Richard Carpenter's 1970 Plymouth Barracuda - Jay Leno's Garage

[@DanDDirges]

Not only is Richard Carpenter one of the greatest musicians, producers and arrangers of all time but he just so happens to have one of the greatest cars of all time! BTW his sister Karen was perhaps thee greatest singer of all time! Thanks Jay for this excellent production!

[@TOCC50]

He sounds like Ronald Reagan

[@cocainejames1498]

He’s my neighbor actually

[@bongodave13]

@@TOCC50 You're going to get old, too, if you're lucky. STFU.

[@randyjohnson6845]

You got to get a/c

[@colinhamilton6493]

It's absolutely amazing that Richard has this original Cuda, and it is in such fabulous condition! Very cool!

[@lettersfromhelen]

I love the way Jay interviews these guys; he would make a great talk show host.

[@CrowdControl123]

I see what ya did there... ;)

[@Sevan_UP]

lettersfromhelen I'm over here like, he was a talk show host you nut 😂

[@toms641]

It was a very fine car video, under somewhat awkward circumstances.

[@franknewling1139]

lettersfromhelen LOL LOL LOL

[@jimsonbrown9768]

Love the way jay asks a question then cuts them off by saying can we open the hood. He does that a lot.

[@MetalJesusRocks]

Richard is a pretty cool cat. Really dug his car and attitude

[@hush6149]

*dig

[@justina9914]

@@hush6149 both are correct. For example, I can say I really enjoy/enjoyed this episode of Jay leno's garage

[@McLo0ving]

Wooo.!!!! Metal Jesus

[@ultramag9413]

I dig you metaljesus

[@MartinSage]

42K miles? Reminds me of Ducati owners who drive 500mi/ yr! Surprised the gas didn't go foul sitting so long 😄

[@erics9754]

Richard Carpenter is a nice guy and a class act.

[@sideskraft]

And an incredibly talented and passionate writer and musician.

[@calvinhandley2373]

A longtime MoPar guy too. About 30 years ago I went to Disneyland and several of his late 50's tail-finned MoPars were on display in the parking lot near the entrance.

[@Rascal356000]

@@calvinhandley2373 that's a cool story to tell.

[@ontogeny6474]

--and an absolute perfectionist. His personality is reflected in the power, style, beauty and immaculate maintenance of his car. And man, his sister was an angelic wonder to behold.

[@JW...-oj5iw]

@dans h ... Did you REALLY mean to write that?

[@tannerphoenix9694]

I had no idea he was a car guy. When he used his shirt to close the hood. TRUE car guy. I miss his sisters voice.

[@MagicAyrtonforever]

It's on youtube also, I listen to her voice all the time.

[@bongodave13]

She had such a clear, lovely voice. RIP.

[@gp.5989]

My dad did the same thing when he was still around.

[@TheBlackbird600]

wow! Are you an eagle eyed chap!! i went back to the video to check it out!

[@DJ-365]

Karen was / is AWESOME

[@gearheadred]

This is one of the best looking cars ever made.

[@ANDREWSAMY562]

agreed

[@grrwuff4099]

...especially with the head lamps like a Boston terrier... :o) This and the Dodge Challenger, though the Charger has grown on me...

[@Clay3613]

Hemi was better.

[@jonjones6749]

.

[@gearheadred]

***** The 440 with 4 barrel was no match for the Hemi. But In pounds per hp, the 440 six pack is better. A stock Hemi is over 800 pounds. The Hemi only had about 20 more hp than the 440 six pack, and had the same torque.

[@SacredSalad]

Please, please, please have him come back and do a show with the Satellite Convertible.

[@jackallen6261]

Yes, that would be SO cool!!

[@GregBird]

Yes please.

[@Tbreakz]

Yes please would love to see that car too

[@iflytango]

Is that the car that's on the cover "as time goes by"

[@Wesley196148]

The way he used his shirt to prevent finger prints...true car guy.

[@thandermax]

exactly

[@Jelsick]

I like his shirt too. must be a Williams guy.

[@24chavta]

I was about to comment that haha .

