Jay Leno shares the incredible story behind his 1965 Pontiac Grand Prix, a vehicle that represents the "Golden Era" of Pontiac performance under John DeLorean. This isn’t just a restoration project; it’s a tribute to its previous owner, James Taylor—a retired Navy attack pilot who credited this very car with saving his son’s life decades ago.
After James realized the project was becoming overwhelming, he gifted the car to Jay to ensure it was "done right". Jay took this "good old girl" and performed a sympathetic restoration, returning it to its original color while adding a few modern touches for reliability and comfort on today's roads.In this episode, Jay discusses:
The Acquisition: How a simple phone call about 14-inch wheels led to a lifelong friendship with a Navy veteran.
Life-Saving History: The dramatic story of James Taylor driving this car at 120 mph to get his son to the hospital just in time.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Avg98G4A0LM