Restoration Blog: August 2022 | Jay Leno's Garage 

Wow!😮 This has to be one of the best shows on anywhere. No mean comments, no "online bullying" & no disparaging comments about the show’s host…just 4.5 thousand car-enthusiasts who do their own work, or folks who can afford to pay a professional to bring their car back to the shape of their choosing. I must’ve put a 1000 hours of my own labour into that car, which was-along with my Hayne’s Manual-an easy & enjoyable way to learn how to do your own work. Now my sister has what will be a very desirable MG with overdrive, chrome, & leather. I miss driving, but I love to watch Jay’s show. He seems like a kindhearted gentleman. I’d love to spend a day/week in his garage & listen to him talk about cars, people & more cars. Thanks!

It always slays me when Jay says "I hope you enjoyed a look at the shop"... Most of us would live there if he'd let us.

Jay's legacy isn't the Tonight Show it's Jay Leno's Garage. He truly loves cars . Like what he's going to do with this car is perfect he isn't retromoding it or trying to make it perfect. He is the greatest car collector on the planet period.

If my memory is correct, this was a 20 mpg, and 120 mph car. A teenagers dream car back in the day. Thank you for showing us this.

WOW! With chalk marks! Insane. I bet Dennis collins is drooling 🤤

About 25 years ago, a friend let me know his neighbor has a V-12 XKE in his garage. I asked the neighbor if we could look at it and he reluctantly agreed. Feral cats and assorted rodents had taken up residence in the car. In addition, the roof of the garage leaked. In our humid climate, there was nothing left worth restoring. With the rear window and windshield broken and the door windows down, water had accumulated and rusted through the floorboards. The engine was locked, most of the aluminum was heavily corroded and the almost of all the upholstery, along with much of the wiring insulation, had been reduced to rodent nests. So sad, happy to see this one survived! Thanks for sharing this story.

My neighbor..God rest his soul..his garage looked like thst..with a 68 Charger RT buried in it..never know right?...Jay you're living every man's dream..thanks for sharing a piece of it with the little guy✌️

At 37 years old I just learned how dashes are made and repaired. That is awesome.

That XKE is absolutely incredible. A true once in a lifetime find. Love these "behind the scenes" vids!

Holy crap, 17K miles, insane condition. 50 years in a garage without seeing the light of day. No one better than Jay to restore and save this classic automobile. eBay XKE jack = 900-1400 in the original bag.

E’s we’re one beautiful aerodynamic lookers from the 60’s. You are so lucky to have found this particular one. Enjoy!

Wow! Another great segment Mr Leno! Never had any idea how a dash was made, incredible! Thank God we have you and all these talented craftsmen!

UNBELIEVABLE!the colour is golden opalescent sand, I have it on my 420 G.Wonderful those restoration blog shows, thanks Jay

I love that Jay gets to (occasionally) reap the benefits for being such a great custodian and advocate of automotive history. He gives so much back to this community that I believe there is no one more deserving. His cars are really "our cars" and for that I will be forever grateful.

I love the fact that Jay knows and tells the story about every car he owns. A true gearhead aficionado!

I love that you keep the Jag original.

Jay, the way you narrate these blogs makes me feel like you are giving me a personal tour. The "common let me show you" routine is so relaxed and personal. Great Job....thx for sharing!

Through the years, Mr. Leno has been collecting and preserving those priceless examples of automotive history and in fact his collection is a world heritage automotive museum. Great work, Sir!

THE MOST SPECIAL THING IS YOU ,,,YOU ARE A GREAT PERSON

Jay - I as well as everyone hope youre doing well after your accident, youve given so much to so many in charity, entertainment, car history etc and im sure more than we even know - those of us that grew up loving all things car and all things mechanical we want you to know how much you mean to us and the history of the automobile, bikes etc, youve not only show us the cars and how to work on and preserve them, you even take us along for a ride in cars we would never learn so much about - also you do a wonderful job of educating us on all the amazing history behind the cars and the people that conceived and built them as well as how they affected automotive and in some cases world history. Jay, you are a credit in so many ways and youve given so much to so many for so long I dont know anyone that does it the same way you do. God bless you Jay, we deeply appreciate how youve entertained us and shared so much of your hobby with us all instead of just showing us a building full of shiny trophies. Please take care of yourself Jay, many of us panicked at first hearing you had been in an accident but didnt yet know the details, we were so relieved you were going to be OK and we hadnt lost our precious Jay - 👍👍👍👍

The Jaguar's interior is so mint for the age.

