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$10 Million Barnfind: Jay Leno Reveals the Rarest Mercedes Gullwing Ever Discovered

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  • Published on Mar 15, 2026
  • This is what buried treasure looks like in 2025. 💰 Jay Leno uncovers one of the most extraordinary automotive discoveries in recent history - a 1956 Mercedes-Benz Alloy Gullwing, one of just 29 ever made, and the only unrestored survivor. Hidden away in a Los Angeles storage garage for nearly 60 years, this ultra-rare, all-aluminum Gullwing was once forgotten - until now.
    Jay walks us through the incredible backstory, the preservation details, and why this hand-built piece of Mercedes racing history sold for nearly $10 million. This isn’t just a car - it’s a time capsule.
    Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime look inside one of the most important barn finds in automotive history.
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    ABOUT JAY LENO'S GARAGE
    A new video every Monday! Visit Jay Leno's Garage, the Emmy-winning series where Jay Leno gives car reviews, motorcycle reviews, compares cars, and shares his passion and expertise on anything that rolls, explodes, and makes noise. Classic cars, restomods, super cars like the McLaren P1, sports cars like Porsche 918 Spyder and Camaro Z28, cafe racers, vintage cars, and much, much more.
    #JayLeno #MercedesGullwing #BarnFind #ClassicCars #MercedesBenz #JayLenosGarage #RareCars #AlloyGullwing #VintageMercedes #PreservationNotRestoration

Comments •

  • @williamhenry3337
    @williamhenry3337 4 months ago +774

    I live in San Diego, and a friend had a steam engine part that Jay Leno needed. We drove up to his garage (2 buildings each the size of Home Depots). Remember, we are just 3 hourly factory workers. He spends at least an hour and a half showing us thru his two buildings. Then he takes us out in two of his cars. Not around the block but on the freeway and all over. We get back, and he says, "Are you guys hungry?" He pulls out a gas grill, cooks up Italian sausages and pasta, and a salad. We sat down and had dinner with Jay Leno. No cameras, nobody to impress. He spent 4 plus hours with us. He is the real deal.😊

    • @brainwithani5693
      @brainwithani5693 3 months ago +13

      I've always loved Jay. He's awesome

    • @Al-Zutt-LearingCenter
      @Al-Zutt-LearingCenter 3 months ago +19

      That's such an incredible experience! So nice to know there really is still good celebrities in this world. Thanks for sharing

    • @MexicanFoodMan
      @MexicanFoodMan 3 months ago +34

      That's the beauty of his success and retirement, he is on HIS schedule, self-made man, truly Epic life, a living Legend in my book.

    • @d.scottjohnstone6813
      @d.scottjohnstone6813 3 months ago +4

      RIGHT ON!

    • @tuberNunya
      @tuberNunya 3 months ago +8

      Thank you . Great story you lucky dudes.

  • @MetricMod
    @MetricMod 10 months ago +1095

    This man, regardless of his fame and societal status, is a true gem. He does this because he loves it. He wants to share his knowledge and love for automotive technology and the history of the industry. I am here for it, EVERY TIME!!!🙌🏾👊🏽

    • @tylerbaldwin1633
      @tylerbaldwin1633 10 months ago +6

      hes a rich goof, i will celebrate when he's gone

    • @MetricMod
      @MetricMod 10 months ago +8

      @ lmao.. cool Tyler. Have a good one.👊🏽

    • @Wfwi
      @Wfwi 10 months ago

      ​@tylerbaldwin1633 get a job or a passion and change your life

    • @MatthewC137
      @MatthewC137 10 months ago +25

      @tylerbaldwin1633 What's rich is you calling him a goof. JFC this world is infested with ignoramuses.

    • @jb6027
      @jb6027 10 months ago +17

      Late Night TV died when Jay Leno retired. Black and white test patterns would be more entertaining that the people that have the spots now.

  • @Ganiscol
    @Ganiscol 10 months ago +462

    You can tell hosting this vehicle was a genuine highlight for Jay 😌

    • @777jones
      @777jones 10 months ago +15

      Jay is ideal to explain why its so cool. Every aspect. The manufacturer history. The LA lore. Hoarding. The patina.

    • @steveprudell9976
      @steveprudell9976 10 months ago +7

      Fantastic job Jay

    • @markh.7650
      @markh.7650 10 months ago

      Currently I am "Hosting" a 1941 Cadillac convertible parade car in the second slot in my 2 car garage. It belongs to a friend who needed a safe, dry place to store it and work on it. He bought it from a museum with about 10k miles on it and it was all original. He's made a few modifications on it for reliability (Electronic ignition and electric wipers). For an 84 year old car it's in amazing shape, zero rust, some paint chips etc. It's amazing the features it has given when it was made (The radio still works!). It even has the front bench seat heated with engine coolant. It's an honor for me to have the car at my place. I could just sit and stare at it for hours. It's not a trailer queen either. He drives it all over when he has the chance. He takes it to local car shows and meets, as well as some further away events that were hundreds of miles away. The other spot in the garage is filled with a somewhat collectible bone stock/unadulterated 1994 Honda Civic DX. KBB value on it is scrap value, but I've had serious offers upwards of $5K. It's really hard to find a Civic from that era that isn't totally clapped out or heavily modified.

