Paul Rusnak’s Legendary 1946 Packard Clipper: Journey of Escape and Restoration | Jay Leno’s Garage

[@Rufus_Pufus]

As gorgeous as the car is, listening to Mr. Rusnak’s stories is more interesting.

[@kevinm3751]

I think the human story is what makes the car story. They go together like peanut butter and jelly!

[@ccrider8483]

Paul Rusnak is the definition of a true gentleman. About as rare as a flat head engine.

[@nichtwichtig9242]

Absolutely! Every Slovak middle class man owned a Top of the line Packard back then! Until the communists came and stole the butter from the bread. Crocodile tears falling to the floor with big big splashes...

[@daweigo6851]

​@@ccrider8483is is, great to listen too.....alos love how jay in interested in the car and the human

[@BurblyWurbly]

Mr. Rusnak slowly reveals himself to be a soft spoken, highly competent man of substance.

[@BeckVMH]

Wow, 90 years young! He looks no where near 90. Good for him and us, wonderful story!

[@FYMASMD]

My mother is the same and she is 91. Gets around more than I do. 😎

[@Artication]

I still think the steam cars were ahead of there time. I mean well, we live in a water world. So there has to be a means of safe and combustible components. Water ..

[@raychambers3646]

I hope I look that good at that age !

[@claytonbouldin9381]

He does not look 90 in anyway shape or form. I hope to be so lucky if I make it to 90!

[@paulpetock2836]

Jay is correct Paul does look younger then him , and Jay looks good for his age .

[@bobschenkel7921]

Can't go wrong with a 1946 Packard, just a rolling piece of automotive sculpture. And Mr. Rusnak had a fascinating story to tell. Thanks Jay.

[@loufaiella3354]

That car looks like a GM of the era. Buick, Olds, pontiac coupe

[@stankygeorge]

Most 90 year olds do! I was rushing from one flight to my next flight and there set a WWI vet in uniform, I nearly fainted seeing him. I stopped said hello, shock his hand, then had to run to catch my next flight, sadly never getting to talk to him.

[@Ejko8810]

Greetings from Slovakia. It is amazing to see someone from our country achieve such success. 👏 Very inspirational. 💪

[@bitkarek]

nazdarek z druhy strany ceskoslovenska :)

[@Ejko8810]

@@bitkarek seruus :)

[@GregB419]

Greetings to all our European friends. ❤👏💯👍

[@williamsherer2580]

What a GREAT segment! Depth, history, the added value of Jay's pod casts. Nobody else has the access he has. A true treasure.

[@alanblanes2876]

Ditto that...

[@josephgaviota]

I agree, I really enjoyed the whole back story.

[@stankygeorge]

Both of them!

[@ford8630power]

He makes it about the car and the person behind it, this one mostly about the person and i appreciated that

[@Hey_Its_That_Guy]

Lovely car, but Mr. Rusnak's story was the real star of this episode. Thank you both for sharing!

[@richardvervoorn6626]

Men like Paul are those that we should listen to. He has lived the history we learned about in school. Well done, Jay !

[@savage22bolt32]

The history that sadly, is not being taught today.

[@wildbill7081]

@@savage22bolt32 Yep very true

[@stefanvanrensburg6096]

Precisely ❤

[@rslover65]

​@@savage22bolt32 that's not true. What evidence do you have to back that statement up?

[@savage22bolt32]

@@rslover65 my children, and my nieces & nephews. Sadly, as a student I despised my history classes. Now as a retiree, I've found a live of history. It breaks my heart that, like a political poll, history is being twisted to effect certain outcomes that certain groups want. Now you're gunna ask me to splain how poll results are slanted to match the wishes of the group that pays for the poll? Pound sand bro...

[@BenCarling-z9l]

I could listen to this man talk all day

[@josephgaviota]

💯 agree!

[@UHNWI777]

I’ll bet Paul has some incredible stories to tell of escaping Europe and his years in the automobile industry. That’d be one long coffee talk! Beautiful Packard Paul, well done!

