Thursday, December 12, 2013

Forbes Life Portfolio Jay Leno

Jay Leno

Jay Leno

Leno prefers the classics - like this 1932 Duesenberg SJ - to the vintage Ferraris and Lamborghinis that fetch million-dollar prices at auction. "It didn't start out to be a collection," he says. "I just bought stuff that I liked."
Jay Leno

I like cars that are interesting," Leno says. "Not all rare cars are expensive. Not all expensive cars are rare. But it's fun to be able to save them, and there are a few people around who appreciate that kind of thing."

Jay Leno
A 1965 Ford GT 350, a 427 Cobra, a 2005 Ford GT, and a 1989 Ford Festiva ("heavily modified," Jay says proudly). 
Jay Leno
From left: A 1953 Hudson Hornet coupe, a 1951 Hudson Hornet, and a 1955 Buick Roadmaster.
Jay Leno
No expense is spared to perfect the collection, Leno says. "I don't put a value on it. It's invaluable, and I maintain it as such."

"It's just a lot of work, a lot of tinkering," Leno says. "There's always something to do, so that's why they're great fun." This car is a 1950 Hispano-Suiza.
Jay Leno
"A lot of stuff I have here, it's from guys like me: guys without kids," Leno says. "This is their baby." From left: A modified Jaguar XKE, a 1954 Jaguar XKE 120M coupe, a 1954 Jaguar XKE 120 Roadster, a 1960 Triumph TR3, and a 1971 MG Midget.

"Vintage cars tend to make people happy," Leno says. "They smile. They wave. Kids point."

Front: A 1906 Stanley Steamer Vanderbilt Cup Racer.
Jay Leno
A 1906 Advance tractor.  

Source: forbes.com