    • @detgoat
      @detgoat 9 months ago +2

      absolutely.. but he also could've just bought it himself if he truly wanted

    • @lapsedluddite3381
      @lapsedluddite3381 28 days ago

      @detgoat - but he already has one, so he doesn't need this one...

  • @John-c4r1o
    @John-c4r1o 10 months ago +243

    Massive props to the buyer for letting Jay show it to the world. Beautiful car, imho the most beautiful ever.

    • @Jakob_DK
      @Jakob_DK 8 months ago +7

      Yes, and to Leno for not parking his own next to it for comparison.

    • @DavidRope-l3v
      @DavidRope-l3v 5 months ago

      So hard to argue bud. Bless from Norfolk, England.

  • @flyingfrog2856
    @flyingfrog2856 2 months ago +23

    Jay is one of the few, possibly only "famous" people I have ever wanted to meet. I love that he shares his private collection thru his garage RUclips channel and shares other remarkable cars like this one. A true treasure, both the car & Jay!

    • @tom-u7y6u
      @tom-u7y6u Month ago +1

      Jay Leno and James May are my heroes. They were not military or law enforcement... they are just guys that love classic cars and try to share that love with everyone that they meet.

  • @paulkelly1702
    @paulkelly1702 10 months ago +308

    Jay, when it is done, bring it back, most of us will be right here. We'd love to see it.

    • @ericlambes1293
      @ericlambes1293 10 months ago +4

      Agreed!

    • @CannaBert
      @CannaBert 10 months ago +2

      Hopefully so will he…

    • @pomsrcadventures8482
      @pomsrcadventures8482 10 months ago +1

      Why would you touch it.

    • @MrPrajitura
      @MrPrajitura 10 months ago +15

      @pomsrcadventures8482 because the car deserves to be brought back and driven. Leaving this car to rot for 50 years was a dumb fking thing to do.

  • @JohnathanLingo
    @JohnathanLingo 10 months ago +1030

    Jay Leno: the world's best auto museum docent! I feel like I've gone to school every time I click on one of his classic car videos.

    • @cjmahar7595
      @cjmahar7595 10 months ago +5

      And I'm sure that's the exact compliment a comedian is looking for lol

    • @AlanThornton-c2z
      @AlanThornton-c2z 10 months ago +4

      “Docent”
      What?

    • @thelastninja4825
      @thelastninja4825 10 months ago +4

      Agree

    • @PlayinWithMahWii
      @PlayinWithMahWii 10 months ago +15

      @AlanThornton-c2z Oxford English Dictionary - “A person who acts as a guide, typically on a voluntary basis, in a museum, art gallery, or zoo.”

    • @gordocarbo
      @gordocarbo 9 months ago +2

      @AlanThornton-c2z never heard that word before?

  • @Nahngunnarson
    @Nahngunnarson 10 months ago +478

    In 1968, I worked at European Motors in Seattle (a trainee mechanic fresh out of high school) which specialized in MB and BMW. We had a black, aluminum 300SL parked on the lot, apparently waiting for parts (and went untouched for the whole summer I worked there). I was told it was owned by a Dr. Fodder, had cost him $9,000 and had a racing history. It looked a bit scruffy. I frequently would sit in it with the gull wing door open while eating my lunch, supplied by the nearby Herfy Burger. The shop owner owned a 1962 Maserati 3500 GT that was waiting for valve guide seals. He had it painted in gold with brown highlights matching his friend's AM DB4. We would sometimes start the Maser up just to fill the shop with smoke when we wanted an excuse to take a break. It was worth about $2,500 then. I was driving a 1952 Porsche 356 I paid $750 for. Those were times when a working stiff car buff could enjoy exotic cars. Of course my modest Mazda CX5 Turbo today easily out performs any of those cars today. But I do miss the style of those great old cars.

    • @donswier
      @donswier 10 months ago +25

      Great story!
      Got me craving a Herfy's burger with horseradish.
      We still have an amazing car culture here amongst the evergreens. Perfect climate for cars to last decades.

    • @fepatton
      @fepatton 10 months ago +12

      Herfy's! We had one down the street.

    • @Odder-Being
      @Odder-Being 10 months ago +12

      What i don't like about 'new' cars is the loss of mechanical feedback. Older cars with lots of mechanical feedback are just more exiting to me.

    • @22Epic
      @22Epic 10 months ago +13

      So you were eating inside a customer's car? That's not professional...

    • @guzzijack9714
      @guzzijack9714 10 months ago +6

      Yeah, back in '68 you could buy a Jag XK120/140 in good running condition for under $1000.

