He may have famously hosted The Tonight Show, but in gearhead circles, Jay Leno is better known for one of the most fantastic car collections in America. The comedian loves to show off his garage, with everything ranging from early 20th century automobiles (including a Ford Model T) to more modern rides inside. Whether it's sports cars, muscle machines, or even quirky lower-key rides, Leno has almost all a car nut could ask for.
Yet, plenty of cool cars still haven't found their way in Leno’s expansive garage. Some are so rare that even Leno would have a hard time getting them, but they still count for an amazing experience. One note on cars you won’t be seeing here. As odd as it sounds, Leno owns no Ferraris as he says he simply can't stand the brand.
From past to modern times, these are some fantastic rides that a gearhead such as Leno would love to add to his impressive collection.
10 Cord L-29
While he goes for many modern machines, Leno does have a fondness for some classic and sometimes obscure cars. That's why he might be inclined to look at a Cord L-29, which was owned by the late author Clive Cussler.
An early example of a front-wheel-drive machine, the L-29 started life as a sedan before it spiffed up into a fine luxury coupe of the time. The inline-eight can push as much as 129 hp (pretty impressive for the time) and it handles much better than its size would indicate. Leno does have a Cord 812, but he might spring for one of the earlier models
9 1960 Porsche Abarth 356B Carrera GTL
Among the rarest Porsche models around, the 1960 Abarth 356B Carrera GTL was a mix of Austrian and Italian engineering that forged a racing beauty. Not only does it look beautiful, but the frame is tough and functional to make it lower and narrower, thus aiding its speed.
The air-cooled flat-four could gain 165 hp and, with the sleeker and lighter frame, felt much faster than its 144-mph top speed. As a beautiful racer of any era, Leno would enjoy taking this Porsche for a spin.
8 1971 Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda Convertible
As rare as any muscle car can get, the 1971 Plymouth Hemi Cuda Convertible was an open-air version of an already amazing car. With just 12 ever built, this variant of the Barracuda boasted the familiar 7.0-liter Hemi 426 V8 that develops 425 horsepower and 490 lb-ft of torque.
The exterior is a lean and mean machine with the convertible option making it look even hotter. Leno does have an affinity for muscle machines, so adding this rare version to his garage would be a great victory.
7 Aston Martin DBR1
While a few Aston Martins are already in Leno’s collection, the DBR1 is a trickier buy. An icon of British racing, the DBR1 was also a critical step in Aston Martin’s rise to success. Granted, it’s not the safest car with the wide-open driving area and frame, but one ignores that when racing at 155 mph.
The fine 2.5-liter engine (later expanded to 2.9-liter) was capable of 254 hp and felt much faster due to the car's featherlight weight. With a limited run of less than a half dozen, a pristine model can go for several million dollars and makes a nice addition to any car lover’s garage.
6 1957 Jaguar XKSS
On one episode of Jay Leno’s Garage, the host gushed on the “new” version of Jaguar’s iconic car. So just imagine his reaction if he could get the original model. The 1957 XKSS was a groundbreaker for Jaguar, proving the luxury carmaker could handle a stunning speedy sports car.
The 3.4-liter XK6 engine could gain 262 hp and reach 60 mph in 5.7 seconds with a top speed of 143 mph. It was married to a beautiful exterior that set the bar for scores of Jags to follow. Sadly, with only 16 made (9 of those lost in a fire), getting this ride would be a tough sell even for Leno.
5 Porsche 550 Spyder
Leno showcased this on an episode of Jay Leno’s garage, so clearly, he would have an affinity for this unique ride. Leno does enjoy a few Porsches in his collection, but the 550 Spyder would be a terrific nab.
The 1.5-liter flat-four might seem low-key, but given this weighed just 1212 pounds, the car was capable of amazing speeds. In 1955, a zero-to-60 speed of seven seconds was terrific and made the 550 feel like a true race car. While it's still infamous as being the car James Dean died in, this Porsche stands tall as a historic racing ride Leno would love.
4 Icona Vulcano Titanium
As someone who loves rare rides, Leno could enjoy having the world’s only solid titanium car. It’s a steep buy at a cool $2.5 million, but the car backs it up with great touches from the supercharged 6.2-liter V8 (borrowed from a C6 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1) to the overall unique sleek style.
It’s a heavy ride thanks to its material, yet it produces 670 hp with a zero to 60 time of 2.8 seconds and a top speed of 220 mph. Leno might still prefer a regularly built car, but the stunning speed of this ride makes it an easy buy.
3 1951 Pegaso Z-102
For a speed lover like Leno, getting what was once the fastest production car in the world should be a must. The Pegaso Z-102 may be overlooked today, but one of the finest Spanish sports cars to ever hit the road. The 2.8-liter V8 was capable of anything from 170 to 365 hp with the proper tuning and was married to a gorgeous chassis with good handling to boot.
With a good zero-to-60 mph of 8.5 seconds, the Z-102 was a top contender for one of the best cars of its time. Unfortunately, various issues meant only 86 were produced, but one would be a great addition to Leno’s expansive garage.
2 2013 Lamborghini Veneno
While Leno isn’t as hot on Lamborghinis as one might expect, he could make an exception for the 2013 Veneno. Created for the company’s 50th anniversary, this supercar is a marvel with the 6.5-liter L539 V12 engine capable of 740 hp.
It’s in a chassis much different than other Lamborghinis, looking like a sci-fi movie car yet able to take off with a stunning zero to 60 time of 2.9 seconds. Leno tends to favor older classic cars, but he would make room for this marvelous machine…as long as he's willing to pay the $4 million price tag.
1 1969 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
An episode of Jay Leno’s Garage had him checking out Ringbrothers’ famous hyper 1969 Corvette. It’s no surprise, given this once sold at auction for $850,000, and it’s a rare model.
There are just fifty of them, and it's even rarer to find one in pristine condition. But, between the stunning power and iconic looks, Leno would gladly pay if he could add one of the greatest Camaros of all time to his extensive collection.
Sources: autowise.com, hagertys.com, dupontregistray.com