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20 Quirky Cars That Make Jay Leno’s Collection One-of-a-Kind

Jimmy adeel June 23, 2025

Jay Leno’s car collection isn’t just massive; it’s a playground for the truly eccentric side of automotive history. Nestled in his legendary garage are not only pristine classics, but also rare prototypes, one-off concepts, and experimental oddities. Leno’s relentless curiosity drives him to seek out vehicles that most collectors overlook, ensuring his collection stands apart for its originality.
In this article, we highlight twenty of the most quirky and conversation-starting cars that showcase Jay’s unique taste—each with a story as fascinating as the man himself.

1. 1909 Baker Electric

Ai generated 1909 baker electric similar to reference
Image source: motor-junkie

Long before the electric car boom, the 1909 Baker Electric showcased how practical and elegant EVs could be. Marketed largely to women for its clean operation and simple controls, this early electric vehicle was a marvel of its time. Leno’s meticulously maintained Baker Electric offers a fascinating look at the roots of today’s green mobility trends.
Learn more about the Baker Electric’s legacy.

2. Blastolene Special (Tank Car)

2. Blastolene Special (Tank Car)
Image source: Wikimedia Commons

The Blastolene Special, also known as the Tank Car, is pure excess both in size and power. Equipped with a jaw-dropping 29-liter tank engine, this 20-foot-long custom creation is one of the wildest machines in Leno’s collection. Its thunderous presence and extraordinary engineering make it a true spectacle, often likened to jet-powered vehicles for its sheer bravado.
Read more about the Blastolene Special’s outrageous story.

3. 1963 Chrysler Turbine Car

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Image source: Wikimedia Commons

Among Leno’s most futuristic rides, the 1963 Chrysler Turbine Car is a true rarity—just 55 were built, and only a handful survive. Its jet turbine engine could run on nearly any combustible liquid, from gasoline to tequila, making it a bold experiment in automotive innovation. Leno’s fully operational example draws crowds wherever it goes.
Discover more about the Chrysler Turbine Car.

4. 1930 Bentley 27-Liter

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Image source: Wikimedia Commons

Jay’s 1930 Bentley 27-Liter is a jaw-dropping fusion of aviation and automotive history. With a massive airplane engine wedged into a stately Bentley chassis, this beast boasts more displacement than most race cars combined. The sheer scale and roar of this machine make it a favorite for fans of engineering excess.
See the story behind Leno’s 27-Liter Bentley.

5. 1966 Oldsmobile Toronado (Hot Rod)

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Image source: Wikimedia Commons

Jay Leno’s 1966 Oldsmobile Toronado is a masterclass in sleeper hot rods. Originally a front-wheel-drive pioneer, Leno’s version packs a jaw-dropping 1,000 horsepower under its unassuming shell. The result is a radical blend of vintage style and modern muscle, admired by hot rod enthusiasts everywhere.
Explore Leno’s hot-rodded Toronado.

6. 1925 Doble E-20 Steam Car

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Image source: Wikimedia Commons

The 1925 Doble E-20 Steam Car in Jay Leno’s collection is a testament to the forgotten era of steam-powered innovation. Renowned for its nearly silent operation and surprising speed, this luxury machine could outpace many gasoline cars of its time. Leno’s expertly restored Doble showcases the eco-friendly promise and advanced engineering of early 20th-century steam vehicles.
Learn about the legacy of steam cars.

7. 1975 Bricklin SV-1

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Image source: Wikimedia Commons

The 1975 Bricklin SV-1 in Leno’s garage is an unforgettable mix of 1970s flair and safety innovation. Famous for its gull-wing doors and distinctive styling, it aimed to revolutionize sports cars—though the company’s lifespan was brief. Leno’s example stands as a tribute to bold, unconventional startups, drawing frequent comparisons to the DeLorean.
Read about the story behind the Bricklin SV-1.

8. 1941 American LaFrance Fire Truck

Ai generated vintage fire truck in countryside
Image source: motor-junkie

Jay Leno’s fully functional 1941 American LaFrance Fire Truck is more than just a curiosity—it’s a rolling piece of industrial heritage. Towering over most of his collection, this fire engine features authentic vintage gear and serves as a living lesson in classic engineering.
See Leno’s fire truck in action.

9. 1963 Jaguar E-Type Lightweight

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Image source: Wikimedia Commons

The 1963 Jaguar E-Type Lightweight is one of the rarest and most coveted British sports cars ever made. With just a handful produced, its aluminum body panels and race-inspired engineering set it apart from standard E-Types. Leno’s meticulously preserved example is both a visual masterpiece and a nod to motorsport history.
Explore the story behind the E-Type Lightweight.

10. 2006 EcoJet

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Image source: Wikimedia Commons

The 2006 EcoJet is a true one-off supercar, born from Leno’s collaboration with General Motors. Powered by a Honeywell turbine engine that runs on biodiesel, this futuristic machine showcases the marriage of green technology and aerospace engineering. More concept than production car, the EcoJet reflects Leno’s relentless drive for innovation and boundary-pushing design.
Dive into the EcoJet’s high-tech story.

