really are. EVs worse. Same car pretty much different body panels. Boring!

[@busterdee8228]

Gorgeous '57. Thanks for showing it John Paul, and to Jay for hosting it.

[@costafilh0]

I LOVE it when they keep the original beautiful style and change everything else! PERFECTION!

[@jeffkelly636]

Great episode, the '57 will always be one of the coolest classic designs. I assembled a 57 Chevy model funnycar as s kid. It was red and had the wide rear plastic tires twisting as if the car was just launching off the line. Love the in driving video and hearing it accelerate.

[@noyfub]

Beautiful Car, and what a great guy.

[@jpc123voice]

Just watching this in my car with the volume up makes me smile. Awesome sounding machine!

[@bennyboogenheimer4553]

Now THAT's a Beauty!

[@barath4545]

The paint and gloss/niceness (sorry if wrong word) is absolutely STUNNING!

[@likethewords]

Jay thank you for sharing that historical context to explain the culture that created this to be a Hot Rod icon. I learned a ton quickly. 🙌

[@matrox]

Always been one of if not my all time favorite since new. This was my Uncles first car he bought brand new.

[@CraigSmith-qq3sr]

Nothing better than a Roadster Shop tri-five with a LSX454 and T56 trans. My uncle has the 56 I'm taking about,and probably going to get it when he passes,he has no kids,but not to soon uncle Bob, love ya😊 Beautiful car John Paul,thanks for sharing it with us😊

[@donnawoepke8861]

What a beautiful car. This model was so popular when I was in high school but we had the back end raised up with big tires.

[@danielraymadden]

The BOSS......the 57 Belair is the most Boss looking car on the road....Total mans car....I grew up in a cherry bomb 57....I watched my dad working on it in the garage took it back to frame like professor Potts....my brother and I sanding on it till 1am at night we got to stay up past bedtime....

[@pah9134]

There was no better overall fun car than the 57 chevy - especially the Bel Air. So awesome to work on, modify, plenty of room, do whatever you want to it. Just so fun.

[@davidhinkson8856]

Everything is just perfect about this restomod - the color, the stance, the sound - beautiful! Had to click on this the moment I saw it.

[@buzzwaldron6195]

They were like that when new, '57 Chevy convertible at 34:10 in this old commercial: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rIjHd2aClNaris0

[@dhultman1]

Beautifully done, spectacular

[@heavenlyblue]

Thank you Jay !!!!!!

[@eddiea3782]

This car is absolutely gorgeous.

[@buzzwaldron6195]

Gorgeous '57 Chevy convertible at 34:10 in this old commercial: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rIjHd2aClNaris0

[@sside8]

Awesome awesome awesome Chevy!! Thanks for showing us Jay!

[@Hat6000]

Always one of my favorites. Would love to have one like that today! Automotive perfection, that paint job is amazing! much less all the great upgrades while keeping the classic look, fabulous!

[@LINDACATTREN]

I remember our neighbor across the street, getting a 57 Chevy. It was pale lavender, in color. I thought it was so pretty. My Dad had just bought a 57 Oldsmobile. I was 10 years old.

[@Guitcad1]

Good Lord! Everything about that car is just... SWEET!

[@johnclapperton5556]

I have to say I love that colour.

[@budgetaudiophilelife-long5461]

🤗I JUST HAVE TO SAY THAT JP’s FRIENDS DID AN AWESOME 🤩 JOB IN AND OUTSIDE…MY FAVORITE COLOR OF ALL TIME,DONE PERFECTLY AND ALSO MY FAVORITE CAR GROWING UP, STILL A TIMELESS BEAUTY 🥶💚💚💚

[@tmr626]

Awesome car with a killer interior!

[@ronwatson4902]

My brother had a 57 BelAir. We had a blast in that car. That car you're driving honks!

[@justincurran9916]

That is the best car I've seen on the show. Absolutely beautiful

[@brentanllewellyn3898]

Beautiful car. Beautiful people. Thank you both for sharing.

[@ronlokk]

Got to admire J.P. for all he has done and all he has helped., and he knows his cars. That 57 is kinda WOW!

[@shareurtube]

JP's car has to be the best looking most well built Restomod I have ever seen. My hat is off to you sir. I want to see a review to the guys who built this car.

