Jay Leno’s Love Affair with Cars Explained Ahead of Hot Wheels™: Ultimate Challenge (2024)

Many automobile enthusiasts might enjoy being legally married to their cars. The fact that Jay Leno is not yet married to a car is fine evidence indeed that auto-marriage is not yet recognized by the law, nor is it socially acceptable. Anyone who is remotely familiar with the former late-night host knows that Mr. Leno has a passion for the vroom vroom.

How to Watch

WatchHot Wheels™: Ultimate Challenge on NBCandPeaco*ck.

He will soon be a guest host on Hot Wheels™: Ultimate Challenge, coming to NBC on May 30th. The series will feature Superfans of the timeless Hot Wheels™ toy line getting the opportunity to create new die-cast legends. The former host of The Tonight Show is a perfect fit, because he’s already connected to the “Hot Wheels” universe. He’s also famous for having a passion for cars (as we’ve already stated) and a considerable personal collection. For Leno, the automotive love affair started early.

As reported by motorbiscuit.com, Leno told Yahoo! Finance that it was all connected to growing up in rural Massachusetts.

“There were always broken tractors, lawnmowers, vehicles you had to fix. I remember somebody had abandoned an old Renault in a field when we were about 11 or 12. We would drive it around the backyard," he said. "It taught you how to fix cars and get things running."

The same article claims Leno never intended to amass his own collection, he just started buying things that he liked. How many cars does Leno have? Enough to make Dom Toretto jealous, that’s for sure.

RELATED: Who Are the Celebrity Judges Pulling Up to NBC's Hot Wheels: Ultimate Challenge?

He has around 169 automobiles. His total number of vehicles is 286, because there are motorcycles in the mix as well. Look upon them and despair, Henry Ford! Many of these people-movers were showcased on the seriesJay Leno’s Garage (2015-2022), which is currently streaming on Peaco*ck.

He appreciates history, as proved by the fact that his collection boasts a 1909 Stanley Steamer. On the other side of things, he has a 1994 McLaren F1, one of the most exclusive sports cars there is. His 1996 Oldsmobile Toronado is worth $150,000, while his 1955 Mercedes 300 SL Gullwing Coupe is worth $1.8 million.

Everyone has a 1955 Mercedes 300 SL Gullwing Coupe, though. Children the world over are gifted them immediately before umbilical cords are cut. No one but Leno has a 2006 EcoJet, however, and that’s because he collaborated on its creation. It uses “bio-diesel” as opposed to regular fuel. Leno loves cars, but he also loves and cares for the environment. He supports Tesla (his collection includes one of the eco-friendly conveyances) and in 2019 he had nothing but praise forit. He was also a fan ofElon Musk, the man who takes credit for that car’s creation.

You could say that you can’t find a more environmentally-friendly car than Hot Wheels collectibles. Leno is even more perfect for Hot Wheels™: Ultimate Challengebecause he’s collaborated on a Hot Wheels set that bears his name. The “Hot Wheels Jay Leno’s Garage Container Set” includes five models that Leno helped bring to tiny life.

With a Massachusetts-bred love, a vast collection, and a hard-hitting Hot Wheels experience, you’d be hard-pressed to find a celebrity who has a more genuine love for the automobile... While caring about their impact on the planet at the same time.

Get caught up in Leno’s collection yourself by streaming Jay Leno’s Garage. Prepare yourself to get creative with Hot Wheels: Ultimate Challenge, coming to NBC on May 30th.

Jay Leno’s Love Affair with Cars Explained Ahead of Hot Wheels™: Ultimate Challenge (2024)

FAQs

Why does Jay Leno love cars so much? ›

For Leno, the automotive love affair started early. As reported by motorbiscuit.com, Leno told Yahoo! Finance that it was all connected to growing up in rural Massachusetts. “There were always broken tractors, lawnmowers, vehicles you had to fix.

How much is Jay Leno's car collection worth today? ›

Jay Leno's quirky US$50 million car collection: from a 1906 Stanley Steamer to a Ford GT, the talk show host's 140,000 sq ft garage holds more than 180 cars, including a US$12 million McLaren F1. Jay Leno's car collection isn't like anyone else's on the planet … quite literally. Why?

What is Jay Leno's favorite car that he owns? ›

Of all the exotic cars and classic cars Jay Leno owns, nothing compares to Jay Leno's favorite car, the 1972 Mercedes-Benz 600 Kompressor. The 600 was built and engineered without regard to cost, so almost every system is silent.

How much does Jay Leno pay in car insurance? ›

He has quite the insurance payment.

Jay Leno, the celebrated comedian and avid car collector, faces the substantial financial responsibility of preserving automotive history, with an impressive monthly insurance bill of $45,250 for his collection of 181 classic cars.

Does Jay Leno own a Bugatti? ›

With a car collection as illustrious as his comedy career, Jay Leno is one of the most celebrated figures in the automotive and entertainment worlds alike. One of the greatest pieces in his collection is a “replica” Bugatti Type 57 SC Atlantic.

Who owns the most expensive car in the world? ›

It's worth a whopping Rs 232 Crore and only 3 people in the world own it. Amongst the three owners of the most expensive car in the world is music power couple Jay-Z and Beyoncé…

Does Jay Leno own all the cars in Jay Leno's garage? ›

It is estimated that Jay Leno owns around 181 vehicles, including 90 classic cars, 45 motorcycles, 45 modern cars, and 1 tank. There is a vast variety of vehicles in Jay Leno's collection, ranging from classic American muscle cars to modern supercars.

How many motorcycles does Jay Leno have? ›

Leno's collection includes both American and foreign makes of classic automobiles like those you would see displayed at popular automotive museums across our country. Automotive historians have reported that Leno owns 181 classic vehicles and 160 motorcycles in his private collection.

Who has the largest car collection in the world? ›

Who has the biggest car collection in the world? The 29th Sultan of Brunei, Hassanal Bolkiah, has the largest private car collection in the world, with over 7,000 vehicles and valued at over $5 billion. Who has the biggest car collection in the U.S.?

Does Jay Leno own a Lamborghini? ›

While Jay Leno doesn't own any Ferrari models, he does have quite a number of Lamborghinis. He famously has some 80,000-miles on a Countach.

How many mechanics does Jay Leno have? ›

At the garage, a team of seven people repair and restore all of Leno's vehicles. Heading the team is general manager Bernard Juchli, who says that working on just Leno's fleet is more than enough to keep the entire team busy. “He drives everything, and they all need maintenance or restoration,” said Juchli.

Who has the biggest car collection in the world? ›

Frequently asked questions. Who has the biggest car collection in the world? The 29th Sultan of Brunei, Hassanal Bolkiah, has the largest private car collection in the world, with over 7,000 vehicles and valued at over $5 billion.

Is Jay Leno a Millionaire? ›

As of mid-2023, Jay Leno's net worth was estimated by multiple sources to be around $450 million — more than twice that of fellow late-night entertainer Conan O'Brien (who is worth approx. $200 million) and more than six times that of “Tonight Show” successor Jimmy Fallon (who is worth approx.

Does Jay Leno give away cars? ›

(September 21, 2023) — In a spectacular celebration of its 300th car giveaway, Yaamava' Resort & Casino at San Manuel is thrilled to announce that legendary comedian and car enthusiast Jay Leno will hand over the keys to the 2023 Rolls-Royce Ghost to one lucky Club Serrano winner.

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