Happy that you showcased the dash company. Didn't know that they existed. I hope the get an influx of new customers.

It is sooooo satisfying to see the vinyl vacuumed over the dash. I watched that 4 times, lol. Great work!

I'm glad it was Jay who got that E-type Jag. He knows the right thing to do with it and has the resources to make it happen. A car like that deserves the care that Jay will give it.

You could start a series of nothing but time lapses of the craftsman working in your shop on these restorations and we’d watch

The Just Dashes segment was awesome! Would love to see more stuff like this of small specialist shops that support the auto industry. And that E-type!! In love! The first European car I ever rode in was one. In love ever since.

There are so many art forms like paintings, architecture, cooking and on and on. To me, cars are an art form. My favorite. You remind me of a great artist restoring a great and famous painting. This 94 year old loves your presentations.

Jay, the gentle reverence with which you touch that E-Type, move the door and hood, tell me you know just how special it is and I have every confidence your clean-up will do it justice. Thank you, from Surrey, England.

Thanks for sharing this Jay. Also, when you talk about something like hose clamps and things, could we have some close up shots of what you are talking about. I loved it when you filmed everything yourself because you would show what you were talking about. Now that you have a crew I am not sure they know cars or what, but please have them show us everything without fancy pans or movement.

Wow. Just... Wow! That Jaguar... So unbelievable!! I am so happy you're preserving it as original as you possibly can while still making it driveable. What an amazing find!!! And I'm happy that *YOU* have it, because we know the preservation will be done *RIGHT!* Thank you for sharing it with us! And that Just Dashes place -- it is literally the only place in the entire country that does what they do. The demand they have to deal with must be unbelievable, because it can take *months* to get your dash back from them -- and they're definitely not cheap, either. But you absolutely get what you pay for, and it's worth the wait -- I've seen their work in person on multiple cars, and you simply cannot tell it's not an original factory piece.

Really Jay, an unmolested ‘63 XKE with no rust. Somebody loves you. Cool look at the dash people, thanks for that.

Coming from a family farm, I was somehow drawn to the mechanics of how things work. We had no allowance as their was no money in the checking account. I used to joke, you were only as good as a farmer, as your relationship with the bank. (150 year old practice). But I sense your passion for mechanical devices and my heart is given me a treat as it is trying to anticipate what is next. With no formal training than hands on and an apprenticeship in a two man shop, I learned, I became an ASE Master and now live in a world that only memories give me happiness. Thanks Mr. Leno.

Brilliant episode! The XKE is just an unbelievable find. As you say, "original and unrestored" is always best. And good for you rescuing the TR6. I had a few friends who had TR6s when I lived in England. They referred to it as the "unloved classic". Can't wait to see it being driven. Again, another entertaining and instructive video!

My brother managed a body shop in Richmond Hill many years ago. He had one of these brought in for restoration. It was such a rust bucket that he refused to even look at it any further. They absolutely could not handle any salt whatsoever. It is fitting that Jay will preserve it.

One day we are going to lose this man. That will be a great loss in the car world. I don’t think there is anyone in the world who shares more about every single kind of car there is in our world. Jay. I hope you are doing well after your burns you recieved when the gas fire introduced itself to your face, arms & hands. Get healthy stay healthy young man. We need your teachings of the … wait I was going to say Automobile. But you seem to surprise us with anything that is mechanically operated. Thank you Jay !!!

Thank you Jay for supporting local small industries.

Jay, the father/son team at "JustDashes" could have been a segment on their own. Fascinating and wonderful to see the marriage of technology and craftsmanship.

A national treasure. The Jag for the UK, the Jay for the US

WOW!!! Please do episodes on this car! I would love to see this car come back.