[@tommychev350]

Could also be a reference to the Martini-Porsche days...he likes Porsches too

[@jackallen6261]

Yes, I thought the same thing!! I have always been a Carpenters fan and this just cements that feeling Richard is a TRUE car guy. I really had no idea he was, this is so cool!!

[@7camscdan249]

This man is not only talented pianist and producer, but a great man that knows his cars.. Swell guy. Cheers to you sir.

[@toms641]

Richard wrote most of the arrangements. Very talented.

[@gladtobeopenminded]

@@toms641 Great, great arranger - with heart!

[@aap34798]

the carpenters are one of the greatest musical acts in the history of music.

[@tiborvisi7438]

In the history of POPULAR music

[@classic-kool]

Richard is fantastic! .. Glad he is well...His sister was ""the voice"" of their era.

[@the1realanalogman]

Indeed. And a voice for all time!

[@fathertime1331]

Her voice and Olivia's romanced the 70s.

[@klauskarnath8233]

classic kool the sister was and is the voice untill today not only at her time!

[@JohnnyWrong]

Also a fucking awesome drummer.

[@marvinmurakami8828]

Her voice is unsurpassed to this day.

[@joshbriggsDayZBeast]

Richard capenter seems like an awesome guy, Jay you should invite him back with another car! great episode, one of my favorite

[@5inthehole]

Josh Briggs -Ya, with that 1971 Roadrunner with the Hemi engine he said he owned.

[@toddadams5010]

I'd like to see that drop top satellite

[@Czechbound]

I agree. Definitely one of my favourites

[@bongodave13]

Can you imagine? You're a young Richard Carpenter. You just got a record deal. You can get any car you want, and you special order this bad boy! And it still looks showroom almost 50 years later. So cool.

[@obfuscator]

I love this episode - everything from the guest to the car. But Richard really won me over at 10:21 when closing that hood.

[@luchacefox259]

Yeah I noticed that also, as a young guy it's so rare to see people use that kind of care and respect with such a work of art. Real car guys never slam anything. A big thumbs up all the way around!

[@SeeWorldKevin]

I have a client who looks for prints in places like that after we work on it.

[@Bread996]

Pushing the hood down is a bad idea. I hate seeing that. Focused pressure from your hand can dent the sheet metal. Always better to use the hoods own momentum to engage the latch. It will spring evenly against the hood seal.

[@obfuscator]

@Bread996 Not on this car. Also pressure points are around the hinge - strong by design.

[@LinusScrubTips]

ya @bread it depends

[@kenhanson4015]

My heart aches for Karen, but seeing Richard here makes it better. Thanks Jay.

[@normanflint8757]

She's waiting..

[@ObsoleteOddity]

Thoroughly enjoyed this episode - invite Richard again please, you guys seemed to find a good wavelength and it was fun to watch.

[@christineplymouth3271]

Plus Richard has a 1971 Vitamin Orange Hemi Road Runner too !

[@rocknroller77]

@@christineplymouth3271 oh wow. My douchey X had a 71 Road Runner. The best trait about him

[@garrettd2131]

Rich seems like a chill guy

[@MikesGarageBadDecisions]

Very knowledgeable gent.

[@TransAmsandDashcams]

Have you heard his music?

[@paulypooper2]

Tommy Boy ..

[@jeffcraven7376]

His compositions were some of the very best of late sixties, 70's pop music, his sister Janet made it eternal art. RIP Janet: wish I'd been another brother of yours. Love that Cuda!

[@gamagoat6758]

You mean Karen.

[@ryand.3858]

Great to see Richard is still enjoying life, he seems like a great guy. Really enjoyed this episode.

[@rickperry2739]

Richard is a good guy. Please have him on again.

[@67Zink]

Richard's sister had one of the most beautiful vocal tones in the history. Both sister and brother were awesome musicians.

[@gregsolomon]

Indeed...Karen Carpenter Was Also A Pretty Girl And Had A Nice, Proportionate Feminine Body...It's A Rotten Shame That She Began To View Herself As Being Overweight.

[@billwayzata]

I like the way RC closes the hood. And, his expressing of appreciation for Jay's services in exercising the rings on that masterpiece. A beautiful piece of art owned by a beautiful man and two sweet souls appreciating it together. Hard to look away.