  • @johnpedersen6251
    @johnpedersen6251 7 months ago +25

    Prof. Leno - Automotive History 101.

  • @michaelsulpizio606
    @michaelsulpizio606 10 months ago +105

    Jay buried treasure like this is rare! I am a retired automobile restoration technician & shop manager and curator at the time of my retirement! During my 52 years of restoration I was blessed enough to restore two of these rare all aluminum 300 SL Mercedes Benz’s at two different shops. Both specialized in the restoration of Mercedes Benz automobile’s & no longer exist in Southern California! I was also able to work on & show the first prototype - SLS Mercedes Benz Roadster a life long lasting memory because at the shop I worked at in Panorama City in the San Fernando valley, when the cars you were working on neared completion they were tuned and test driven for about 400 miles to complete their break in period ! The gullwing door struts were chromed from the factory, the radio speaker grill is the proper one , and in the proper location! Seeing this car kin this condition is a -
    Treat! Exciting if you are starting a restoration! But you are right it’s a great specimen to keep it the way it is, make it run but as is! & as you know they have a special class at the concourse De’elegance shows now a Survivor class. Too bad it’s missing the bumpers, if that’s all ? 🤷‍♂Great story , great subject ! Always look forward to your episodes! Miss the business, almost went to work at your shop back in the day! 👍Keep going!!! 👍…..

    • @Street-Ryder
      @Street-Ryder 10 months ago +1

      You talk more than him

    • @cefery
      @cefery 9 months ago +3

      Kudos to you!!!

    • @gordocarbo
      @gordocarbo 9 months ago +2

      What shop? Valley is my old stomping grounds...

  • @sammyt3514
    @sammyt3514 10 months ago +632

    I could watch Jay talk cars for hours; his passion for the subject matter is infectious.

    • @poplaurentiu4148
      @poplaurentiu4148 10 months ago +6

      On same collection of Rudi Klein was a much less known vehicle that could be more interesting for viewers 1935 Rudolf Caracciola - Mercedes 500k roadster..
      I would love to hear & find out more about that specially from someone so well documented and so passionate about cars like Jay Leno..

    • @rkm237
      @rkm237 10 months ago +5

      Sammy I was going to say the exact same thing. If people don't watch this and grow a love and appreciation for old and original cars, then I don't know what will!

    • @corporateaccountspayablenina
      @corporateaccountspayablenina 10 months ago +3

      with a lifetime of public speaking, his natural disposition and cadence is so easy to listen to. Might be at its best now with age.

    • @sammyt3514
      @sammyt3514 10 months ago +4

      @rkm237 Agreed; Jay Leno's videos are required viewing for anyone interested in classic cars, or car in general.

    • @karlroebling3316
      @karlroebling3316 8 months ago

      Only "hours"? I've watched all of Jay's car videos once and several (many?) more than once.

  • @donswier
    @donswier 10 months ago +98

    German vs Italian church bell analogy = gold ☺️.

    • @fhrswa
      @fhrswa 10 months ago +3

      Love Jay's stories...

    • @christianhofmann7182
      @christianhofmann7182 10 months ago

      Compare a Ferrari F1 cockpit from the 2000 years to a Mercedes cockpit. The cables and lines inside are parallel and well fixed in the Mercedes and weired in the Ferrari 😊

    • @gustlfaller4494
      @gustlfaller4494 2 months ago +1

      Unfortunately, Germany is going more and more italian, or more realistic, Bagdad style. 😢

  • @EntireStaff
    @EntireStaff 10 months ago +681

    It’s evident to an 80+ dufus like me that appreciating the world’s treasures can only be achieved by listening to experts explain its worthiness. And when that expert is Jay Leno, it’s not only an education, but a totally enjoyable and rewarding experience.
    One episode, two treasures. Thank you.

    • @Ragos71
      @Ragos71 10 months ago +8

      It could not have reached a better Man/Garage. He will take care of it and likely show the world the restored Car in all its Glory.

    • @Notfiveo0
      @Notfiveo0 10 months ago +5

      To a non mega rich person such as me it is a $500 back of the lot special. It reminds me of my 1960 Alfa that had more spray foam filler than solid metal in the body just to hold it together. The best thing about that car was the sound of its engine exhaust through a straight pipe. (This is satire). 😂

    • @ricglass14
      @ricglass14 10 months ago +3

      @Notfiveo0 yes, we get it

    • @marktatum2592
      @marktatum2592 10 months ago

      Who is the lucky person that currently has possession of this fine automobile?
      I am assuming it is friend of J's.
      @Ragos71

    • @robbernath
      @robbernath 10 months ago +2

      ​@Ragos71 you didn't listen to him explain that someone else (not him) purchased this car and has plans to restore it. The new owner just let Jay have the car at his warehouse garage to record this video, then off it went to have the restoration work done to it.

