Jay Leno is synonymous with cars. For decades, the former Tonight Show host has cultivated not just a public persona deeply entwined with automotive enthusiasm, but also one of the most envied and extensive car collections in the world. Walk into Jay Leno’s Garage, and you’re immediately immersed in a breathtaking display of automotive history and innovation. But the question that burns in the minds of car lovers everywhere is: How Many Cars Does Jay Leno Have?
While the exact number fluctuates as Leno buys, sells, and restores vehicles, it’s widely estimated that Jay Leno owns over 200 vehicles, encompassing cars and motorcycles. His collection isn’t just about quantity; it’s about quality, rarity, and a deep appreciation for automotive engineering and design across different eras. From pre-war classics to cutting-edge supercars, Leno’s garage is a living museum of automotive history.
Among the gleaming treasures housed in his massive Burbank, California facility are vehicles that would make any car enthusiast weak in the knees. Imagine standing before a stunning volcano yellow 2015 McLaren P1, a hypercar valued at close to $2 million. Or marveling at the sheer audacity of a unique 1963 Chrysler Turbine car, engineered to run on virtually any combustible fuel, including vegetable oil. And for a touch of timeless elegance, there’s an iconic 1963 Jaguar XK-E, often hailed as one of the most beautiful cars ever designed and a pinnacle of 1960s sports car styling.
Classic cars meticulously arranged in Jay Leno's Garage, showcasing a portion of his extensive and valuable automobile collection.
But Leno’s collection isn’t solely about high-dollar exotics. It’s also deeply personal, filled with vehicles that hold sentimental value. Take, for example, his `55 Buick, purchased for a mere $350 when he first arrived in Los Angeles. This humble Buick served as his home for a brief period, was the car he used to court his wife, and famously, the vehicle he drove to host The Tonight Show for the very first time in 1992, and again on his emotional final show over two decades later. This Buick isn’t just a car; it’s a tangible representation of his journey and success.
Housed within a sprawling warehouse that covers almost two city blocks, Jay Leno’s Garage is more than just a storage space. It’s a fully operational facility where every vehicle is meticulously maintained, gassed up, charged, and ready to be driven. The complex also includes a bustling restoration workshop, where skilled technicians work tirelessly to preserve and revive automotive history. This incredible space also serves as the backdrop for his popular CNBC show, Jay Leno’s Garage, bringing his passion and collection to a global audience.
Protecting a $50 Million Collection
With such an extraordinary and valuable collection – estimated to be worth upwards of $50 million – security is paramount. Leno and his team employ a comprehensive security strategy to safeguard his automotive treasures. This includes round-the-clock onsite security patrols, robust perimeter defenses, stringent access control measures, and a state-of-the-art video surveillance and monitoring system.
“These are my most valuable objects, so obviously I want to protect them,” Leno explains. “And the best way to do that is with sophisticated video surveillance and recording. Our monitoring company uses our video system to keep a watch on the building 24 hours a day, plus we have gated entrances and all of the other security precautions, so that makes you feel secure.”
To ensure the highest level of protection, Leno upgraded to a cutting-edge March Networks video solution, replacing an older system that was nearing obsolescence. The improvement in video quality was immediately apparent.
“The Difference Was Night and Day”
“I’ve had cameras here for a long time, and like a lot of things, you just get used to them. I thought everybody moved like this,” Leno joked, mimicking robotic movements. “I thought that’s just the way surveillance cameras were. Then I called March Networks and said ‘Show me the latest equipment.’ All of a sudden, people on video were walking at regular speed, and I could actually see what was in someone’s hand, or if a guy’s got a mustache. The difference was night and day.”
The March Networks system implemented at Jay Leno’s Garage features advanced 9000 Series IP Recorders that seamlessly integrate with both existing and new cameras. The system utilizes high-performance March Networks dome cameras and versatile PTZ IP cameras, including models with expansive 360° and 180° field of views.
Authorized personnel can easily access live and recorded video through the intuitive March Networks Command Client software, while Leno’s security monitoring company maintains remote oversight using Command Enterprise Software. Crucially, local law enforcement can also gain remote access to the system if necessary, providing an added layer of security.
Leno also benefits from March Networks Insight service, which proactively manages system maintenance, software updates, and diagnostics. This service ensures optimal system performance and frees up Leno’s team from time-consuming maintenance tasks.
Remote Garage Monitoring for Peace of Mind
For Jay Leno, who frequently travels for his comedy career, the remote monitoring capabilities of the system are particularly valuable. The March Networks Command Mobile app allows him to check in on his garage from anywhere in the world.
“Being a comedian, I’m on the road a good deal, so it’s great to be able to pick up my iPad and see what’s going on when I’m away. Even though we have onsite security, I like to be able to check in,” Leno states. “We have about 45 cameras installed in the garage, and I can view video from any of them using the March Networks app. It’s really terrific, especially for peace of mind. If there’s an earthquake, for example, I can just check in and see if anything fell or broke. It’s definitely the feature I use the most.”
He also appreciates the intelligent PTZ auto-tracking feature of the March Networks ME3 Pendant IR PTZ 40X camera. “The auto tracking is a unique feature I wasn’t aware of until I put these new cameras in. The idea that someone can come through the front door and the March Networks camera will automatically follow them no matter where they go is fantastic and very convenient.”
In conclusion, Jay Leno’s car collection is a testament to his lifelong passion for automobiles. With over 200 cars and motorcycles, his garage is a dream destination for any car enthusiast. Protecting this invaluable collection requires a robust and reliable security system, and Jay Leno has found peace of mind in the advanced video surveillance technology provided by March Networks. For Leno, a self-confessed “old technology” enthusiast, the reliability and seamless operation of the system are the most important features. “I haven’t had it go down or black out. I never have to say ‘Oh, the cameras are down today.’… In fact, it’s actually been quite good.”
