Here are Jay Leno's words of wisdom about cars

Jay Leno EcoJet AP
Facebook/Jay Leno's Garage

Former "Tonight Show" host and comedy legend Jay Leno is one of the most prominent car guys in the Hollywood. Housed in a series of airplane hangars at Burbank Airport, his collection of over 200 cars and motorcycles are the envy of many around the world. Not only does Leno drive the cars, but he, along with a team of mechanics, also help to maintain and restore many of his priceless collection. In addition, the late night legend also possesses a near encyclopedic knowledge of automobiles and its history.

Advertisement

Business Insider had the chance to chat with Leno in 2014, and he imparted some of his automotive wisdom.

Advertisement

On what draws him to a particular car

1931 Duesenberg Model J Town Car Jay Leno
NBC Universal/ Walker Dalton

"I like cars that are ahead of their times, and that were noble failures because they were built to a higher standard than the consumer needed. Cars like the Wills Sainte Claire or the Duesenberg."* 

*Wills Sainte Claire and Duesenberg were two upstart car companies from the 1920-30s who built technologically advanced cars.

On safety regulations

crash test car
REUTERS/Michael Dalder

"Corporations complained about [safety] regulations, but let's face it, people walk away from accidents now that would have killed them when I was a kid"

Advertisement

On how society will adapt to future challenges

Engineer Assembles Ford Zetec R V10 Engine
AP

"I believe engineers will save the world."

Advertisement

On how the car is losing its iconic place in the culture

steve jobs jony ive facetime demo
AP

"The car was the iPhone of the 20th century. Kids these days don't have to drive anymore. They just go there virtually."

On who a car guy should never let touch his cars

Cars wait to enter valet lot at Mercedes Fashion Week in LA
AP

"Anybody who gives their car to a valet isn't a car guy"

Advertisement

On how he chooses a restaurant

ivan ramen outside restaurant clinton street
Melia Robinson/Business Insider

"If there isn't a parking space out front or I can't see my car from the window, we're eating somewhere else."

On how environmental laws have made cars more efficient and Los Angeles less smoggy

Los Angeles LA skyline
spirit of america / Shutterstock.com

"Regulations force people to do better." 

Advertisement

On why he works on cars himself

jay leno kim kardashian tonight show
Stacie McCheaney/NBC

"When you work with your hands, you learn to appreciate how easy it is to earn money talking."

On why it's good to get away from Hollywood from time to time

champagne white Coachella party
Getty Images for Lacoste

"Show business is like Champagne. You'll appreciate it more if you don't drink it everyday"

Advertisement

Oh how everyday cars have become faster and more technologically advanced

Ford Focus ST
AP

"Today, you get better performance from a Ford Focus than a Ferrari from the mid-70s. [The Focus] is just as fast and with better fuel economy. It's fun to see supercar technology trickle down to everyday cars. 

On why being your own mechanic still matters

fixing ferrari cavallino classic palm beach
Julie Zeveloff/Business Insider

"When you fix something with your hands it gives you a sense of accomplishment and a sense of self worth."

Transportation
Advertisement
Close icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. It indicates a way to close an interaction, or dismiss a notification.