There are some men who collect cars as a hobby because they have too much money. When the cars break down they scoff at it and call "Jeeves" to come take care of the problem and they drive home in a Land Rover. The fact that Jay was right there with a flashlight diagnosing the problem himself, even with all his resources and motorcade, is the reason why someone like Bob Shotwell would give him a car that meant so much to him, he's a true car guy and he deserves all the respect in the world for that IMO.
Jay is the only car guy on youtube who owns cars with cylinders that displace liters a piece and calls a 77ci I4 "good size" in a car. I love it. Videos about vehicles like this are far more interesting than videos about the latest and greatest quarter million dollar exotics.
I find these videos and videos about the latest exotics equally exciting and interesting. For example, I could watch (and have done so) Koenigsegg engineering videos all day long too. Don't discount modern engineering. Great engineering is always worthy of admiration, regardless of era, in my humble opinion.
I am with you, then Jay hauls out something with twin over head cams and 4 valves per cylinder and some exotic fuel delivery system - from the 20's, just to keep everything in perspective. Nothing really new in the automotive world...just rehashed and tweeked...
***** Would you put Jay Leno into that category of (paraphrasing) "filthy rich people born with a silver spoon who neglect their cars"? Making broad absolute statements about any consumer group is beyond ill-advised. How about people who worked incredibly hard for their success and can afford and cherish/use their cars? You seem to be coming from a place of extreme hate.
xebek I have no interest in watching a dozen videos about the same expensive supercar, I've seen it before, and I don't care to see it again. Classics and one-offs are more interesting. I can find a video about the latest and fastest car ANYWHERE, finding something you won't find anywhere else is a real treat.
One of the reasons I respect Mr. Leno so much, is the dignity he shows what so many others would consider "silly old junk." Not just the fact he fixes his own machine... which these days is notable enough... but the real happiness he shares caring for machines and the dreams like this. Thank you for sharing this, and so much else, with us.
The story behind this car is amazing. I fell in love with this car. It reminds me of an airplane in the 30s, and the Indian 4 engine even sort of sounds like one too. This is one of my fav cars ever. Truly amazing that a 17y/o kid can build something like that. Truly amazing!
That’s my grandpas car . I’m in the picture on the wall . Bob and his brother stopped in cities across the nation and sold post cards of the car to finance the trip
You have good reason to be proud! He was a genius. Too bad he didn't open a manufacturing plant and build thousands of those little cars. On the other hand, a one of a kind is a legacy all it's own as was your " Grandpa " .
You should be damn proud of your Grandpa mate, he was quite a man from all accounts and built a wonderful little car that has endured the test of time, it still looks good. But 150k miles in that little thing, wow . . .
No apology for that! I tried to keep my old '66 chevy truck running and probably did more damage than good to it when I was 17. Learned a lot, (how to and how not to)
Brother, I am 43 and have been Lucky enough to Restore cars with my father since 8 yrs old. It's GREAT that you get to work on old school cars AND Race with your dad!!! Time goes by like a DRAG RACE! You just don't see it til you hit your late 30"s. LOVE EVERY SECOND WITH YOUR DAD!!! IT GOES TOO QUICK!!
This is what I absolutely admire about Jay Leno. He can see the beauty in cars even if they are not expensive, high powered, or fast. He was so fascinated about this car that he wrote an article about it for, I think he said, Popular Mechanics. That is just so great that he can openly express his admiration for what a seventeen year old kid built by himself from scraps in 1931. I also liked how Jay stayed philosophical and did not get upset when he had a mechanical problem. Things like that just go along with having an old car. I really enjoyed this video. I love the streamlined shape of the car.
This show had it all. Great human interest story. Jay trouble shooting a problem. I so much prefer these quirky episodes over the unobtainium super car ones. Thx Jay!
This is my grandfathers car. My mom’s mom is Peggy Shotwell who served in WWII. I am very proud of my grandparents and wish I could have accomplished what they did at such a young age. I never met my grandfather but I know from my mom and my grandmother that he was very intelligent and very resourceful as a person.
It may not be the fastest, most luxurious, most expensive, biggest, or smallest but I think that is the neatest car you own. Thank you for keeping it alive and telling the story. O and thanks for keeping it honest with showing the breakdown and for working on your own car on the side of the road.
I love these videos. The fact that you showed it breaking down and diagnosed and fixed it on the video is the best part. It is an eighty-year-old, hand-built anomaly. That it even exists is amazing. That you have restored it and got it running is a miracle.
The Shot well DESERVES to be in the Leno Collection! What an Amazing built car from a 17 year old!! It is a Lovely built machine that Everyone should be able to see!!!
One of the great things about your car collection is that you're not just a collector, but you know how to work out issues and fix problems on them too.
"We realized Minnesota's alot cooler than L.A. in many ways (besides the temperature)" Thanks Jay! Minnesota Represent! Hell yeah! Im from Minnesota and my old man has been a mechanic for northwest airlines (now delta) for 30 years! What a cool story with the car!
It is indeed remarkable how the responsibilities and the freedom enjoyed by kids (and the rest of us) have changed over the years. What was considered normal behavior fifty years ago would land both parents and children in serious legal trouble today. IE I had 3 guns by age 10 and for my 12th birthday I was given a thirty-aught-six to hunt deer. And that's just the tip of the iceberg, the rest would curl your hair. Just normal life in the still pretty wild west. Wouldn't trade those times for anything.
Before Video games, Before Internet; people of all ages had a thing called "Hobbies". Born in 1956, I remember building stuff for fun and to pass the time. I remember WW2 era Dads & kids had ham radios, wood shops, wooden boats, fishing, rocketry, coin & stamp collections, sailing, Rock Hounding, Boy Scouts, etc.....We did stuff.