Ok, this guy Cameron. There is something about the chemistry with him and Jay. It cracked me up. Great stuff as always. Jay continues to amaze with his deeeeep knowledge of automobilia and all those fascinating cultural facts of the car's era. It's tough for me to say which version of Jay has been more satisfying. The showbiz legend era from standup to late night giant, or the car fanatico profundo days of glory now. Part of the reason I loved Jay was his unabashed love for cars. Which he wore on his sleeve from the get go. He's like a car man's man's man.... Or sumthin'like that. 👍

There is so much dedication, love, patience, understanding and humbleness in this man, whatever car or even just component he is working on. There are so many cars and stuff I normally would not look twice at, however as soon as Jay is giving them a focus, its like manna raining from heaven. I am really thankfull for this series.

Always impressed me on how you were able to get these craftsmen together. Sir you are a light house in the fog of of restoration. Showing the rest of the car culture how it should be done.

Every car of course has a story. The Jaguar is a story yet to be completely told as it is brought back to it's former self. Thanks for sharing this Jay !

That Jaguar is some barn find...AMAZING.

I love the restoration videos. The dashboard guys are great, I'm sure millions of people didn't even dream about them existing.

Oh my god. That Jag. I’m just really happy this fell into the hands of a proper car guy like Jay. You know he’ll do the right thing.

I’m so jealous of all you restorers of cars. You live in a country that appreciates historic cars. I brought my 1973 MGB to South Korea twenty years ago because I really like that convertible car and enjoy driving it on the roads here, especially in the fall in the mountains when the trees turn that autumn red. But there is a sad tale too. Here when a car is four years old, it is considered OLD! There is little car culture here. Yes I do receive thumbs up when on the road but every two years it must pass a safety check that includes emissions. All cars must pass this test as there is no class of cars exempt. At the same time all cars must be exactly as they came off the production line. In fact each time I must show the original owners manual so they can go over every aspect of the engine including the air pump, all the lines and the exhaust system. But the car must pass the ever increasingly strict standards. I just barely passed in the past years. This year I may not pass and the car will not be able to be on the road and may be crushed. I know if I put on a catalytic converter it would easily pass but that was not on the original car so it is not allowed. I can make no modifications to the car to lower the HC and CO. etc. It is an impossible situation. No modification to pass is allowed! Also as a roadster it is considered a dangerous car and the insurance doubled last year! It may be the last time the car is on the road, so wish me luck. Oh yes I have owned the car 32 years!

Love Jay....When I was a professional jet pilot, I flew him and his wife...I was flying out of Burbank Airport at the time. I would LOVE to visit his garage sometime....Very nice man and a lover of cars as am I..great post....wish I'd found that gem!!!

That Jaguar find is the real definition of epic congratulations!👍🇺🇸

My favorite series on this channel! So many skilled men working in that garage, I’d love to see a monthly update with segments of people doing some actual work. That’d keep us car nerds so happy!

Thank you for the shout out to the OG machinists!!

Great show Jay!. Back in the early 80's when I was way younger, I bought a 1963 Volvo 122S, 4 banger vehicle. I drove for while without doing anything to it. Then I decided I liked it enough to refurbish the car. Rebuilt engine, new paint, and vinyl flooring & upholstery, and then there was, the destroyed, cracked dash where I was stumped about what to do. I was pretty good with my hands, so I carved a new dash out of a single piece of walnut, and it fit pretty well, not perfect, but you could not see that it wasn't a perfect fit. Finished the walnut with stain, and several coats of sun resistant finisher. Then just a few months later, someone climbed over a fence, and lit it on fire, destroying all my effort to restore the Volvo. A big let down, at least got to drive it several hundred miles.

Like the resto blogs. Would love to see the XKE and Caddy getting videos of their own when recommisioned.

I appreciate how Jay teaches us automotive history as well as the importance of originality on so many vehicles from so many different regions and eras. His relentless pursuit and tenacity for the factory produced oem equipment is absolutely stunning. Thanks for sharing knowledge that otherwise would've been lost in the fabric of times gracefully gone by.

Thank you , Jay, for saving automotive history and sharing it with us,.