[@Funkybassplayer]

Well, let’s invite him back and do an interview like jay did before on his show. Only as both parties agreed of course. Beautiful car jay. ❤️

[@robertarnold1449]

I am now 93 and still going strong, One of my favorite memories was going into the Packard agency in Trenton, N.J.with my dad. There was a black Packard Sedan in the showroom, Wow! Dad said that car was made for your mother and I am going to surprise her with it, He wrote out a check for $3980.00 dollars. It was delivered the next day to mom, What a surprise. I was blessed to have such wonderful parents.

[@steveprudell9976]

Packard great

[@mikedrown2721]

I'm a 1946 model too and this beautiful Packard is in better shape than I am 😂

[@Sha-Ayo]

Are you really?

[@haroldbirge6881]

🍀Had a 47 Buick fluid drive push-button transmission maroon red cream interior they are cool cars back then 👀✌️

[@anastassiosperakis2869]

the Packard was restored.

[@moparedtn]

Wouldn't it be wonderful if there were restoration services available for us like they are with cars? I'd be right behind you in line for one if they existed. 🙂

[@3ducs]

@@Sha-Ayo Mikedrown said that the car was in better shape than he.

[@joegibbs2508]

Thank you Jay, that was a very nice introduction to your friend Paul. He's lived an exceptional life.

[@tranquilitybase7860]

There is another episode with Paul if you are interested.

[@briankearn6991]

Paul Rusnak is also in Jay’s Rolls - Royce Spectre video. He’s the dealer Jay bought it from.

[@joegibbs2508]

@@briankearn6991 Yes, I saw that video when it came out. That car is a benchmark at the peak of what is available today. Mr. Ruznak is pretty quiet and trying to be respectful in that video. Jay was able to get him to open up more on this video. Jay did well. It seems as though Jay likes him, and was really trying to get him to relax and tell his story.

[@roberthein2156]

@@joegibbs2508, as Jay drives 90- M.P.H., down the road. Saying,” try and relax 🧘 tell us more, to a guy that only drives 30- M.P.H. !

[@FishFind3000]

7:35 makes sense why they call it an engine block. It’s a giant brick.

[@bobc5730]

Mr. Rusnak is quite the understated gentleman. I bet his word is his bond.

[@fastmail55]

Love listening to people like Mr. Rusnak. The epitome of the American dream. A fast disappearing generation...

[@geraldarcuri9307]

The history of the Rusnak family and this car alone make this video phenomenally interesting. Thank you for this, Jay!

[@anajay78]

That’s the youngest 91 I have ever seen.

[@YTisDumb]

I'm not really an old car guy, but I saw one of these at a car show in 2017 and immediately fell in love with it. It's exactly what we need these days. An exquisitely built, mechanically stout, and stylish beyond words machine that could last 3 lifetimes with proper maintenance. It's weird being nostalgic about an era I didn't live through.

[@arevee9429]

91?! He looks fantastic. And so does his car.

[@andysandy97]

What a splendid gentleman, Mr Rusnak is. He is lucky to have such a beautiful car as well.

[@josephgaviota]

He has a Great Story, in my view. Young people need to hear it.

[@karaDee2363]

Such a beautiful car. They really knew how to make great cars back then. I used to ride in them when I was a child and remember they always gave such a smooth ride and the seats were so comfortable, like sitting in a living room couch.

[@macjavflix]

These cars are more beautiful than today's cars

[@DallasG83]

They don't even try today. I can't tell them apart unless I see the badge.

[@georgewkush6090]

Its more due to environmental constraints over the years they have found a shape for all the styles of vehicles that are the most aerodynamic and everyone sticks with them so they can have the other thing's they want in my experience as a valet i fell like manufacturers set themselves apart with the interiors nowadays im sure if they could they would make switch back

[@Fevebblefester]

@@DallasG83 Sometimes not even then if like me you don’t know all the manufacturers symbols.

[@Dan-tf1zq]

That's why they all have a dinner plate size logo on the grill so you can tell one ugly blob from another.

[@raychambers3646]

I call them rentashapes , be cause of constraints put on them .

[@steini6771]

Two gentlemen. What a great story. Thank you both.

[@fredlabosch5164]

What a gorgeous car! There's something about 1940's cars that exudes pure class and elegance.

[@OmarDenarzi]

This is the kind of content that people actually want to see by watching Jay Leno's Garage

[@chuckaustin3832]

This is one of my favorite episodes in years. The history in it is golden.

