Auto Motion had the privilege of touring Jay Leno’s Garage last week with other media folk ahead of the L.A. Auto Show, and we’re still wiping up the drool.
The tour of Leno’s private collection came courtesy of Mercedes-Benz, whose AMG division took the opportunity to give the late-night veteran and automotive aficionado a screaming new 6.2-liter AMG V8 engine.
Of course, even the best engine is nothing without the surrounding metal and rubber, and the plans Jay has for this one is, well, drool-worthy.
Leno is going to take said engine and actually put it in his four-decade-old Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.3, which back in the day was one of the fastest, meanest sedans money could buy. Back then it had a 6.3-liter V8 good for 300 horsepower and could carry five passengers and their luggage well into triple-digit speeds. Perfect for that mid-day autobahn outing.
The new AMG engine that will be installed in the car outputs 518 horsepower. Better upgrade those tires on that SEL.
(Click the link below for more details and pictures of Jay’s car.)
AMG head Volker Mornhinweg and Mercedes-Benz USA CEO Ernst Lieb were on hand for the event, and have given Leno and his crew of mechanics their blessing in the project.
Leno’s good-natured mechanics, by the way, said, “He’s our best customer.” Of course, Jay is the only customer of the in-house crew, but we won’t sweat the details.
Needless to say, when this car is finished, it will be yet another gem in Leno’s collection of over 100 vehicles.
(See them on the official Jay Leno’s Garage Web site)
Among the vehicles we took particular note of are Leno’s EcoJet (think a jet-powered car) and a Chrysler Turbine, one of only 50 such concept cars from the 1960s that’s actually powered by a gas turbine.
Also of note are Leno’s several Duesenbergs, extensive motorcycles, and collection of vintage Bugattis. He’s even got an 1870s steam engine, whose inner workings he exuberantly explained as it churned away.
Kid in a candy shop? That’s an analogy apt for everyone who gets the rare chance to set foot in Leno’s Garage.
When asked how he decides which car to drive — and yes, he drives them all regularly — Leno had a ready response: “There are plenty of people with bigger things to worry about.”
 |  |  |
 |  |  |
 |  |  |
 |  |  |
(A very big thanks to Jay Leno and Mercedes-Benz for the showcase. Jay Leno’s Garage is not open to the public. Too many safety restrictions and accessibility issues for that to happen right now, Leno said.)
More from Auto Motion:
[rssfeedme cat=”auto” feedpath=”category/new-cars/feed/” max=”10″]
As an automotive enthusiast and expert, I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the discussion of Jay Leno's recent venture with Mercedes-Benz AMG. My passion for automobiles is not just theoretical; I have a demonstrable understanding of the technical aspects, historical context, and industry dynamics.
Now, delving into the article about Jay Leno's Garage and the collaboration with Mercedes-Benz AMG, several key concepts are worth exploring:
-
Jay Leno's Collection: Jay Leno is renowned for his extensive collection of over 100 vehicles, ranging from classic cars to unique concept models. His garage is a treasure trove for automotive enthusiasts, showcasing a diverse range of automobiles that span different eras and styles.
-
Mercedes-Benz AMG and the 6.2-liter V8 Engine: The article highlights the presentation of a new 6.2-liter AMG V8 engine by Mercedes-Benz to Jay Leno. AMG, the high-performance division of Mercedes-Benz, is known for producing powerful and dynamic engines. In this case, the engine is rated at 518 horsepower, promising exceptional performance.
-
Project with the Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.3: Jay Leno plans to install the new AMG engine in his four-decade-old Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.3. This vintage sedan, known for its speed and power in its heyday, originally featured a 6.3-liter V8 engine with 300 horsepower. The upgrade to a modern, high-performance AMG engine is a significant enhancement.
-
AMG Head Volker Mornhinweg and Mercedes-Benz USA CEO Ernst Lieb: The involvement of key figures from Mercedes-Benz, including AMG Head Volker Mornhinweg and Mercedes-Benz USA CEO Ernst Lieb, adds credibility to the project. Their support and blessing for the engine installation demonstrate the collaboration between automotive enthusiasts and industry professionals.
-
Leno's Eclectic Collection: The article mentions some noteworthy vehicles in Jay Leno's collection, such as the EcoJet (a jet-powered car), a Chrysler Turbine, Duesenbergs, motorcycles, vintage Bugattis, and even an 1870s steam engine. This eclectic mix showcases Leno's diverse taste and appreciation for unique and historically significant automobiles.
-
Leno's Regular Use of His Collection: Jay Leno's statement about regularly driving all the cars in his collection emphasizes his hands-on approach and genuine passion for automobiles. It reflects his view that these vehicles are meant to be enjoyed rather than merely displayed.
-
Leno's Garage Accessibility: The article mentions that Jay Leno's Garage is not open to the public due to safety restrictions and accessibility issues. This exclusivity adds to the mystique surrounding Leno's collection, making it a rare privilege for individuals to experience.
In summary, the collaboration between Jay Leno and Mercedes-Benz AMG, along with the insights into Leno's extensive collection, highlights the intersection of automotive passion, high-performance engineering, and historical appreciation in the world of automobiles.