[@briank10101]

Like a piano cover

[@gladtobeopenminded]

Just a joy to watch and appreciate!

[@charger19691]

Richard is a true gentleman & I didn't know he was a car guy!! His Barracuda is an amazing car. It can pass for a brand new vehicle! Incredible!

[@syahfinoakbar2227]

Me too i didn't now that he is petrolhead

[@captainbart]

Hemi "CUDA is the proper name for a Barracuda with the HEMI option.........and you will get this reply until you are taking a dirt nap.

[@martinliehs2513]

It was mentioned that this car came with a 50,000 mile warranty. Based on the car's mileage, it would still be covered.

[@tarstarkusz]

+Martin.... It seems quite a shame that it has such few miles on it and, as Richard said, lived a charmed life. This car was made to be beat on, raced and just driven!

[@paulpeterson4320]

And Karen was car crazy too! Richard has a huge collection!! All 100% stock.

[@AlfaGTA156]

What a jaw dropping, stunning looking muscle car. Love the clean aggressive lines of the barracuda.

[@TOCC50]

Is he a chain smoker

[@kc0lif]

thanks for having richard carpenter on your show the best episode ever I'm also a big fan of the Carpenters thanks jay

[@Porschedude8]

Me too! Thanks loads!!

[@missingremote4388]

Me three. The Carpenters recorded many great songs.

[@TheWorldTeacher]

I love my Carpenters compilation CD. I recently saw one of their London gigs on KZbin and was truly astounded at how virtuosic Richard is on piano. I always assumed he was a "chord basher" but how wrong was I. I cannot believe I missed this episode when it first aired about one year ago!

[@toms641]

Many thumbs up.

[@richardclegg5853]

Can only imagine the pain Richard's lived with since losing his amazing sister all those years ago... seen several interviews with him, seems like a real good guy... always so warm and respectful of his sisters memory... together, made some of the best music of the 70's

[@corvuslaeus9540]

One of the best guests on the show. One of the best original cars too.

[@1970celica]

Favorite episode ever. Gorgeous car. Richard Carpenter is a genuine nice guy. Jay really should invite him again to do an episode about the road runner. I think lots and lots of people would appreciate that greatly..

[@dlemon90]

What a charming old guy, love the laid-back attitude

[@777jones]

He had he a chill life. More power to him.

[@TheWilabeast]

i still have a smile on my face from watching this episode. What an enjoyable watch as the two of them reminiscence and exchange stories. Respect for Richard Carpenter.

[@BrawndoQC]

Has a stunning Cuda, likes the i8 and own an S2000. A true car guy.

[@kaitospence18]

also he likes the current porsche models

[@jd3076]

An evo and rx7 fds are great car as well

[@TheDanMan01]

I'm glad that Richard is enjoying his other passion of his life. I really miss listening to his music.

[@MrDealeronrocks]

best car guy i have seen on this show, definitely a good tie with Tim Allen and Jay Leno in terms or care, knowledge, history and the sheer love for the cars

[@DanielleComesBack]

Richard is awesome. It was so great to hear his knowledge of American cars instead of his vast knowledge of music. Very cool.

[@LinusScrubTips]

This was a really good episode!

[@asomedeadmou5]

linus cuda tips

[@Genome69420]

linus scrub tips? im dead.

[@HillbillyHades]

Linus would not be pleased with your name. I love it.

[@johnaltenhoff373]

Vanishing point had the 440\6pack?

[@doktorbimmersdaddy715]

vanashing point was also a challenger

[@jrg7951]

Great guy, his sister had the most beautiful voice in the world.

[@dynjarren7523]

JR G Yeah, he survived but she had a serious mental disorder with Anorexia! Never did she ever look like she had even an ounce of fat on her but she starved herself to death thinking she needed to lose weight! Very sad story! She had an incredible voice but died tragically! I’m glad to see he’s okay! He was a great musical partner and a good brother to her but he couldn’t save her. Their music will live on though! RIP Karen Carpenter

[@4thstooge75]

A very talented musician in his own right!