[@marinopacentrilli9533]

Thanks to Jay for showing and Mr. Rusnac for the restoration. On the drive that car is as quiet as anything made 40 years later. I grew up with Cheks,Slovaks and Serbs. All were great people.

[@toddbonin6926]

This car is unreal beautiful!!! It may be the most beautiful car I’ve ever seen.

[@marcusbrutus1999]

Another classic Jay Leno’s garage. Love the way Jay got Paul to talk about having to leave his Country. Good work Jay. I like the way Paul called himself an American too. Most Americans I know are obsessed with their heritage and I’m constantly reminding them they are in fact American, not Italian, German or British and should be proud to be a Yank! The Packard featured is a magnificent car. I’m a Brit and some years ago, I bought a poster at an antique mall. It featured Packard ambulances that were sent to London to help out in the 8 months and 5 days WWII German blitz bombing of London. These ambulances were so reliable and did a fantastic job that’s for sure. So, thanks to Packard and thanks to the good old Yanks for helping us out when we needed it.

[@1991pony]

You're welcome, you were worth it.

[@MarkB.-mo3lz]

Always amazes me that Jay knows how to start and drive almost every car ever made. Sometimes starting an older vehicle just isnt about merely turning a key. Great car and fascinating story too.

[@j81851]

This man. Jay Leno, is a sweetheart. My my all the things in his life have demonstrated his humanity and kindness of late show he is the guy to go for a ride with and hang out talking cars. Bless you Jay you are a national treasure.

[@cadillacdebois]

As a Cadillac guy I have to say Ive always wanted to be a Packard guy. Love those cars!

[@lawrencefisher5256]

Fascinating personal story and a stunning example of a Packard. She’s gorgeous!

[@lindaoffenbach]

Wow, America's finest car era up to the mid 1950s. Stunning cars radiating actual artistic design efforts as they did at the time. Absolutely majestically phenomenal 💓

[@BearWa11ace]

You never know what your going to learn here on JLG. Enjoyed hearing Mr. Rusnak's stories.

[@LucasChoate]

I love that car. What I love about cars is how many memories and stories are surrounding them and how much history they can contain.

[@jamesengland7461]

What an honor to sit with these two gentlemen and learn at their feet as they cruise in rolling art.

[@77gmcnut]

A boy comes to The United States of America and makes his dreams come true. Outstanding! Great video.

[@somersetdc]

Jay's guest looks terrific for 91. I wouldn't have believe that he was that age.

[@wademiyataki9221]

That’s why I love this channel. Beautiful cars and even cooler stories!

[@RedSoxDad01]

I grew up riding in the back seat of my father's 1949 Packard 2 door Custom, a very similar car to this one. Even as a young child I was amazed at how beautiful the interior was. What I wouldn't give to have that back again.

[@timothyburnside3229]

What a wonderful story told by a true definition of a American! He got here as fast as he could, worked hard and never forgot his past or the lessons learned! The car is beautiful and a marvel of engineering for the time and still works well today! This is why Jay is the best, class and style along with emotional reviews of our history!

[@craigschenk729]

The Golden age of Car Dealers was a very interesting time. The stories Mr. Rusnak has are fascinating. Much respect for Mr Rusnak💪😎sir you are a class act!

[@jonathanabbott8579]

I love the post-war Packards. Unique and beautiful. The tall grill with a sleek design is so beautiful.

[@thomaslawry5238]

Beautiful, Mr Leno.! Poetry for the eyes and senses.

[@jeffreyoldham55]

What incredible presence. The Clipper simply _glides_ down the road. My dad owned Packard's, but he never had one that whistled!

[@robcreel4257]

Love the Packard Clipper. This is a beautiful car. Great stories too.

[@kevinkoepke8311]

What a history Paul has. He is the automotive dealer of southern California. Thanks

[@mmahtnart8986]

I've always liked Packards and their history. I also enjoyed hearing Paul's story.

[@NigelDeForrest-Pearce-cv6ek]

Spectacular CarOwned and Restored by a Great Man With a Great Story!!!

[@paladinkhan]

Thats a gorgeous car, I like the two tone as well.

[@hallowedmeadow4636]

Jay is the American classic in this episode. May you live forever.

