Hanging Out at Big Dog

I hit the jackpot and got to visit Jay Leno's Big Dog Garage in Burbank yesterday. Bob Sales, another one of those car guys "living the dream" by getting to work around an amazing collection, gave me the tour. That's Bob sitting in a Duesenberg chassis, explaining that this was what buyers started with and how they ordered their own coachwork. This Duesy had some wood and seats added so Jay can drive it on the streets. Every day Jay drives home a different car or motorcycle from his collection, which may range from a 1909 Baker Electric to his 9,000-lb, 1500-HP M-47 Patten tank engine car (whose wheelbase is over 15 feet!).

Many thanks to Bob for a great tour, and to Bernard Juchli for helping us earlier with a part for our Owen-Magnetic.

For those of you wondering, getting in to the Big Dog Garage is by invitation only. But, Jay shares his cars with everyone through a great website at http://www.jaylenosgarage.com. You can also read about his tank car at http://www.popularmechanics.com/automotive/jay_leno_garage/4206704.html.

Nancy