[@matrox]

@@dynjarren7523 She was sort of chubby as a little girl though.

[@zigman8550]

She still has the most beautiful voice in the world in 2022

[@cwsam1256]

Excellent episode and 2 fine car guys. "Born with it" as Richard declared. So true!

[@Raytarded66]

I think Richard Carpenter is cooler than his car

[@iamrichrocker]

alot of cool people who love cars..cool cars..ugly cars..trucks..rat rods..etc..it is a helluva addiction

[@elizabethcherry920]

wow what a trip, Richard Carpenter I am happy to see he is doing well and nice Cuda

[@WillFastie]

What fun discovering that Richard Carpenter is a car guy! Who knew? Excellent episode.

[@Nom99993]

.... Uncle Richard. With all the appreciation that I had and have for musical talents, This episode brought me much "Closer to You"... Thank You...

[@larrytate5605]

Richard is "class" personified, what a great guy, and an enormous talent, Richard and his car are American treasures, we LOVE you Richard !!!

[@samiam5557]

That was the "Dodge safety sheriff" I used to have stickers w/him on it from a appearance at our local Dodge dealer! Thanks Jay another great car and interview. RIP Karen.

[@AFABull311]

Jay & Richard, Thanks for sharing such a great car. Richard is such a car guy .. who knew ? Jay can you do a show with Richard showing his collection please ?

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

Jay hasn't even finished showing his own collection yet.

[@mushroomtop1216]

+omgwtflol Has he actually really started showing his own cars

[@buickgnx007]

what an awesome video, what a cool guy to hang with!! and the car is cool too!!

[@orgami100]

Also nice to see Richard enjoying something he really enjoyed. .

[@digitalranger4259]

Usually, I skip through most of the interviews, if I'm being honest. But Richard Carpenter is such a good guest! I couldn't turn away. Please bring him back!

[@DoomiteAsh]

Great episode! You can tell Richard Carpenter is a long-time car guy, and he likes Mopar muscle cars! He and his sister Karen (RIP) made some great music too. Keep the good stuff coming, Jay!

[@robertjdm]

I could hangout with that guy all day and listen to him.

[@acousticbruiser19]

see? Mopar guys and muscle guys can love Japanese roadsters too! Being a car guy means loving them all!

[@camgnilpe9300]

you think

[@borrisfatboy878]

I have to disagree! I have a 04 honda accord with a 4 cyl, hey its its greater on gas its my beater my passion is all the big 3 American cars but my true love is my 66 sport fury with a 383ci. 4 bbl double pump and 3/4 race cam and fireball street & strip auto tranny. Oh and there is not one import that says buy me. When you see one of vintage hot rods from a distance you knew what it was at first glance. I dnt finf a Can you imagine designing those cars whithout computers imagine the brains in the past that computed the cars withe uses ud denzel

[@davidhinson8210]

Me too; Jay and Richard are a dying breed.

[@caulkins69]

_"When I was going to school, a music major at college...."_ Words you are unlikely to hear from today's pop musicians.

[@markbriggs5531]

I really enjoyed this video. I'm from the UK and had no idea what a Plymouth Barracuda was but it reminds me of the early 70's cars we would get that were very much inspired by US styling. Such a pleasure seeing an original car as I'm a real purist when it come to classics.

[@gmain1977]

This is one of baddest cars, MK3 Cortina had this look

[@jacewhite9866]

Wow this brings back memories ... My father was the road manager for the Carpenters back in the early 70’s and Karen and Richard would come over our house to play pool in Richard’s “Cuda”...My dad had a Camaro 396 SS at the time and they would race around the neighborhood... I remember sitting in Richard’s car and he had this upper panel that, at the time looked like something from outer space ... Great memories!

[@bongodave13]

What a story! Richard certainly seems to be a great guy. He bought himself a great car, and it looks showroom today. Smart investment.

[@rkmugen]

Just when I thought I've seen everything.... nope. We've only just begun!

[@elitewarrior0076]

Man, Richard just seems like a great guy, I’d love to meet him some day. Just seems like a true gentleman

[@Snooopz]

This car just a legend and it puts tears in my eyes every time I see it because my uncle use to drive, god bless his soul.