[@terribelbliss9646]

You can see how smooth that car must ride by the way it floats over the undulations. It is quite the car and story. Looking good Jay. 👍😉

[@soaringvulture]

It looks too floaty. They might not have been able to find replacement shock absorbers for it.

[@fordsrestorations970]

Good to see you Jay. In a troubled world it is good to have normal decent good things and great conversation.

[@davidoldbikes799]

Gorgeous car owned by Mr Rusnak, a person with a remarkable background. Just such a stunning automobile. Jay you're loosing weight!

It's a beautiful car with a stately presence. That shade of blue goes very well with silver. And the interior is sheer class.

[@sjwilloughby-greene8214]

I love beautiful classic, vintage cars. I especially love them when they come equipped with historical value. . The headline caught my attention. I can't wait to hear the rest of the story. 🤔

[@DaniB19819]

This was incredible to watch. The cars from that time are so solidily built. The beautiful chrome and the light interior . And of course the three on the tree..

[@lodgecav490]

A hint of Earnest Borgnine in that fella Paul, lovely story, thank you.

[@kielbasaglen6843]

The first thing that I thought of also...

[@briankearn6991]

Probably sold Earnest a car!

[@rjf2926]

Thanks! I was trying so hard to remember the name!

[@halhenryg]

Great Packard, even better story! Thank you, Mr. Rusnak and Jay!

[@MuniTechnology]

I watched this video earlier and I cant stop thinking about the car stories Mr Rusnak must have. You two are content gold together. Please come up with a continuation series with him to discuss anything he wants to tell us. War, cars, assimilation. His life and success are important to Americans and especially important to car guys.

[@n0w3lly90]

He looks amazing for 91... fantastic. And nice claasic car too 😊

[@moparedtn]

Another wonderful car with an engaging owner - meaning another great *STORY* that Jay has gifted us here. Jay's channel does this better than any other out there - these old cars all come with stories of their histories and owners, which is the most engaging part about being in the hobby. Thanks as always Jay - and thank you Mr. Rusnak! - Ed on the Ridge

[@johnboydTx]

Living History Restoring History Fantastic Packard 😍👏👏👏 Thank You Sir .. Take Care and Stay Safe 🙏✌️🕊️

[@stephencurry8552]

Fascinating to hear Mr. Rusnak speak of how he came to be in the US. I learned quite a bit. That he is 91 is simply amazing.

[@rogerdalton1549]

I drove past Rusnak in Pasadena weekly when I lived in LA. Never knew the owner was such a cool dude. Great episode!

[@donparker1823]

My barber when I was a kid had escaped from one of the Balkan states as a kid. The Communists were shooting at him and his family as they were running across a wheat field. He remembered the bullets snapping over his head and being terrified. It was night and they all made it out. Cool Packard.

[@Brian-os9qj]

Beautiful vehicle to behold, thx Jay and guest.

[@ulrichskaarsgard7848]

Ahoj Pavle, děkujeme za sdílení tvého krásného auta a nádherného příběhu!

[@DAFTPUNK.s]

Oh man, what a car.Absolute beauty !

[@Williestyle-RobotechxMacross-x]

My maternal grandfather swore by Packard. Mom was so happy to tell me how he worked his way up in the accounting dept of the Norfolk and Southern railroad, saving as he went to get his definition of the "premium" American car. Lucky and dedicated, he eventually became head accountant just before the outbreak of WWII, buying the nicest Packard he could afford - and having it sit for months at time during the war due to gasoline rationing. Even luckier that he worked for the railroad, so my mom and her sister could still have some occasional family vacations and trips to visit family outside of the HQ city of Roanoke VA. My loving and lovely mother would never have it as nice after graduation in 1948, her father passed away a few years later - not having reached "retirement" because he had taken a year off his age when hired, because he had heard from friends that Norfolk and Southern wouldn't hire starting workers of 30 years old or older! 25 years with the company, no retirement benefits... But a loving wife, two daughters, a good house, and two fancy Packards.

[@22sojourner]

Thank you. I love these stories; there were tough times, but they were tougher people.

[@jaisabai4155]

Three gems; Paul, his Packard and Jay.

[@charliewood3956]

Paul seems like such a great guy! Great car too!

