1968 Lights...Camera...ACTION!

[Midnight Special]

Our red S-code and TJ O'Brien team up for a fantastic day at Jay Leno's Garage

 

[Midnight Special]

...Mr Leno's hospitality was bar-none as you know. In addition to our taping, the fine folks of Galpin Auto Sports were present with an intriguing car, but I'm not going to spoil it... Stay tuned to "Jay Leno's Garage" for their upcoming feature.

He also commissioned his '41 American LeFrance for rides, treated us to lunch and allowed us to meander through his beautiful collection. The whole day was too spectacular for words!

 

[Midnight Special]

...We also attended Hotrod Magazine's roundup of some 75 "cover cars" from the 1940's to present. Better yet, we were there on set-up day to mingle freely with iconic owners and Hotrod staffers in a most social way. Racing legend, Don Prudhomme was among them Here's just a few of the 400+ photos from the day...

 

[Midnight Special]

...Also visited the impressive Petersen Museum

 

[Midnight Special]

...With everything said (and although I haven't been much active here lately), I never forget my friends! Mr. Leno was openly appreciative and warmed upon hearing of our incredible "California Special" family

 

[68sunlitgold]

Tim,
only one word....WOW! What an experience! Nicely done!

Doug

 

[somethingspecial]

Wow, That is awsom. TJ sure knows how to schmooz with the "Big Dogs". I am so proud of him. And as for you, I'm glad to see you get out of the office and take a road trip. LOL. Good Job guys.

 

[Ruppstang]

Wow what a one in a life time experance! All though knowing you and TJ who knows what may be next. I am looking forward to talking with you about this trip in Reno in June. Marty

 

[di81977]

What an opportunity. Thanks for sharing!

 

[stangfan]

Incredible! I hope to see the video segment with Jay and your GT/CS soon. :grin: Thanks for sharing your experience and photos.

 

[GT/CS S Code]

Double "thumbs up" guys!
:grin:

 

[Powell]

Wow!! Just Wow!! Truly an amazing experience that we all get to share. And it couldn't happen to greater people than TJ and Tim. We feel so fortunate to belong to this great California Special family. Be sure to let us know when the episode will be on. This truly made a great day for us. Karen and Ralph

 

[hookedtrout]

Way to go TJ!!!!! I must say I like the looks of that book in Jay's hands better than some books I've seen him hold. ;-) I'm probably a little biased however.

Cory

 

[clubpro]

Okay Tim,

Nothing was said about what Jay thought of your car. Did he take it for a drive? Did he make you an offer

What a great day. I am very envious and have had that visit to see Mr. Leno's collection on my bucket list for several years.

Thanks for sharing everything with us. Let's see some more!

Cheers,

Ron

 

[sam]

Car looks great, son looks great.........congratulations on this and the experience. Mr. Leno hails form New England you know..........

Best

 

[joedls]

Okay Tim,

Nothing was said about what Jay thought of your car. Did he take it for a drive? Did he make you an offer

What a great day. I am very envious and have had that visit to see Mr. Leno's collection on my bucket list for several years.

Thanks for sharing everything with us. Let's see some more!

Cheers,

Ron

^^^This. We want details!!!

 

[robert campbell]

Tim,
I am truly speechless! A true ambassador of our site in the Big Dog Garage. I am green with envy! I cannot think of anyone else to represent our great site and the GT/CS and HCS lineage. Maybe some day Jay can visit Grass Valley and see your “garage”!!! How cool would that be! Can I come??

Your son is a vision into you. Humble, helpful, and in it for nothing but the enjoyment. Again, the type of people Jay should meet. I feel privileged to have met and have you as my friend. And you should take nothing more from that compliment than a tribute to your character!

Go T.J.!!! You will go far!! And I will watch your every step! If your Dad lets me!

Rob

 

[Midnight Special]

Okay Tim,

Nothing was said about what Jay thought of your car. Did he take it for a drive? Did he make you an offer

What a great day. I am very envious and have had that visit to see Mr. Leno's collection on my bucket list for several years.

Thanks for sharing everything with us. Let's see some more!

Cheers,

Ron

...Thanks everyone for all your great comments thus far. I'll do more of the story w/photos tonight

Ron, to me one great thing about Jay is how little we talked about cars off camera. During lunch it was mostly about where we lived, some common people we knew, how TJ got started, other likes & interests, etc...etc... TJ's presentation then flowed beautifully (as you'll see), followed by some really nice comments from Jay on the red car.

I showed him Cory's book & talked about "us" as he was turning the pages. He said "Wow, you guys really love these Specials! That's cool!" I did ask him if he wanted to drive it & go play... He said (with a smile) "Nah, I don't want to do that. It's YOUR car" Also perhaps, the area around his shop was pretty confining with NO tire marks outside and you would've needed to go through two gates to the main road which was full of traffic.

The Galpin feature was another story. After a fine interview in Jay's showroom, he jumped into their featured car and drove off with a custom camera vehicle following. After a bit, we heard some serious tire squealing outside the gates

As for making me an offer... 'Pretty silly thought after seeing his awesome collection of "one-of-a-kinds" and the fact he was commuting in his '65 Shelby when we arrived Wednesday evening. There was an incredible '67 GT500 present for a photo shoot as well.

Another thing I noticed is, whatever his other endeavors - he seems to really love being in his garage, and treats everyone generously and openly casual. His staff, though busily working away, was the same... Very relaxed, accommodating and fun! It was hard to "trailer up" and leave when we were done because I felt we would've been welcome into the night if we wanted...

 

[PonyGal]

Wow Tim... Those are great pictures. Can't wait to see the show. Make sure you let us all know when it will be on!

I am so happy for TJ, and also for you who got to tag along :wink: Thank you so much for sharing it with me via telephone. At times I felt like I was right there with you guys :cheesy:

 

[limelyt]

Tim

That’s an incredible experience, congrads