Leno’s 1971 DeTomaso Pantera roars like you may expect it to from the way it looks, thanks to its influential Ford Cleveland, 351-cubic-inch, 5.75-liter V8 engine. Though it’s been called an “American supercar,” and despite the fact it’s valued at around $700,000, it’s not without its faults, the main one being that, no matter how small you are, sitting comfortably inside isn’t a possibility.
Still, the vehicle produced from the ‘70s through the early ‘90s creates a strong presence on the road, and one the car enthusiast enjoys to the fullest.
’71 Citroën DS
The Citroën DS was first introduced to the world in the mid-'50s, though it provides a mixed feel and looks of both vintage and futuristic. But despite its attractive aesthetics, all of the elements work together in the larger picture of making this one good ride.
Take, for instance, the large headlights – they turn along with the steering wheel, so the driver has an easier time seeing the road at night. Some even argue that, though it’s been called “bizarre” and “strange,” the DS is the best car of the 20th century.
1916 Crane-Simplex Holbrook Skiff
Many vehicles are sometimes jokingly referred to as “boats,” when they’re incredibly large, but this 1916 Crane Simplex was purposely designed to resemble one. They were also intended only to be driven by the super-wealthy, made to be the most powerful, largest American luxury car of its time.
And that they did, as they were driven by big names, like the Rockefellers and Vanderbilts. Only 121 of the cars were ever built, and Leno, who particularly likes how it looks like it can float, is proud to call this one his.
DeLorean DMC-12
While Jay may have many expensive and original cars in his garage, his $750,000 1981 DeLorean DMC-12 would make a lot of people pretty jealous. Why? Because it’s a replica of the famous, time-traveling DeLorean in "Back to the Future."
Of course, an actual ’81 DeLorean DMC-12 was only worth about $25,000 at its prime, and, if not a movie replica, is only worth between that and $40,000 on today’s market. The entertainer drove it for a while, because how could he not? But he was quick to figure out that, without power steering, it didn’t drive smoothly at all.
’92 Dodge Viper
Leno’s Dodge Viper is one of just 285 models built during the first full year of the car’s production – 1992 – which is the same year he added it to his collection. Although the vehicle has an alloy, V10 8-0-liter engine that pumps out up to 400 hp, it still manages to be lightweight, thanks to its composite body over a tubular frame.
If the entertainer had had it his way, he would’ve gotten his hands on a rarer model, “Dodge Viper #4,” as in the fourth ever to be built, but the brand had other ideas.