11. 1953 Cunningham C3

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Image source: Wikimedia Commons

The 1953 Cunningham C3 is a rare blend of American power and Italian elegance. With only a handful ever produced, it marries a robust V8 engine to striking European coachwork. Leno’s beautifully restored C3 stands as a tribute to ambitious international collaborations, reminiscent of legends like the Shelby Cobra and Iso Grifo.
Discover the story of the Cunningham C3.

12. 1934 Rolls-Royce Merlin

Classic black rolls royce style roadster, optimized under 600 kb (1)
Image source: motor-junkie

Few cars command attention like Jay Leno’s 1934 Rolls-Royce Merlin. Under the hood lies a monstrous 27-liter V12 Merlin engine—the same powerhouse used in legendary Spitfire fighter planes. The result is a dramatic collision of British luxury and aviation might, making this machine a true showstopper in any collection.
Read more about the Rolls-Royce Merlin’s incredible story.

13. 1986 Lamborghini Countach

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Image source: Wikimedia Commons

Jay Leno’s 1986 Lamborghini Countach epitomizes the wild spirit of the 1980s. With its unmistakable wedge silhouette and dramatic scissor doors, the Countach remains an icon of automotive design and aspiration. For many, it’s the ultimate poster car—a lasting symbol of excess and innovation.
Relive the Countach legend.

14. 1932 Hispano-Suiza J12

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Image source: Wikimedia Commons

The 1932 Hispano-Suiza J12 in Jay Leno’s collection is a masterpiece of pre-war luxury and engineering. Its powerful V12 and exquisite build quality place it alongside legends like Duesenberg and Bugatti. Leno’s meticulously maintained J12 is a testament to the era’s pursuit of automotive excellence and aristocratic grandeur.
Discover the elegance of the Hispano-Suiza J12.

15. 1906 Stanley Steamer Vanderbilt Cup Racer

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Image source: Wikimedia Commons

The 1906 Stanley Steamer Vanderbilt Cup Racer is a remarkable survivor from the dawn of motorsport. Built specifically for the famed Vanderbilt Cup, it represents the golden age when steam-powered racers competed neck-and-neck with early gasoline cars. Leno’s fully operational example brings this thrilling era to life, capturing the imagination of history buffs and racing fans alike.
Explore the legacy of the Stanley Steamer.

16. 2014 McLaren P1

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Image source: Wikimedia Commons

The 2014 McLaren P1 in Leno’s garage is a marvel of modern engineering, seamlessly blending electric and gasoline power. As a hybrid hypercar, it stands at the forefront of performance innovation, rivaling icons like the Porsche 918 and LaFerrari. Leno’s P1 demonstrates his unwavering passion for both automotive heritage and the bleeding edge of technology.
Discover more about the McLaren P1.

17. 1962 Daimler SP250

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Image source: Wikimedia Commons

The 1962 Daimler SP250 stands out with its lightweight fiberglass body and lively V8 performance. Its quirky styling and British charm make it a favorite talking point in Leno’s collection, often earning comparisons to the Corvette for its era. This unusual roadster reflects Jay’s eye for distinctive and underappreciated classics.
Learn more about the Daimler SP250.

18. 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing

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Image source: Wikimedia Commons

The 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing is a true masterpiece of design and technology. Its dramatic gullwing doors and pioneering fuel-injected engine set new standards in the 1950s, earning it a place in automotive history. Leno’s cherished example highlights the car’s enduring allure, often hailed as one of the most beautiful vehicles ever created.
Discover the legacy of the 300SL Gullwing.

19. 1916 Stutz Bearcat

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Image source: Wikimedia Commons

The 1916 Stutz Bearcat is an American legend, often regarded as the country’s first true sports car. Leno’s exquisitely restored Bearcat regularly turns heads at vintage rallies and historic events. Its spirited design and competitive pedigree invite comparisons with the best European racers of the period.
Read more about the Stutz Bearcat’s legacy.

20. 2017 Ford GT

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Image source: Wikimedia Commons

The 2017 Ford GT in Leno’s stable is the epitome of modern supercar engineering, directly inspired by the legendary Le Mans-winning GT40. Its advanced aerodynamics, carbon fiber construction, and twin-turbo V6 reflect both heritage and cutting-edge innovation. Leno’s GT stands as a true rival to Ferrari and Lamborghini, embodying exclusivity and performance.
Learn more about the modern Ford GT.

Rolling to a Close: The Eclectic Legacy

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Image source: Wikimedia Commons

Jay Leno’s collection is far more than just a series of gleaming showpieces—it’s a living museum of automotive imagination. From early steamers to futuristic hypercars, these twenty quirky rides reflect his passion for innovation, history, and the unexpected. Each vehicle tells a story, sparking curiosity and conversation for enthusiasts worldwide.
As Leno continues to share his collection, he inspires a new generation to appreciate the artistry, adventure, and fun of truly unique cars. Which quirky classic would you love to drive?

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