Jay Leno's Baker Electric
Written by Keith Fudge

It is always a special occasion when Dennis and the crew get to take a trip to California to see what’s in Jay Leno’s garage.  During this visit, Jay showed them two remarkable cars:  a resto-mod 1966 Oldsmobile Toronado and a 1970 Mazda Cosmo, a car that Jay refers to as “Japan’s first attempt at the Corvette or XKE.” 

First on the agenda was a look at the Mazda Cosmo.  However, as they were walking toward it they passed by the Toronado.  Dennis recalled that he had seen the Toronado in its original state and in various stages of restoration.  He mentioned to Jay that he remembered that it originally sported a white exterior.

When they reached the Cosmo, Jay started the car and pulled it out a bit so we could have a better look.  Jay stated that the Cosmo has become a “Japanese Classic” and that these cars are becoming difficult to locate.  Jay told Dennis that all these cars were right-hand drive, and they were only made in Japan.  Powered by the legendary rotary Wankel engine, with some tweaking this far eastern rocket now makes 200 horsepower!    Jay went on to say that these engines don’t have much in the way of torque; however, they will rev up to about 9,000 rpm and make a lot of horsepower!

As Jay and Dennis walked around the Cosmo, it was easy to see the international influence of previous car design.  Styling lines had been taken from a couple of legendary cars, including the first generation Ford Thunderbird and the Alfa Romeo.  Soon it was time to take this baby out on the streets as Jay and Dennis headed out for a spin. 

The Cosmo was absolutely flawless in its performance, and Jay soon turned the wheel over to Dennis.  After a short cruise, the pair returned to Jay’s garage for something totally different.  It was now time for East to meet West!

Jay began to talk about what a special car the Oldsmobile Toronado was and just how the car was an icon in American car design.  From its long nose and wheel flares, this car has power written all over it.  Since Jay’s modifications have been completed, now it has power under the hood as well!  As Jay mentioned, the Toronado was originally a front-wheel drive car.  However, Jay’s car has been converted to rear-wheel drive.  Now here’s the kicker.  Under the hood is a 425 cubic-inch prototype engine that makes 1,070 horsepower!  Twin turbochargers boost this bad boy along, and the original car has been made lighter by the use of aluminum and carbon fiber whenever possible.  Underneath, the suspension has been beefed-up in every imaginable way so that the car can handle the massive torque and horsepower.  Well, soon it was time to quit lookin’ and talkin’ and see just what this bad boy would do.

Talk about some tire fryin’ power!  While the tires were smoking, Jay told Dennis that he was only at half throttle!  As far as handling went, Jay said that the Toronado drives “like a regular car.”  In a moment of classic Leno humor, Jay added something to the effect of, “With this car, merging isn’t much of a problem.”   Jay did go on to say that one of the difficulties that he does have with the car is resisting the urge to “nail it” all the time, simply because it is so powerful!  At that point, Jay allowed Dennis to climb behind the wheel.  It didn’t take long for Dennis to realize the incredible power of this car.  Calling it a “rocket,” Dennis and Jay then headed back to the garage to conclude their visit.

It is always great to see just what Jay has in store when we visit, and chances are we will get to take another trip to Jay’s garage very soon.  That’s it from sunny California, so remember, “Honor the timeless classics.  Happy Motoring!”