[@davidray4685]

I graduated high school halfway in my senior year in Whittier, Ca in 1974. Just 1/2 mile from the Whittier Blvd cruise. Went to work at the Dodge dealer in 1976 after 2 yrs. Of of mechanics at L.A. Trade Tech. As a heavy line mech. I mastered the big blocks, CHP Coronets, Monaco's all ran 440s 20 hrs every day. Those guys weren't kind but they loved that power. So yeah, mopar or no car. Thanks for a great video and my memories you opened up this morning, Dave.

[@marcusfieldfield4069]

Whittier Dodge on Whittier Boulevard ?

[@majormal1]

Richard is a master of perfection and detail in his cars and his music. Great episode..

[@williamhayden7711]

Get that roadrunner on the show! Can't let Richard leaving us hanging. :)

[@electrolytics]

Bring Richard Carpenter back! Do another car with him. Love the 70s and I love the Carpenters and I'm a Mopar Freak! Thank you!

[@servicarrider]

Just a really pleasant video of an iconic car and musician.

[@gerald4133]

We loved listening to the Carpenters music in my dads 8 track in his 69' 440 cuda'. I think i heard they only made 500 of them. Thanks for the music Mr. Carpenter and Leno's garage posting this.

[@Ditypo]

being a 28 year old guy living in the UK, I know absolutely nothing about cars but just to listen to Jay and his guests is just bliss.

[@MrDjh66]

I can’t get enough of this stuff so excellent original owner original condition allways loved the carpenters I have a bone stock 73 transam 32k original miles

[@longjohn77]

Nice!

[@cmscms123456]

Jay needs to get a tour at Richards collection.

[@bluespig1]

Tell me more please!

[@DanHarbin]

Good to see that Richard has been able to pull it together and soldier on despite the tragic loss of his sister Karen. Somehow strange to see him as an old man which is what we all are now who remember the Carpenters and all the many songs they sang.

[@deedeecapone]

I came here for Jay and the car. I had never heard of Richard . Then I typed Carpenters...all of a sudden I recognised each and every song from in my early childhood...then I saw the story of the Carpenters and found out about Karen's sad early ending. Having burried my own sister too...this will be another very quiet day...Maybe I'll play some Carpenters'songs, Bless you Richard.❤

[@shawnbeck2303]

Richard! Why don't you have a car show? Surely, Jay could help in that area. Just a great person, car and interview. Miss people from that era. Talking Muscle Cars! Like my Dad and his friend's. They knew every detail about cars and what was coming out soon. Miss those days alot. Jay, Please have this man on again. Shawn.

[@clarkgriswold5903]

I've watched this video about 8 times and every time I just love Richard and Jay just loving cars and Cuda's, I just love it!

[@JimS870]

Two down to earth nice guys who genuinely like cars.

[@David-kg5dk]

Awesome video, thanks to Mr. Carpenter and Jay!

[@glennk1931]

One of my favorite episodes. Richard Carpenter is just a very nice person. Truly a gentleman.

[@johnhughes1783]

My favorite episode! God didn't you love Jay loving this car and sticking his foot into the gas pedal every chance he got! Great car, great owner just the best!

[@kuglepen64]

Richard is an awesome guy. Had no idea he was such a car guy.

[@gotham61]

His Ferrari Daytona is on the cover of The Carpenters' Now And Then album.

[@turboflamingo]

i dont mind that he married his first cousin

[@infectedgoose]

She was adopted, so there was no blood relation.

[@56ding]

royalty does that.....

[@Timinator62]

Once upon a time, He had the biggest collection of Dodge 300s.

[@VelocityLabs]

Killer episode! He seems like a really cool guy.

[@rickmoderie4213]

Would never had thought that Richard Carpenter was a car guy. Love the 'cuda.

[@robertpsotka3525]

just love these 2 car guys talking and enjoying what was once the good ole days

[@SteveLauterbachJr]

What a delight it was to watch this episode! Richard is really a genuinely cool guy.

[@X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X]

Great car, great owner, great video!