🤗 I had two friends who have passed away years ago …both owned several JAGS …one of them was a 1963 ..we went to many shows with them …GREAT TIMES 🤗😎💚💚💚

Bless you, Jay. One of your best blogs ever. I do admire the people whose craftsmanship makes all this restoration possible. There is a reason why you are universally respected throughout the vintage and classic car world. Even the cops come to you with tips about abandoned vehicles. What it comes down to, is that you are a heck of a nice guy, with a passion for automobiles.

I really like the restoration blogs. They're among my favorite RU-vid videos.

Great Car. You're a good man. I shook your hand in Desert Storm, I felt you genuinely wanted to be there. "How can we have a war without Bob Hope?"

This was the best episode I've seen. Please: More of your shop, tools, and equipment! A restored classic car isn't about the finished project. It's about the journey to get to the finished project.

Jay's neighbors are definitely better than my neighbors

Great eclectic show Jay. Love the XKE and that you are the one who found it. I'm sure the heirs to the estate got a fair deal from you, as opposed to some random dude trying to get a steal. The dash guys are awesome...makes me wish I needed a dash. Can't wait for the TR6 full show. And massive respect for not going off on the guy who sold you that bogus oil. I would have gone through the roof and told everyone who would listen what a jerk move that was (and still had a ruined engine). You are the king of cool!

Thank you Jay for preserving history. I commend you.

Jay Leno = Charles Karult America's Car and Bike craftsmen. You manner and insight is priceless .. Thank You !

That XKE right there is my dream car, exactly how I would want it. Exceptional patina!

My favorite episodes are your restoration blogs. I wish we got more day to day shop stuff. Thank you for sharing Jay. You have, and continue to, enrich the car hobby.

Anyone else watch this and moan in unbelief on what a fine this is? Thank goodness it's in Jay's hands!

I have missed these Restoration Blogs so much

Wow, I love the shop and the projects. But, I miss seeing Bernard, Jim (did he retire?) and the rest of your crew. Thanks for the "just Dashes" segment. I've heard about them for years and been waiting for an opportunity to use them. I run an itty bitty classic car repair shop, and hopefully one of my customers will need a dash. Thanks for what you do.

I'm amazed Mr Leno didn't end up in the hospital after opening the garage and finding the XKE - I'd have passed out. Utterly fascinating this episode, seeing the Jag, 'Just Dashes' and the steam car bits and pieces. It's like a living museum. Thank you very much for posting, I've just had a wonderful 38 minutes!

Restoration blogs are my favorite by far. Jay is the last of the Mohicans for a true automotive historian.

That jag is so lucky to have Jay as it’s owner.

Restoration blogs are my favorites, especially enjoy when you include the mechanic/craftsman doing the work!

I believe the XKE is the most timeless car as far as looks go. A great find.

Wow. When I was a kid in 1963 Reno , my dream was to own a 63 Jag. The convertible was advertised for $6,000 . The fastback was $6,500. Later in college in the 70s I saw a used one sell for $1400 . I thought ."I can do that ! " I looked everywhere and couldn't find one even close. Some car editor ran an article informing the world they were a good deal. LOL so I blame him for blowing my chance at getting one. I think car guys are like fisherman... the good one always gets away.!!! lol. I think your decision to preserve it is a great idea. Good luck . I hope you'll let us see your progress. Thanks for the memories.

Can’t wait to see the XKE finished, that will be so unique

Unbelievable that we still have craftsman that can still fabricate from "scratch"! this was a great video!

Lots of wonderful things happening as always at JLG. If I was a young man in LA, I'd be almost begging the man for the opportunity to just push a broom around that place - there's so much to be learned there! - Ed on the Ridge

My dad had a buttercup yellow E-Type with a white soft top and the gold top I6. I can't wait to see this car running again.

My wife is on her way back from London today, she flew over to see a show this weekend. I on the other hand would not turn my head to see that. I would however crawl from NC to CA on my hands and knees to see Jays shop. Great video. Great work.

Awesome!,, I saw this Type Jag when I was 16 and fell in love! It’s still a heart car for me now!