  • @79blustone
    @79blustone 10 months ago +167

    Jay Leno has that kind of voice and passion you could listen to for hours. Beautiful car. Thanks Jay

    • @Ruupie_1982
      @Ruupie_1982 10 months ago +3

      Yes absolutely. No one can tell car stories better than Jay. Hopefully he can go on telling for years❤😉👍🏻

    • @FishFind3000
      @FishFind3000 10 months ago +4

      @Ruupie_1982is kinda what made him a perfect tv host

  • @haviiithelegogunner907
    @haviiithelegogunner907 10 months ago +129

    The 300 SL is such a beauty. Timeless beauty.

  • @artoo45
    @artoo45 10 months ago +171

    I saw this car at Sotheby’s paddock area at velocity invitational last year. It was sitting next to a flawlessly restored 300SL. The juxtaposition was intoxicating.

    • @fhrswa
      @fhrswa 10 months ago +8

      That would have been a sight! 🤯😍😜

    • @Greg-io1ip
      @Greg-io1ip 10 months ago +3

      New thesaurus or prone the feather boa flamboyance? LoL
      Well it must be nice to form sentences that reveal a cushy life.
      Pardon my envy.
      Sigh

    • @fila6243
      @fila6243 10 months ago +5

      the last sentence deserves a prize😂

    • @builtwellpt
      @builtwellpt 10 months ago +1

      I got to see it there, too!!

    • @idiotburns
      @idiotburns 10 months ago +1

      @Greg-io1ipIt really just books dude

  • @RedMistCDN
    @RedMistCDN 10 months ago +178

    Who would have thought, Jay Leno would have the greatest car show of all time.

    • @Nate-bd8fg
      @Nate-bd8fg 10 months ago +6

      Now, kids only know jay leno as that random ruch guy with all the cars! No idea who he was

    • @seanbonella
      @seanbonella 10 months ago +9

      top gear UK was....sorry

    • @thresher455
      @thresher455 10 months ago +1

      ​@seanbonella top gear UK and Jay's he brings the car guy passion like the 3 did.

    • @Anth230
      @Anth230 10 months ago

      We have thought it for about 15 years now.

    • @markm0000
      @markm0000 10 months ago +1

      No more big enough production TV shows with good hosts that respect cars. It’s all fast money, quick cuts, and funny jokes to get people’s attention. Also people with these collectible cars are scared sharing it with TV shows because anything can happen to the cars at any moment.

  • @dinispaulino7512
    @dinispaulino7512 10 months ago +71

    This episode could have been 2 hours long of Jay just talking and walking around the car and I would gladly watch every second of it. Pure joy.

  • @Gramercy_Stiffs
    @Gramercy_Stiffs 9 months ago +35

    Never ceases to amaze me how a $20 car cover could preserve the integrity of a parked classic car and add thousand if not millions to its value. Yet people still can't be bothered to do it.

    • @kevinkepley4714
      @kevinkepley4714 2 months ago

      Depends on were,how,and if it's in a dry climate

    • @Gramercy_Stiffs
      @Gramercy_Stiffs 2 months ago +1

      @kevinkepley4714 UV damage doesn't care how dry it is.

  • @peterbroderson6080
    @peterbroderson6080 10 months ago +481

    I wrote Mercedes in 1964 at 17, about the 300 SLR, and they sent me a ten page document about the 300 SLR,
    plus posters of some of their recent sport cars for sale. I was impressed. Thanks Jay!

    • @edwardfletcher7790
      @edwardfletcher7790 10 months ago +18

      That package if you still had it would be worth THOUSANDS 👍😁

    • @8chrisharris8
      @8chrisharris8 10 months ago +3

      Incredible 300SL

    • @a3nofficial25
      @a3nofficial25 10 months ago +4

      Considering its the most valuable car in the world rn, It would be super interesting to see how much it was valued in back then! I got the opportunity to see the uhlenhault coupe 2 years ago and its stunning to look at the differences between it and a "regular" gullwing side by side in the museum

    • @edwardfletcher7790
      @edwardfletcher7790 10 months ago +7

      ​@a3nofficial25 It's not the most valuable, it's not even Top 3...
      EDIT : Ok it seems like I missed a ridiculous auction price during COVID. Perhaps the buyer thought nobody would be having auctions in the future to pay that much ? Or mebbe he got into a bidding war with another one of his Oil Baron buddies, but paying 51 million for a car is INSANE, let alone 151 million !! 😮 WTF ??

    • @albertvainaa
      @albertvainaa 10 months ago

      @edwardfletcher7790 In 2022 Uhlenhaut was sold for 135 Million Euros. That makes it the most expensive car in the world. Top 1.

  • @denbo1064
    @denbo1064 10 months ago +61

    Quite simply - if you love cars, you have to love Jay. Thank you Jay for all you’ve done, and continue to do.

  • @Rick2.5
    @Rick2.5 10 months ago +70

    Two icons in the automotive world, 300 SL & Jay ! Thanks, Rick….. 🌴

  • @Crosby216
    @Crosby216 10 months ago +7

    Jay is the greatest treasure the automotive industry has.