[@JohnKelm]

Great to hear from Richard. I've wondered why you haven't featured his cars before. Make him a regular on the channel. You guys are great together.

[@dphotos007]

Like that Richard was always a car guy. I think we all miss his sister. What a talent the two of them were.

[@rocknroller77]

Love this. The first true vehicle that started or ignited my love for "classic," cars. Thank you Jay and Richard.

[@declanvillar5557]

One of my favorite guests Jay has ever had! Please have him show more of his cars!!!

[@Ghostmanriding]

One of my favorite musicians,and one of my favorite cars.Thanks for this great episode Jay!

[@firefightergoggie]

I can picture him and Karen cruising around in this talking about songs and shows. (And her yelling at him to slow down)

[@nickycool77]

This is definitely one of my favourite JLG videos, the car is cool but Richard just seems like such a cool car dude. Not up himself, he easily could be if he wanted to but he seems so at ease and that's the car people I can talk to :)

[@PETERLINNAH]

Richard and his fabulous 'Cuda made this my favorite episode! He is a true car guy who knows all the facts and figures and history of his vehicle. And he closes the hood with his shirt. The very definition of a car guy!

[@dougcoleburn1579]

One of my favorite episodes Jay! Wow what a Cuda! Thumbs up to Richard for taking such great care of the Cuda. You need to have him on again!

[@evinx4429]

Best online car show. love Jay lenos garage. Would like to see him review a 93+ Mkiv Toyota Supra

[@bobkeefer3822]

You can tell Richard still absolutely loves his car,,,,

[@y2kredbr]

This episode was really a good one. One of my favorite singers, and a '70 'Cuda! I believe they, Karen and Richard toured from show to show in this 'Cuda. Jay at one time Richard had a large stable of Mopar's which would make for another great show.

[@ApartmentKing66]

According to Richard, his dad put most of the 42k on the odometer because he and Karen were off touring.

[@roberttolley5055]

Jay I'm 57 now disabled wreck, tanker blew steer tire high way hit me in cab of mack highway. Every time I've got to watch you. I took the time to listen ❤

[@stewieiommi]

I was just on Richard's car collection page today, looking at his '63 Grand Prix. Glad to see he's still active in the car hobby.

[@k.c.parker6714]

A TRUE car guy,great car and interview....

[@TABRO284]

This is my all time dream car.

[@AutoYoung]

Man that's a well optioned car! I would love to have an original car like that. I think I would've ordered this car the same way back then.

[@Pepsvette-fe3py]

...Big Carpenters fan....I wore out their 8 track albums in my 73 Trans Am....I still crank them up (cds) in my ragtop Corvette...thank you, Jay, for the making of this....

[@ws678ta]

One of my favorite cars of all time. And 2 real cars guys to narrate. Awesome.

[@SeeWorldKevin]

that martini shirt is pretty cool.

[@dominicancheif117]

Yeah I want one now ha

[@quintonmchale7997]

Never knew Richard was such a gear head ! Very down to earth guy. Easy to hang with. Best of luck to him !

[@Porsche996driver]

Guess he has a Porsche somewhere in there ha. Very cool.

[@jessecuster5877]

The "cuda" will always be my favorite muscle car

[@OnlyTheEd]

Rest in peace, Karen Carpenter.

[@67Zink]

Karen's vocal tone and talent was MAGIC

[@daleandrews9356]

I'm actually a Pontiac guy(had 3 GTO's and a '77 Grand Prix, last of the "big ones"), but this Plymouth is special. I like it a lot! Unencumbered by smog equipment and true high compression(I'm sure he has 10:50 or 11:00 compression ratios); the last of Detroit's true MUSCLE. And the beautiful thing about it was you could order your "street sweeper" from the FACTORY just like you wanted it! I graduated from high school in 1970, so this car is from my era. Nice job, Richard. And kudos to you too, Jay. Long time subscriber here.

[@donjohnson3701]

This is like the original MTV for boomers, I start watching and I can’t leave it because each episode is so damn interesting! It’s not only the cars I grew up with it is also the stories surrounding them Leno collects history not to impress but to maintain the story.