[@rickwhite3181]

What a wonderful man Paul is

[@BenCarling-z9l]

I was today years old when i found out that they painted the woodgrain on the metal - talk about attention to detail ! Wow !

[@danielhomant2832]

Yep. Packard was very well known for their painted metals. My 31 features the same as well.

[@williamwilke1944]

Jay, I love this segment of Garage. It reminds me of my summers in the 1950s when I would visit my grandparents in Long Beach, Ca. We set up a lemonade/Cool Aid stand at the front curb of my grandparents. Down the block was a women's dress shop favored by the Country Club Drive ladies. They would come and go all day long in their high-end cars. This '46 Packard was one of them. It was silver and grey. My favorite was a '57 Rolls in brown and gold. And then there was Ivan Wheaton who lived across the street. Every year he would buy a new Chrysler 300 coupe. Always in white those cars were awesome. Ivan was a WWI flying ace. He was always dusting his car right there in front of us. It never got dirty. There was a neighbor who lived on the street just next door who was an Oldsmobile dealer in Long Beach. Ivan never bought an Olds from Mr. Browning though. The owner of the dress shop wouldn't consider anything less than a Cadillac Fleetwood. My grandfather favored Buicks. His last car was an Olds. It was a '62 98. Point here is most of those late 1920s thru early 1960s beauties you display on your show take me back to those wonderful memories of my childhood. Keep 'em coming.

[@SMH24.7]

Hello Mr. Wilke. Thank you for sharing your remembrance. I'm not a Long Beach native but I've lived here for over 47 years now. I grew up in San Pedro. I remember visiting the neighborhood you mention because my mom would take me and my sister to the "Shady Acres" Miniature Golf Course near Virginia Country Club on weekends. Back then it was called "American Ave." but now of course, it's Long Beach Blvd. Perhaps you recall the place. To a kid it was magical. Sadly it's long gone...an apartment building now. After our visits to miniature golf there, we would tour the local neighborhood in awe of the beautiful Country Club estate homes. Certainly an area where many beautiful luxury cars of the era were garaged. My dad favored Buicks too. We trundled into Long Beach many times in our '56 Buick Special. I remember Ridings Cadillac and Browning Oldsmobile down the road toward downtown Long Beach. Do you remember all the little 3-wheel electric carts in downtown LB? What a wonderful time. Jay Leno's Garage is like a time machine for us...!

[@williamwilke1944]

@@SMH24.7 Shady Acres was so close. Just up to the north past Virginia Country Club where it touched the BLVD. Property taxes probably ended the nice little miniature golf course in a hollow. My last visit there was in the late '50s. We moved to Garden Grove but would visit my grandparents on Claiborne Place. Don't recall the the 3-wheel electrics.

[@richardvervoorn6626]

My father worked for Packard in Toronto, briefly and he often raved about these cars. I was a young man interested in the likes of your ‘70 Challenger at the time and never gave Packards a second thought, however watching this video brings back some fond memories ! Keep on keepin on Jay !

[@pingmanok]

Jay and Paul are both national treasures. Thank you Jay for sharing your amazing collection with us each week. Look forward to the notification that there is a video coming and I will learn something new in my automotive journey.

[@JoeyLanclos]

We had a Ford Edsel come through our garage when I was a kid. I've played with the BIG Sun diagnosis machine. Went to electronic ignition class with my dad, uncle and a bunch of mechanics in Houston. At the age of 10. My dad had the instructor issue me a test paper as well. I passed with flying colors. That was supposed to be as a joke. I didn't joke. So unofficially, officially, I too was kinda certified to work on electronic ignition by age 10! I have and always will take that very seriously.

[@adamfrbs9259]

Never missed one of these in 10 years. I got a dog and it lived with me beginning to end 8yrs 6 months and 21 days, passed away on Wednesday. I've never been sadder in my whole life.

[@jeffreyrubish347]

That's always hard but time will heal.

[@Eric-Indiana]

Sorry about your friend, it's always tough but you've got this!

[@MrSparklespring]

I'm sorry for your loss. A dog is a man's best friend. Give yourself to grieve and I wish you strength!

