If ever you are asked to define what obsession is, you can unequivocally say that it is what Jay Leno has for automobiles. The legendary comedian owns a massive collection of 286 automobiles, 169 of which are cars. He turned his passion into a profession by hosting the American web and television series, Jay Leno’s Garage.
The Primetime Emmy Award-winning series features Jay Leno reviewing the most wonderful vehicles ever made and meets the people behind them. The show was first aired on CNBC in 2015 and is running its 5th successful season at present. Here are 10 Of the Coolest Cars Featured on Jay Leno's Garage
10 1956 Jaguar XKSS
The Jaguar XKSS is one of 16 Jaguar D-type sports car versions that was transformed into a streetcar in 1957. It was owned by the famous American actor, Steve McQueen who was also referred to as the “King of cool.” He had purchased the car for the second time in 1977 after he initially sold it in 1969.
The car was originally white with red interiors, but Steve got it painted in British racing green. The astounding car is now displayed at the eclectic Peter Automatic Museum in Los Angeles. The extremely fast car has a history of running at a mighty speed of 180 miles/h. The futuristic and modern design of the car remains unmatched.
9 2015 Porsche 918 Spyder
One of the most advanced models of Porsche, the 918 Spyder is a plug-in hybrid hypercar unveiled in 2013. It is strategically designed for speed, comfort, and luxury simultaneously. The powerful car has a highly efficient front and rear electric motor and a gas-powered 4.6L V8 engine.
It is the pioneer Porsche car that came along with a Weissach Package that reduced its weight by 90 pounds. The incredibly stylish steering wheel with knobs allows quick access to all essential menus including the navigation system. The car has a brawny appearance with its 20-inch front wheels. The 2-piece removable roof is ideal for an open-top ride.
8 McLaren F1
McLaren F1 is considered the greatest car of the 20th century and Jay Leno himself couldn’t agree more. The three-seater masterpiece by Gordon Murray has the driver seat in the middle, which offers a panoramic view. The BMW powered engine uses gold foil as a heat shield and it ensures superior performance.
Although the car was unveiled back in 1992, it possesses modern features like dihedral doors and is extremely light with a curb weight of 1,138 kg. It is also credited as the first production car to use the carbon-fiber monocoque chassis. Top Gear magazine listed it as one of the fastest naturally aspirated cars available in the world in 2017.
7 1,000 HP 'Vicious' 1965 Ford Mustang
The unbelievable transformation of a 1965 Mustang coupe into a magnificent 1000 horsepower Mustang fastback is aptly named the “Vicious.” A dedicated team led by Jason Pecikonis at Timeless Kustoms spent 10,000 hours to build this beast and the result is impressive to the core. The thunderous car features a Ford 5.2 Aluminator engine boosted by twin precision turbos and it has a Magnuson 2.3L supercharger.
The Brembo Carbon Ceramic brakes and the Sparco seats with DJ safety harnesses are some of the other interesting features of the car. Apart from being the most extreme Mustangs ever, the ultra-stylish look and the red interiors are beyond perfection.
6 1930 Bentley 27-Liter
The 1930 Bentley GJ 400 designed by Bob Petersen displays class and mass all at once. It has a massive 27-liter Merlin V12 engine, the same engine that was used on fighter planes like the Spitfire in World War II. It is mounted on a Rolls Royce Phantom II frame and can undeniably be called a behemoth.
The blend of vintage looks and modern features makes this four-seater car an iconic model. Jay Leno couldn’t stop appreciating how meticulously the car is crafted with precision reflecting in even the tiniest part of the car. It was also featured on Top Gear in March 2012.
5 2018 Koenigsegg Regera
The luxury Mega Car Koenigsegg Regera is referred to as the most powerful and fastest-accelerating hybrid production car. It also has the world’s most downsized fully homologated core engine. It is the pioneer vehicle to use the Direct Drive System for power delivery.
The car has many other firsts to its credit like being the first fully-robotized car with a system known as the Autoskin that just adds 5kg to the weight. It operates all body closures at the touch of a button making it a preferred option. The car vouches to give a soothing driving experience and two-door Targa top adds to the style quotient.
4 1937 Fiat Topolino
A little gem in between the giant monsters, the Fiat Topolino featured on Jay Leno’s Garage is awe-inspiring. The Fiat 500 is named after Mickey Mouse but in Italian. The “little mouse” that was launched in 1936, has a 13 1/2 horsepower and a speed of 65 miles an hour.
In the tiny door-door saloon car, the generator is bigger than the motor itself. Topolino is a perfect example of extraordinary engineering skills. Considering the size of the car, it’s incredible that the seating is comfortable even for a seven-foot-tall driver. The compact engine also deserves the credit for the extended legroom.
3 1955 Mercedes 300SL Gullwing Coupe
The legendary Mercedes that Jay leno confesses that he loves to drive is the 300SL Gullwing Coupe. The car was introduced in 1954 at International Auto Show in New York City, it was also voted as the Sports Car of the Century in 1999.
Although Jay Leno, who is only the third owner of the car, is still getting the car restored, the amazing features of the car bring it to this list of coolest cars. The spectacular design with Gullwing doors is combined with a light tubular frame, that makes the car Super Light justifying the “SL” in the car’s name.
2 1969 Lamborghini Miura S
Miura P400s, a slightly revised version of the world’s first-ever Supercar P400 was unveiled at the Turin Motor Show in November 1968. The bare chassis was introduced three years earlier and it captured many eyeballs due to the radical mechanical layout. The car is immensely glamorous and highly innovative with electric windows and has a 365 horsepower engine.
Another interesting feature of the car is its low height, 41.3 inches to be exact. In an era of giant and masculine cars, this car stood out and offers a most classic Italian interior. The car is still identified as one of the most desirable of all Lamborghinis of all time.
1 Light Car Company Rocket
Jay Leno describes the LCC as the most fun car to drive in his garage. The unbelievably lightweight car weighs only 859 pounds and is the only model produced by Light Car Company from 1991 to 1998. It is the brainchild of the legendary Gordon Murray, who is a designer of Formula 1 cars and Chris Craft, a British racing driver.
The model is named Rocket and it is visually stunning. It features a 1000 cc Yamaha engine and 165 horsepower that ensures that the sensation of speed is felt. The surprising element of the doorless car that it has a second seat which is visible only after the cover is taken off.