Jay Leno's Tank Car
Written by Keith Fudge

Any time that we visit with television funny man and enthusiast Jay Leno, there is no telling what Jay will bring out of his garage to show us.  Such was the case with Dennis's last visit with Jay as he and the crew got to look at a real rarity:  a tank car!

On this visit to Jay's garage, he amazed everyone with this custom ride powered by a Korean War era, M47 Patton tank engine!  First, Jay gave Dennis a little history about the engine itself telling him that these engines cost the government approximately $110,000.00 each back in 1953.  Jay then told Dennis about the specifications of the engine.  The M47 is a 12 cylinder, air-cooled 1,800 cubic inch motor with a Hemi head and overhead cam.  Jay also commented that there isn't much you need to build one of these babies up as the stock motor makes 990 horsepower and delivers a wrenching 1,600 ft/lbs of torque.  And talk about a “big” car…this bad boy has a 190 inch wheelbase!  Now, on the “fuel efficient” side this cruiser isn't exactly what one would call desirable, especially from the looks of those massive Stromberg carburetors.  Jay jokingly said that the thirty-five gallon tank would hold enough fuel to get him approximately 80 miles down the road; however, on the bright side, Jay did say that the good news is that the engine runs on regular pump gas!   As far as the body and chassis are concerned, Jay told us that the vehicle was built as a show car and that it took some fabrication to make it street legal such as rear brakes and a host of frame and suspension reinforcements.  Concerning the body itself, the car is hand-hammered aluminum and features nickel plating on many of the suspension parts.  According to Jay, the car also has an Alison tranny from a Greyhound bus and a Rockwell rear end that does the job considerably well.  When Dennis asked if it would spin the tires, Jay responded that was no problem at all.  Just to put it all in a better perspective, in its initial use this engine used to push a 50,000-pound tank and not it is pushing a 9,500-pound aluminum hot rod!  Jay likened it to putting a big block Chevy in a Mini-Cooper!

Finally, Jay and Dennis took to the road in this beast and what Dennis commented on was the massive power, it's wide stance , and the constant breeze of warm air from the air-cooled engine.  Later, Jay even relinquished the controls and Dennis got a turn behind the wheel of what has to be one of the most unique vehicles around!  Thank s , Jay for a look at the “tank” and we will see you again soon!