[@mooslionheart]

The heartbreaking cost of owning a dog is your pup living so short a time - ‘If dogs don’t go to heaven, i want to go where they go instead when I die’🦊

[@adamfrbs9259]

@@mooslionheart touché me n pup n a girl from junior summer is all I want to hang with up there. Both are already there

[@mikeseawel6180]

The best looking Packard I've every seen.

[@Rom3_29]

That’s one of most beautiful cars from 1940s. Thank you Jay. Wonderful episode. I was 14, away from home for few weeks. My mom came to get me and told me. We’re moving to Canada in one month. My parents year earlier finished building a new house in Finland. Let’s just say - I hated moving to Canada and I don’t live there anymore.

[@robertchristie9434]

About 20 years ago on Hall Rd (M59 in suburban Detroit) I saw an older man driving a "41 Buick fastback coupe with the same color combination & it also was spotless. The car looked like it just rolled off the line & the smile on the driver's face was priceless. That generation of cars had quite a regal look.

[@kadimsilahtar]

What a wonderful automobile, what a fascinating story and what an impressive duo to spend some time in such a car. Thank you gentlemen ❤

[@dRockOhio]

Came for the Packard. Jay, if you see these, I’m 36 and have a 1949 Super Eight!! But….i stayed for Mr Rusnak’s story. I work in the business, and it and his immigration story were fascinating and important. Thank you!!

[@Zephas99]

I would expect nothing less if I lived in that area than to see Leno booking down the road in a 46 Pakard! Love it! 🙂

[@Dallen9]

it's a real art form. I worked with a guy before he retired from painting who could paint wood grain. couldn't learn it from him cause the time spent with him was too short and it was a bit too heavy a technique for my hands to do it. he could paint stone, marble, wood, and granite. He's enjoying retirement now and now is painting as a light hobby.

[@TheArkDoc]

I have always thought this era of clippers were the most beautiful car of the decade. This car is stunning.

[@kermitefrog64]

That is a beautiful car. The cars that are built today just lack any spark of enthusiasm of hit of good looks. Thank you Jay for your video's.

[@deanbrunner261]

The story behind the cars are what keeps things interesting.. I wish Jay would adopt me. I'm only 66 and I promise to help in the shop every day😇😇😇

[@jamesengland7461]

No, no. no! Pick me! I'm only 52 😂

[@flat6fever680]

Oh my gosh this was one of the best episodes yet guys. Wow what a story this gentleman shared with some prodding from his friend Jay. Of course the Packard is amazing but gosh just listening to these two guys was a privilege.

[@steveniksid5874]

Great episode. Paul sure is sharp for being 91.

[@budhorstmeyer9336]

Wonderful timing! The Savoy Automotive Museum (voted #1 automotive attraction in the USA Today poll for 2024) is opening the Packard display tomorrow 8/6/24! Please consider stopping by if you are in the Atlanta metro area!! Thanks Jay!!

[@lrich8181]

Cartersville is a beautiful part of Ga. Lived there 25 years.

[@leddygee1896]

My dad bought a brand new 1942 Chevrolet Fleetside Aero Coupe right before the war started. That Packard looks very similar to his car, design wise. Beautiful car, But a far more inspiring story from Mr. Rusnak! Thanks Jay...

[@richarddietzen3137]

My dad called this style of car “torpedo back” because the line from roof to back bumper resembles the backside of a torpedo.

[@jamesf4405]

That's such a beautiful, classy car. My grandfather loved Packards and owned one until he passed away. Paul's life story is amazing. He seems like a very nice man.

[@1991pony]

I hope that if I get to that age, my mind is as sharp as Mr. Rusnak's. Beautiful car. Thank you, Jay.

[@vdubboy85225]

So glad you got to capture those memories for us all to enjoy, and learn from. Before y'all are gone. Especially the quite moments. Lost art.

[@AMAmedia8]

Thank you Jay…..for everything 🏎️💨🫡

[@arturasstatkus8613]

Thank You So Much, Dear Sir Jay Leno.

[@NigelDeForrest-Pearce-cv6ek]

Brilliant and Beautiful Episode!!!

[@todds2248]

Beautiful car. An amazing man with an amazing story. Came to the US not even knowing the language. Worked hard and became successful and proud to be an American!

[@stevengreco1939]

Jay Leno has a great KZbin channel!