[@trudy285]

Beautiful car! 🥰 Back in my teen yrs, neighbor boy had a black '57 Chevy, with Candy Apple Red dash. It was gorgeous til he flipped it. Rolled a few times. Sent his GF into the hospital for a year! She ended up marrying her orthopedic surgeon! True story! Thanks Jay! 😉✌️❤️🦋🙏

[@n0w3lly90]

That's the 50's icon car we know best outside of the States, and what a beautiful job that is. Completely retained the original look of the car. Wow

[@judgetk8327]

That's about as nice as it gets. Beautiful colors and the Morrison frame and topped off with that interior. Well done. Nothing like a hardtop from the triple 5 group. Just top knock.

[@justayoutuber1906]

Gorgeous paint job!

[@johndavey72]

Love you both for not what you are but , who you are ❤❤ And l've never seen you John Paul before today, but l think l have a natural instinct for good people .....with the help of Jay of course !!! Thankyou Jay

[@StringsandWings]

I knew he would try the horn! lol. And you know Jay is impressed because he never once mentioned his F1. Great car, great guy.

[@davemeshamsr6000]

Wow love the stance with the fat tires in the back looks great

[@jamesmisener3006]

Two great guys in an awesome 57 Chev. You boys deserve it, unlike some. Cheers 🇨🇦

[@leonwhildenjr4483]

Hi Jay, That’s the sweetest 57 I’ve seen and I’ve seen a lot now!😂 It’s just Fabulous, Thank you Jay and John! 😎🙌🙏⭐️☮️🖤🌅🕊🦋🕊✌️🎉🇺🇸

[@TurkGallant]

I always thought that guy's name was Paul Mitchell

[@allenkranawetter9482]

As I said yesterday such a beautiful car 😍😍😍

[@HRM.H]

Beautiful paintjob

[@williamwilke1944]

So many of these episodes take me back in time. The '57 Chevy in my family was teal and white, THE color of that era. This Garage fan was just 10 years old back then. Then there are so many memories of my youth in that garage. Thanks Jay.

[@opera93]

Thanks,,, same here… Interestingly, though, my Parents went from 53 Buick BLACK/ Bright yellow DYNAFLOW 2 DR to, “ a 59:DODGE CORONET ,CREAM/ Tan Color, push Button /V8?, 9 Pass / Rear Face Station Wagon “that I had to drive in 1961-2(* & Take Drivers LICENSE TEST; me being only Guy in School with massive Station Wagon(*!!) : actually was a driver ,good & fast! Anyways, Dad found FOR ME, ::a 1954 Ford 2DR V8\HT, with 1957 Engine **, 289 V8/4 BBBL, Dual Exhausts , **CUSTOMIZED , though I wore it out in couple years!!! My Brother in Law had a 57 Chevy Convertible BLACK Bel Air auto/283……59/60s…, some Jealousy..

[@williamwilke1944]

@@opera93 My Dad had a '53 Buick Roadmaster in metallic blue. It was a two-door hardtop convertible with a white top. I spent many hours just sitting in that beauty in the garage. One day my father came home with another car. It was a Cadillac Coupe de Ville. Bright green with a white top. It just was not the same. It was a monster and just fit by an inch in the garage. Jay noted this in an episode of his Garage. I smiled to myself and thought, "Yes".

[@happycat3399]

My dad had a 56 bel Aire turquoise blue and white. He bought it at 18-19 years old. He used to take corners really fast to slide my sister and I around the humungous back seat! The steering wheel was huge!! No seat belts giant trunk! Huge bench front seat. We all loved that car! But not as much as dad, she was his pride and joy 💕

[@uzivatel56]

As Jay says - it's kinetic art.

[@noahkatz9616]

What a beauty! But I'd sure like to see the custom frame and IRS.

[@rixkafer56]

Very nice 57 ! Love the tri fives... makes me want to take my car out and rip some gears !! Love it when jays says ^oh this cats fast lol " thanks for sharing

[@rodneycook7028]

This car has always been my dream , as a,77 year old I still love a 57. Sure would love one.

[@claycampbell7901]

What a sweet ride & a sweet man !

[@BenCarling-z9l]

I could watch that car all day