Jay thank you for doing what you're doing for automotive history what you're doing is going to be around forever you will never be forgotten for what you have accomplished thank you it wouldn't have happened without you

It's good to see someone with the means to take on a project like this and bring it to fruition. This old girl deserves it!

I'm not going to lie, I was surprisingly enthralled by the "Just Dash" segment. I honestly never thought about it - relative to retro-mod or restoration. But, once the dad pepped up and we really got into the history of the business, I was hooked.

Jay, I was just sick to hear about the Doble Steamer issue. That car is beyond amazing and only you and your guys at the shop could’ve restored it to the level it was. If memory serves you even put some NASA technology into the boiler. Every time I think of that car I think of how amazing it must’ve been to the people that could afford it back when. A huge technological leap forward. I’m glad to hear you guys are going to make it perfect again. Keep up the good work, God bless - Al Johnson

I thoroughly enjoy watching Jay and his content with all things automotive. Im glad there is so much on him on youtube for future generations to enjoy and understand just how incredible these vehicles and the work it takes to keep them going is.

HELLO=''JAY'' I WAS BROUGHT UP IN MASS..RAN STOCK CARS== AND BOUGHT AND SOLD VEHICLES SINCE I WAS A TEEN=LOVE WHAT YOU DO=AUTOMOBILES TO YOU ARE WORKS OF ART.!! AND YES=I DID WATCH YOUR NIGHTLY SHOW==KUDOS'' TO YOU==''RITCHIE==84 YEARS OLD NOW==

HI JAY, LOVE THE SHOW. WHAT I FIND SO WONDERFUL ABOUT YOU IS THE FACT THAT YOUR A REGULAR GUY, AN EVERYDAY PERSON. YOUR NOT A "HOLLYWOOD ELITIST" SNOB LIKE SO MANY FAMOUS PEOPLE IN HOLLYWOOD, ACTIVIST HYPOCRITE TYPE. YOUR REAL AND RELATABLE TO EVERYDAY PEOPLE. YOUR KNOWLEDGE OF AUTOMOTIVES IS INCREDIBLE. I THANK YOU FOR THE SHOW, AND FOR JUST BEING YOU. BLESSINGS. 🙂💖

The restoration vlogs are always the most interesting because we find that you always seem to find THE specialist to do a correct procedure. I am happy the E Jag will be done your way. The last time I rode in an E Jag convertible was in 1969. Thanks Jay for all you do related to mechanical things. By the way the Tonight Show has never been the same or as good since you left.

Holy cow!! I have two '63 XKE's; but neither are anywhere near the shape this one is in! Got to meet Jaguar engineer 'Lofty" England (?) at a Jag festival in the 80's. In a seminar he addressed the question of why Jags rust so badly. He stated: "'money was very tight after WWII and all corners were cut to save production costs. If you couldn't see it, we didn't paint it'!

My favorite. Just watching the process. I wanna see a motor teardown. I wanna read the signs on the walls. Meet the helpers. Ty Jay.

Good to see that Jag fall into your hands! Can't wait to see it all cleaned up. I love seeing these time capsule cars.

Another brilliant production from all of our favourite presenter, thanks so much for sharing your interests and projects with us. After helping me keep my sanity during the pandemic I cannot thank you enough for all of the input that you seem to manage to do so effortlessly.

I wish you a fast recovery Jay Leno my heart goes out to you and your family.

I'm glad you ended up with the car so it can be preserved and used as a model for those that want to restore theirs to complete originallity.

Jay Leno is my timeless hero no rust at all , an original make and model , my car idol You Rock Mr Leno thank you !!

Your work and dedication to steam power really makes me happy! So much of this steam technology is getting lost to time and Jay is keeping it alive. There are for sure others doing it as well but Jay is really putting so much more attention into it. I so badly wish I had the skills for it myself.

That is a beautiful XKE. The color almost looks like a rose tint. Can we get more of these behind the scenes resto videos please, it was so captivating seeing everything your doing and the interview and shop tour of the dash place. @Jay Len's Garage hey Jay, do you do hands on with some of the resto as well? Be cool to find out and see you taking part if you do. I love hearing your explanations of everything.

Love that garage find Jag: "Even the bugs are original."

God bless you and this labor of love. Thank you.