  • @ModernMensHealth
    @ModernMensHealth 8 months ago +15

    I’m so happy to see Jay doing what he loves and getting so much success on RUclips after the network abandoned him. Don’t worry Jay, your true fans are still with you!!

  • @manowartank8784
    @manowartank8784 10 months ago +91

    Car full of dirt and still absolutelly stunning and beatiful... it is really a piece of art. Thank you Jay, immediately one of my favourite episodes.

    • @chadbailey7038
      @chadbailey7038 10 months ago +8

      I was just thinking the same thing! Looks amazing dusty and dirty

    • @ArtVandelayOfficial
      @ArtVandelayOfficial 10 months ago +3

      Leaving the dirt on is utterly moronic

    • @TheSilverShadow17
      @TheSilverShadow17 10 months ago +1

      ​@ArtVandelayOfficial Yet it tells a story that the car is a legitimate and an authentic barn find, especially for something as rare as an Alloy body 300SL Gullwing.

    • @ironmonkey1512
      @ironmonkey1512 10 months ago +1

      Can't wait until this fad is over. Wash the damn thing!

    • @TheSilverShadow17
      @TheSilverShadow17 10 months ago +2

      @ironmonkey1512 As long as the car retains it's original patina like the discolored paint and some of the rust, I see no problem with keeping the barn find vibe authentic and legit.

  • @garytull7730
    @garytull7730 10 months ago +178

    This car is nearly 70 years old, yet it's still one of the most beautiful stylings ever drawn by man. Thanks for the tour Jay.

  • @aaronmann4809
    @aaronmann4809 10 months ago +38

    I could listen to Jay talk about cars for hours.

  • @Thomas-vq5pb
    @Thomas-vq5pb Month ago +1

    This is what the hobby is all about : long lasting passion. You’re the best ambassador our hobby could hope for!❤

  • @duke6321
    @duke6321 10 months ago +13

    I was very fortunate to be able to start my career as a car mechanic with the restoration of several 300SL Gullwings. One of these gullwing cars was like the one shown here in the video with an all-aluminum body and the lightweight engine with aluminum engine block instead of gray cast iron. At that time (1980) we bought the vehicle in desolate condition in the USA and brought it to Germany. My colleague took care of the bodywork and I took care of the technology. We spent a good year getting the vehicle back to its original condition. Some components had to be remade, the fabric for the interior lining of the headliner was no longer available, so we had it made in a weaving mill. The 300SL was not only the first production vehicle with a four-stroke engine and injection, but it was a direct injection system that was mechanically controlled. This was virtually racing technology of the fifties for the road.
    After that, I also restored various Porsches, including racing sports cars of the type 904 GTS, 908 and also a 917K (a great vehicle that I still adore today), various Ferraris and Lamborghini from the time of the sixties and seventies... but the Mercedes-Benz 300SL were and still are in my memory as special vehicles. I have remained loyal to the brand to this day, privately and professionally.
    The 300SL with lightweight body and alloy engine, which was restored at the time, has been back in the USA for a long time and has been partially restored there in the meantime... Unfortunately, I have not found any information about the whereabouts.

  • @johnboydTx
    @johnboydTx 10 months ago +46

    Once in a lifetime
    Thank you Mr Leno 🙏

  • @sly2392
    @sly2392 10 months ago +5541

    i really hate to say this. when jay passes away the automotive world will have lost one of its greatest historians and just one of its kindest and caring individuals there is. HERES TO MANY MORE YEARS OF THIS GENTLMAN.

    • @fhrswa
      @fhrswa 10 months ago +107

      Well, I hate to HEAR this (but you are totally correct, sir) 😢

    • @matias.salimbene
      @matias.salimbene 10 months ago +276

      It would be great if people stop talking about being said when Jay passes away WHILE HE STILL ALIVE AND KICKING, just to farm effing likes.

    • @jeffleishman1553
      @jeffleishman1553 10 months ago +30

      Yeah, when Jay dies, he's gonna leave a legend behind.I'm just wondering who gets all his stuff.Since he has no kids or family it'll probably donate it to the stupid state of california

    • @n.v.1258
      @n.v.1258 10 months ago +46

      I totally agree. Stop with the when, live for now.

    • @dirkbag22
      @dirkbag22 10 months ago +7

      @jeffleishman1553 Not likely.

  • @jimf4492
    @jimf4492 10 months ago +58

    Thanks for bringing this one on here. I'm really glad the car was bought by an enthusiast, and won't be over-restored. Hopefully it will actually be driven.!

  • @cokebottles6919
    @cokebottles6919 10 months ago +8

    I'm not much of a car guy, but Jay's love, passion, and knowledge for them is infectious.

