Jay Leno's Toys
Written by Keith Fudge

If you are a “certified car nut,” you may think that Dennis Gage and the crew from My Classic Car have the greatest jobs in the world. However, you have to realize that they have to be envious of a guy that has the ultimate toy store for certified car nuts! Yep, we're talking about Tonight Show host and television funny man, Jay Leno - a man that we would call “an enthusiast's enthusiast!” Recently, we had the pleasure of visiting with Jay to look at some more of his fascinating autos.

We found Jay involved with a recent project that he acquired in an unusual manner. Jay told us that he received this 1947 Frazer as a type of “gift.” It was about to be hauled away to the junkyard. Jay said that he felt bad about taking a car that was in such good shape, so he went ahead and sent some money to the owner of the car. Now, as Jay mentioned, this car is the classic case of being “orphaned.” It is not a car that is extremely collectable, but as Jay points out, “It is a piece of history.” In fact, this car has some options that are definitely not run-of-the-mill and seem pretty historical (or rather hysterical)! First, Jay points out that this car was equipped with “The Passing Eye” option. This high-tech feature consists of two small mirrors that face each other and are mounted atop the driver's side roofline. When looking at the mirror in front, it allows the driver to see what is behind the car. By glancing at the other mirror's reflection, one can see in front of the car at the same time. Brilliant! Next, Jay showed us a device under the dash that actually dispenses a lighted cigarette while one is driving. Finally, Jay mentioned that this post-war beauty was a rather popular model and that 147,000 of these cars were sold. Dennis then asked if Jay was going to put the car back to original, or if he was going to make it a “resto-mod.” Jay replied that he would take the car back to original to preserve it. He jokingly mentioned that in restored condition this car would be worth about $5,000. So that meant he will probably put about $25,000 in it!

Next, speaking of a “resto-mod,” Jay walked us to another part of his garage. There was one rad ride, a 1966 Oldsmobile Tornado. Believe me, this isn't your grandfather's Oldsmobile! Originally a front-wheel-drive car, this extreme machine had been converted to rear-wheel drive. Sporting a turbocharged 425 cubic inch small block, this car was just dyno-tested and came away making 1,076 horsepower. Obviously several changes have been made on the vehicle, such as a Corvette anti-lock braking system. Some of the weight in the car has been redistributed with the battery and A/C unit being moved to the trunk. The car also sports a complete C-5 Corvette suspension and special billet aluminum wheels. However, even with all these modern changes, Jay left much of the original appeal of the car such as the barrel-type speedometer and the large steering wheel. As far as the aesthetic appeal of the car, Jay stated that he believes it is one of the best designs GM ever produced. So, we have seen a work-in-progress in the 1947 Frazer, and we have looked at a “Tornado on steroids.” So, what's next? Glad you asked!

Jay then took us to a remarkable vehicle, a 1941 American LaFrance Fire Truck! Jay said these vehicles are really a bargain, and this one certainly was. Originally this truck was the Warner Brothers lot truck. In the 1950s, it was used by the city of Burbank . Then in the 1960s, it sat unused on the runway of Los Angeles International Airport for nearly four decades. It was ready to be hauled away until Jay rescued it and had it restored to be one cool cruiser. First of all, the exterior paint and restoration was remarkable with all free-hand custom pinstriping. Under the hood rests the original 30º V-12 overhead cam engine that produces 265 horsepower. Jay said that the engine has not been rebuilt because, when he acquired the truck, it only had 11,000 miles on it! Other custom work on the truck has been the removal of the 1 ½ ton water tank, and replacing it with a custom lift gate to load motorcycles or several of one's closest friends! This is truly a car that can carry everyone to lunch at one time, and what a great idea! That is exactly what Jay, Dennis, and the crew went to experience. While the weather was a bit cloudy, Jay assured everyone that it was not going to rain. So, off they went with sirens blaring and horns blasting. Well, so much for Jay's career as a weatherman. Shortly into the journey, the skies opened up and the gang was forced to return to the garage. While on the trip, Jay remarked just how fun this true lead-sled is to drive. It cruises comfortably at 70-75 miles per hour. As far as maneuvering it in and out of city traffic, Jay joked that it was no problem. “People get out of the way,” Jay said with a smile on his face.

Soon they returned. Jay said that the day was not over. After all, they could all ride in his pickup—and what a pickup it was! Lunch was still on the agenda as everyone crawled into a custom four-door International semi. Jay laughed as they pulled away saying, “When that Hummer is just too small!” It's always a great time when we have a chance to visit with Jay. The vehicles, whether on two wheels or on four, are incredible. As always, the company is outstanding! Thanks, Jay! We are already looking forward to our next trip out west. That's it from southern California . So until our next visit, “Honor the timeless classics. Happy Motoring!”