Several celebrities have extensive car collections, but Jay Leno and Jerry Seinfeld are known for having quite possibly the biggest collection of cars. Leno has close to 200 cars in his collection, which he often shows off on his show, Jay Leno’s Garage. Seinfeld has also shown off his car collection on the Netflix show Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee, though he does not have as many cars as Leno. The two collections are often compared in terms of whose collection is worth more, who has more rare cars, and whose collection is better. Who has the better collection depends a lot on personal preference, but as far as who has more rare cars in their collection, let’s take a look.
Who has more rare cars: Jay Leno or Jerry Seinfeld?
The rarity of a car is usually based on the limited availability of that car, which is not limited to vintage cars. For example, Jay Leno owns one of the only two Koenigsegg CCXR Trevitas manufactured in 2010, with a white carbon fiber weave that was so complex to make that only two were completed. Additionally, while both Leno and Jerry Seinfeld have rare cars in their respective collections, Leno is definitely the winner in this regard, with a wide variety of rare cars that are both vintage and modern cars with a limited production, such as the Trevita.
Jay Leno’s collection features a variety of rare cars
With close to 200 cars in his collection, Jay Leno has dozens of cars that could be considered rare, but several stand out in terms of rarity. HotCars put together a list of Leno’s rarest cars, including the previously mentioned Trevita. Leno also owns a few McLarens, which he has admitted is his favorite carmaker, but his 1994 McLaren F1 is the rarest McLaren he owns. Only 106 F1s were produced, and the 627-hp V12 engine made it the fastest car in the world at that time, going 231 mph, and it still holds the title of the world’s fastest naturally aspirated road car. In 1994, an F1 would cost around $850,000. Now, these rare cars go for $12 million or more.
Designed by Jay Leno himself, the GM EcoJet has a Honeywell LTS101 turbine engine, more commonly seen in helicopters, with two separate fuel tanks that run on either bio-fuel or kerosene and puts out 650 horsepower for a top speed of 245 mph. The EcoJet is virtually impossible to put a value on because it is the only one ever made. He also owns a 1925 Doble Steam car, which took a more modern approach to steam cars, with an electronic ignition getting things started, and cost $10,000 in 1925. Unfortunately, Ford was already producing Model T’s that only cost $260, so this particular more modern steam car never took off.
Jerry Seinfeld’s collection features a massive number of Porsches
Jerry Seinfeld has several rather rare cars in his collection, but his collection is known more for the vast number of Porsches he owns. According to HotCars, several of those Porsches are also quite rare. One of those is a 1949 Porsche 356, built at Porsche’s first plant in Gmund, Austria, and is from the first production run of the 356, worth over $700,000. He also owns a 1983 Porsche 959, which, since Porsche did not submit enough models to be tested, is actually illegal to drive in the U.S. and is valued at over $1 million.
Seinfeld also owns a bright yellow 1971 Ferrari 365 Daytona that sells for a quarter of a million dollars today, even though it does not have a stellar reputation in terms of reliability. Interestingly, Leno does not own a single Ferrari, and according to one report, it’s not because he dislikes Ferraris because they are “a pain in the a**!”
Whether you are a fan of Porsche, McLaren, Ferrari, or vintage steam cars, it is easy to agree that both Jay Leno and Jerry Seinfeld have extraordinary car collections. More importantly, they take care of those cars, which is invaluable to a collector or gearhead.
As a seasoned automotive enthusiast with an extensive knowledge of celebrity car collections, I can confidently provide insight into the impressive car holdings of Jay Leno and Jerry Seinfeld. My expertise in this field is rooted in a deep understanding of rare and valuable vehicles, as well as the unique qualities that make each collection noteworthy.
Firstly, the notion of rarity in a car collection often hinges on the limited availability of certain models, encompassing both vintage and modern automobiles. In the case of Jay Leno, his collection of nearly 200 cars is a testament to his passion for automotive history and innovation. Leno's commitment to showcasing rare vehicles is evident in his possession of the Koenigsegg CCXR Trevita, of which only two were manufactured in 2010. The intricate white carbon fiber weave used in its construction makes these two cars exceptionally unique, and Leno's ownership of one underscores the exclusivity of his collection.
Furthermore, Leno's collection boasts a myriad of rare cars, ranging from McLarens to custom creations like the GM EcoJet. The 1994 McLaren F1 in his possession stands out as a rare gem, with only 106 units produced. Its 627-hp V12 engine once made it the fastest car in the world, reaching a top speed of 231 mph. The rarity and desirability of such vehicles are reflected in their current market values, with the 1994 McLaren F1 now fetching over $12 million.
Another extraordinary creation in Leno's collection is the GM EcoJet, a vehicle he designed himself. This one-of-a-kind car features a Honeywell LTS101 turbine engine, typically found in helicopters, and is powered by either bio-fuel or kerosene. The uniqueness of the EcoJet, coupled with Leno's innovative touch, adds an incomparable dimension to his car collection.
On the other hand, Jerry Seinfeld's car collection, while not as extensive as Leno's, is characterized by a massive number of Porsches. Seinfeld's affinity for Porsche is evident in his possession of rare models such as the 1949 Porsche 356, a significant piece from the first production run at Porsche's Gmund, Austria plant. This particular 356 holds a value exceeding $700,000, highlighting its historical significance and scarcity.
Seinfeld's ownership of a 1983 Porsche 959 further contributes to the uniqueness of his collection. The rarity of this model is emphasized by its illegality to drive in the U.S. due to insufficient submissions for testing, making it a prized and restricted addition to his lineup.
Notably, Seinfeld's collection also includes a 1971 Ferrari 365 Daytona, a car that, despite its reliability concerns, commands a quarter of a million dollars in today's market. It's interesting to observe that Leno, in contrast, does not own a single Ferrari, reportedly due to their reputation for being "a pain in the a**."
In conclusion, both Jay Leno and Jerry Seinfeld have amassed extraordinary car collections, each with its own unique characteristics and rarities. The comparison between the two extends beyond the sheer number of cars to include factors such as historical significance, innovation, and personal preferences. Whether one admires Leno's eclectic mix of rare vehicles or Seinfeld's Porsche-dominated lineup, both collections are a testament to the passion and dedication of these celebrity car enthusiasts. Their commitment to preserving and showcasing these automotive masterpieces adds immeasurable value to the world of car collectors and gearheads alike.
 - Shopify)