  • @cycoholic
    @cycoholic 10 months ago +25

    I agree. I've thought for years that the Mercedes Benz 300 SL Gullwing is the first supercar. It was more than a sports car, it broke that mold when they came up with that shape. The reason the doors open up that way was because of the chassis was a tubular frame, and was quite high between the wheels for extra strength, as well as added safety for the occupants. Whatever it is, it's a beautiful car. One thing that people always say about exotic supercars, you know it's an exotic supercar because it's awkward to get in and out. 😅

    • @a11oge
      @a11oge 10 months ago

      and the next year the Jag XKSS

  • @stinkeye460
    @stinkeye460 5 months ago +2

    Jay worked hard to achieve his success. He deserves everything he has today.

  • @PaulDarwynSmith
    @PaulDarwynSmith 10 months ago +51

    Jay Leno will definitely be around when this is finished. He has to be, as no one else could possibly introduce it and drive like he can. Thanks for sharing with us!

  • @vincentsmith3701
    @vincentsmith3701 10 months ago +48

    Jay is a true gentleman who knows his cars and what his fans want to see and appreciate

  • @THEBIGREDAPE
    @THEBIGREDAPE 10 months ago +27

    My absolute favourite car. I got to sit in one when I was a kid

    • @lutomson3496
      @lutomson3496 10 months ago +2

      I almost bought one in the 70s not aluminum for 12k, unreliable and broke down all the time hence they were so cheap..and I didnt want a maint nightmare nor an expensive mechanic...instead i bought a home which started making me a ton of money over the decades more then the car would have

  • @RustyandRoscoe
    @RustyandRoscoe Month ago +1

    Jay is the best. Thanks for you!

  • @TheKwambus
    @TheKwambus 10 months ago +4

    The design is timeless. Stunning. Thank you for showing us this beautiful car Jay.

  • @JessBottom-m5i
    @JessBottom-m5i 10 months ago +18

    My favorite Jay Leno video. Jay just explaining a vintage car and telling its history.

  • @thinman8621
    @thinman8621 10 months ago +52

    Seventy-year-old beauty. Thank you, Jay, for sharing it with us.

  • @lynnbennrtt4844
    @lynnbennrtt4844 10 months ago +27

    I worked with a fellow engineer here in So Cal. Back in the 1960’s he bought a Mercedes 300SL. He drove it as a daily driver for a few years and then decided to restore it. So he totally disassembled it in his basement (old house), identifying every part with a paper tag. He got side tracked and left it disassembled in the basement for decades. His dog ate all the tags leaving him unwilling to put it back together. It remained in that basement for decades until someone offered him a bag full of money for it as parts. Don’t think this guy stupid because he was genius MIT engineer! But he was a bit backwoods coming from West Virginia, I believe.

  • @16Tango
    @16Tango 9 months ago

    One of my favorite cars ever, just glorious.

  • @rw8147
    @rw8147 3 months ago

    There's definitely something extra special about Jay's stories when he's talking about a Mercedes. So much personal history and so much love.

  • @Lu-KN
    @Lu-KN 10 months ago +29

    Thanks Jay, please keep us posted about this gem!

  • @kentmessmacher3239
    @kentmessmacher3239 10 months ago +37

    I just saw Jay in Nashville Indiana. He was great. Love the cars but without him just another car show. Long live Jay Leno

  • @SamirSalehvelocityone
    @SamirSalehvelocityone 10 months ago +14

    Please bring it back or go to it and show us the progress I know we'd all love to see that.

  • @paulholdstock4751
    @paulholdstock4751 5 months ago

    Thank you Jay, really brought back memories.

  • @zundap100
    @zundap100 6 months ago

    This is real thing, collector's dream. Thanks for video and cool story.

  • @RemiPut
    @RemiPut 10 months ago +18

    Thanks Mr. Leno , nice piece of history 👍

  • @romac9516
    @romac9516 10 months ago +16

    What a stunner - thanks for showing the internet

  • @DigitalJeremy
    @DigitalJeremy 10 months ago +17

    Amazing example of this car. Timeless elegance like the 956.

  • @patrickmoore1727
    @patrickmoore1727 9 months ago

    Such a pleasent fellow to listen and understand his interest.

  • @skyedogrs
    @skyedogrs 9 months ago +2

    Mr Leno, I know you know production but this vid is the most genuine, honest, simply edited and detailed tribute to a barn find unicorn of a car. Thank you

  • @DNGR369
    @DNGR369 10 months ago +29

    The way Leno jumps from detail to detail in the order that he does it in is exactly what my brain wants lol. Best presenter ever and wholesome viewing at all times

  • @chuckcts-v3460
    @chuckcts-v3460 10 months ago +24

    I am 82 yo, can remember appx 1955 seeing a gullwing on the street in Cincinnati, Oh. Knew at first sight that it was a special car. Stopped and looked it over front to rear.

    • @robertbuckles7170
      @robertbuckles7170 10 months ago +1

      Was that a light blue gullwing. I remember seeing one at Shepherd Mercedes in the late 60s or early 70s.

    • @chuckcts-v3460
      @chuckcts-v3460 10 months ago +1

      @robertbuckles7170 Yes.

  • @jx024x
    @jx024x 10 months ago +21

    I loved this video, just a relaxing view on a legendary automobile.

  • @King_David_
    @King_David_ 10 months ago +1

    I could listen to him for hours

  • @Johnny53kgb-nsa
    @Johnny53kgb-nsa 10 months ago

    Very interesting history of a treasured Mercedes. Thank you.

  • @pb3033
    @pb3033 10 months ago +16

    History has cars too..this is one of them..A rare gem. Thanks Jay !

  • @aidannesicolaci
    @aidannesicolaci 10 months ago +74

    2 legends together.

  • @isaackent2355
    @isaackent2355 10 months ago +53

    Love how Jay just tells a story off the top of his head, no script, no cuts, it's all there in his memory

    • @imvarda
      @imvarda 10 months ago +3

      That's what they make it look like, anyway :)

    • @llamamanis
      @llamamanis 10 months ago +2

      He’s a comedian, they often have a good memory and sense of timing

  • @ConstructionEquipment1

    Thanks Jay for showing us this beautiful gullwing.....

  • @timmaine3327
    @timmaine3327 9 months ago

    Thank you Jay. YOU.. are a treasure.

  • @coreyswann8735
    @coreyswann8735 10 months ago +24

    Jay, that was so neat to see! I always enjoy the content you put out, because with you it doesn't feel like content; it feels like a conversation.

  • @williamsherer2580
    @williamsherer2580 10 months ago +30

    WOW. both priceless! Only Jay could discuss this time capsule.
    Can't imagine Not having Jay. He's an encyclopedia of automotive history.

    • @lucasrem
      @lucasrem 4 months ago

      He became his self, my parents never watch his late night shows.
      This show is way better.

  • @spacemissing
    @spacemissing 10 months ago +9

    Careful with that dirt. It's a protective coating.

  • @g60force
    @g60force 9 months ago

    Jay I hope that you'll be around to drive it when it's finished, please never leave us!

  • @AISoundLabs
    @AISoundLabs 8 months ago

    Man I love Jay for these historical videos.

  • @TDCflyer
    @TDCflyer 10 months ago +11

    Surprisingly it seems this car was originally painted in "Lackierung: Kunstharz DB 406" as seen on the plaque at 09:49 , which is " Cayenneorange", a somewhat dull orange color.

    • @robertedwards5456
      @robertedwards5456 10 months ago +2

      Great catch!

    • @MrWolfSnack
      @MrWolfSnack 10 months ago +1

      That is unbelievably rare. It's a one of one color like that one car that was just found in the hills of Italy painted in brown. This is why you DO NOT EVER CHANGE a car's factory paint when restoring a car. There are times when someone special orders a color and it ends up being the only one ever made or sold in that color because nobody else was that insane. I have NEVER seen an orange Merc gullwing. There seems to be only one in that color left and its restored.

  • @Philip.Magnusson
    @Philip.Magnusson 10 months ago +11

    Hope Jay will be around for many more years to talk about rare classic cars! He's passionate about all cars and his knowledge extends just as far. Always a treat.

  • @3ducs
    @3ducs 10 months ago +29

    I was at a junkyard just today. I found some steel I'll use to make a chassis rotisserie, also bought a shelf to salvage the sheet metal to make patch panels on my 1960 Austin Healey 3000 BT7. So, not quite the find that 300SL was, but I'd been all over trying to find that stuff. Junkyards are great places. When I told the owner what I was looking for he led me down some narrow alleys and found just what I was looking for. Those junkyard guys are special people.

    • @Miles_High1
      @Miles_High1 10 months ago +2

      How they remember where something specific is, truly amazes me haha!

    • @3ducs
      @3ducs 10 months ago +1

      @Miles_High1 He was an old guy, like me, I spend all my time searching for stuff in my basement and garage, he has acres and acres filled with who knows how many thousands of random items, and he found just what I was looking for!

  • @tommywilliams5135
    @tommywilliams5135 10 months ago

    Jay is walking history professor got love him

  • @JJ-fd2ob
    @JJ-fd2ob 7 months ago

    Weekend mornings coffee and Jay's Garage - look forward to it every time.

  • @jensen1971
    @jensen1971 10 months ago +12

    I had a similar experience in 1972 when I was 12 years old. Was riding my bike around the corner gas station, saw this crazy gull-wing 300sl in rough condition. Being fascinated by the car, I asked the station owner if he would sell it (not that I had any money), he wanted $6000 for it! Too bad I missed out.

  • @DonFarmer-hq5sw
    @DonFarmer-hq5sw 10 months ago +15

    I’d love to see it cleaned up 🧼

    • @gm-zz8so
      @gm-zz8so 10 months ago +1

      I agree I dont see the point in saving the dirt and rust. If it were in better shape without all the rust maybe but this is filthy and its not doing the metal and upholstery any good.

  • @jimmysexton4201
    @jimmysexton4201 10 months ago +9

    Imagine with the collection Jay has trying to decide which auto to drive this morning!!! Never the less I'm glad each and every one of them are in his ownership!!! Always taken the best care of!!

  • @tonywastler5944
    @tonywastler5944 8 months ago

    I could listen to Jay talk about cars all day.

  • @bradwilliams4921
    @bradwilliams4921 10 months ago +8

    Thanks for giving us a look at such a classic and iconic car in its natural state.

  • @theboardcrafter1336
    @theboardcrafter1336 10 months ago +6

    That video wasn't long enough😅 love the car

  • @rocknroll4642
    @rocknroll4642 10 months ago +22

    Even though not being able to get near any of these gems, it’s a pleasure to get them presented in an unpretentious manner and have a close look at authentic automotive history. Thanks for presenting and sharing with us.

    • @AxLWake
      @AxLWake 10 months ago +1

      I went to a classic car show in Brussels. There were no less than five of these. Two coupés and three convertibles. All for sale, like all cars presented.
      Insane.
      They look even better when you get to see them "in the metal" and up close.

  • @PumaTwoU
    @PumaTwoU 9 months ago

    Things on my bucket list include: Seeing Jay's collection and talking about cars.

  • @JohnValentineGuam
    @JohnValentineGuam 8 months ago

    Watching from Guam. Great program, Mr. Leno.

  • @ufixem
    @ufixem 10 months ago +15

    You said it Jay, Rudy was a character all right. In the late 70’s I was a counterman at Klauer’s Foreign Auto Wreckers in San Jose. Always loved hearing Rudy jump on the voice hotline pre computer. I’d yell, 76 Porsche 930 deck lid & rear bumper He’d pick up and say, Porsche Foreign can do that, then he’d give the price. I can still hear his voice in his thick accent. His prices were retail +++, but he had the stuff nobody had. He was a legend. Thanks for sharing, brought back some great memories.

    • @seancasey2444
      @seancasey2444 10 months ago +2

      That's awesome that you knew him Rudy was definitely a smart guy keeping all those cars and parts.

  • @SonnyFastSpeed
    @SonnyFastSpeed 10 months ago +8

    Great! Thanks From Finland! 🇫🇮

  • @sergio74v41
    @sergio74v41 10 months ago +6

    There are just some ppl that I thank God I am alive to share the world with. Been a fan of Jay since the 80s. Thank u for great content

  • @jjforcebreaker
    @jjforcebreaker 7 months ago

    Beyond gorgeous piece of art!

  • @boyan1277
    @boyan1277 10 months ago +1

    A “LIKE” here is a huge understatement

  • @Greg-io1ip
    @Greg-io1ip 10 months ago +11

    That Talbot - Lago is effing beautiful. I understand the Gullwing significance and niche, but the Talbot is like a well made suit jacket that makes a statement without any words spoken.
    Or should I say "A well made denim shirt that's soft from years of wearing and finally getting noticed on Jay Leno's Garage"?

  • @72stutz
    @72stutz 10 months ago +7

    Beautiful...thank you Jay ❤

  • @axispowerdiesel
    @axispowerdiesel 10 months ago +9

    The guy with the jaguar will never live down the water heaters

  • @lvthud
    @lvthud 10 months ago +2

    The history on this car is amazing and hearing Jay talk about it takes it to a different level.

  • @thorstensellheim162
    @thorstensellheim162 6 months ago

    I really love to hear him talk and let us be part of old, historical moments! Go on Jay and keep us fascinated.

  • @wallymarx9646
    @wallymarx9646 10 months ago +6

    What a great story. Love this episode.

  • @sumo_steve45
    @sumo_steve45 10 months ago +5

    I genuinely appreciated this episode. You can tell that Jay REALLY cares about this vehicle and all that it has to offer its owner - and those who will restore it. Well done Sir.

  • @nealsteik9408
    @nealsteik9408 10 months ago +122

    When Jay opened the door, the first thing I thought was "Wow, the struts still keep the door up!" Amazing...

    • @donaldsalkovick396
      @donaldsalkovick396 10 months ago

      Well they're alloy doors

    • @Nevoexpo
      @Nevoexpo 10 months ago +3

      barely used, why wouldn't it? Wow, look at that thing go, its doing what it was supposed to...

    • @greg4876
      @greg4876 10 months ago +1

      First thing I thought was he just about broke the door... It come up pretty fast lol

    • @markm0000
      @markm0000 10 months ago +8

      @Nevoexpo there’s o rings in those struts older than you and I put together and they’re still working.

    • @guillo88
      @guillo88 10 months ago +1

      @Nevoexpo at least 68 years old.. thats a lot of time. Not the most impressive thing, but pretty remarcable.

  • @peagee4518
    @peagee4518 10 months ago

    Best monologue ever....nice

  • @brawnbenson552
    @brawnbenson552 9 months ago

    Jay we love your passion, we truly love you! ❤

  • @umpthingdifferent
    @umpthingdifferent 10 months ago +5

    Thanks Jay wonderful survivor .