I grew up doing most all that stuff as well. I have a daughter now and all she does is lay around staring at her phone day & night. Can't even get her to walk a block away to her friends house, I have to drive her over.
Amen, from a 19 year old. Even my younger siblings do nothing but stare into screens all day. Bigger virtual lives than real lives. It's sad. The only thing I'd miss if I went back to the 60's would be the internet and TURBOS.
5:52 Note in the photo that the spares have matching deep lug treads while the tires on the car are smoother. I think we're looking at a set of mounted snow tires. Makes sense considering he took it to Alaska
could be. Or maybe that's just what was available. I also notice in that photo there is no front bumper, and turn signals are on the roof. The other photo shows the air scoop on the lt side of the cab, not on the top. So it evolved over time, even before Jay got it.
It is so nice to have a car guy who take old cars and restore them back to life and conserving it history always love your shows and the beautiful cars that you showcase tumbs up for you jay much respect for the car guy you are
Great little car! I would have been tempted during the rebuild to add a small circuit that keeps that cylinder head cooling fan running for about 2 minutes "or so" after you turn the vehicle off.....Then the fan would shut down automatically. I imagine there would be quite a rise in temp after shut off, all boxed in like that... especially in that climate. I understand it probably see's very little road time, but it would be simple, and just blend with all the other mods. Always enjoy the video's Jay! Take care.
As an assistant Site Super for a construction company last year, I had 17 year olds who'd never held more than a screwdriver in their lives. I had to teach them how to use a hammer. I was only 3 years older than them. I kid you not, there are likely many students in my engineering classes that haven't built a thing in their lives.
Its true. I have a friend who went to school to be a mechanical engineer for 5 years, he can't even change the oil in his own car. He says he 'dosen't want to mess it up'. Meanwhile i have a high school education and can rebuild engines and do anything a car needs, and i taught myself all of it. College is just 4 more years of high school you wasted your time on instead of working.
Original wiper motor was probably a hand crank, loved to see Jay pull over and troubleshoot he is not all Show theres some Tell in there , Bravo Jay. What a great series Bob is smiling.
The break down and repair makes this video more interesting. Much more real. Much more down to earth. Great story from a great video. Love that you own the issue. Excellently done, thank you.
One of the absolute coolest means of conveyance I've seen in a long, long time. Combined with the story & the man who built it....truly amazing. Hard work & determination can produce great things. Thanks so much for sharing Jay.
Jay, the story behind that Shotwell is your best yet. Thank you for making this vid, telling the history of it AND saving that great car. I wonder if Bob and his brother kept a ledger of their trip to Alaska?
This car is a testament to American ingenuity and know how. As Jay said, back when this car was built kids were expected to be a lot more creative and self reliant. That Jay now owns this car is fantastic. He obviously understands and appreciates its uniqueness and historical importance.. Great episode, Jay!
Best JLG video ever! The Shotwell is a testament to an individual (Bob Shotwell) overcoming financial limitations with ingenuity, skill, and raw ambition. We need more people like Bob Shotwell these days.
3rdpwrn - Yeah that was a great story, and the fact Jay spent so much time and money restoring it when he never met Bob, or had any personal connection with the car shows how much he likes that story too. My only slight sadness is that Jay didn't get the car just a little bit earlier, that Bob might have gotten to see his labour of love brought back to it's former glory and maybe had one last ride in it. Got me right in the feels - well done, Jay.
A wonderful and worthy tribute Jay. I had a few books like the one you mentioned..."The Boy Mechanic" was one. Very sophisticated plans even a feature on a youngster that built his own engine. No wonder we went on to defeat the Nazis in WW2. Jay, you may wish to make a mod and install a collapsible steering column in the ole "Shot" for safety sake.
It's really a beautiful car! I can imagine its aerodynamic shape as a silvery dream flying down the road. When I was in elementary school, once I learned that the tear-drop shape was the most aerodynamic, I made drawings of what my dream car would look like...really not to far off from Bob Shotwell's creation. To think he and his brother drove it from Minnesota to Alaska and back is a wonderful adventure!
Oh Jay you have no idea how long I waited for this video. The first one was just a 2 minute one and it just showed him going around the corner and so on, I was dissapointed, but glad to see you made a longer video about it!
Thank you Jay for always making me smile. Your a class act and I have much respect for you. Thank you for helping so many people and especially our veterans.
Jay Leno is an American treasure. He teaches us by elegantly expressing his respect for marvelous people and the things they build. He makes me strive to be better, like after listening to my favorite pastor or when my dog snuggles up to me.
One of the best episodes of your show, ever - by the end of the episode you had figured out precisely why you had to make a roadside running repair....it is indeed very satisfying to solve or drive around a problem on the road. That is, to me, the essence of motoring, something which has been lost along the way. And who hasn't run out of the correct fuses at some time or other on the road, and installed an inferior replacement? This is a great story, of a terrific little car built by a inspiring young man, and I appreciate you restoring and keeping this thing going, Jay.
@@kulan9379 I also noticed the sign "Batteries recharged while you wait." Honestly how cool would it be to have a sign just like that on Tesla charging stations?
I love it! It brings me back to my boyhood adventures. When I was 18 I built a 12 foot mini cigarette boat and stuffed it with an engine I snatched off a wrecked 94' Honda CB1000. When I felt confident enough I took it from VA to Wilmington NC. Then I thought, "Why stop now"? So I went to Charleston SC and then Savannah GA. My parents were super pissed but I didn't care. My goal was to get to New Orleans but I didn't make it. The girls in Miami wouldn't let me go, but don't tell my wife that! :) I love my little ciggy!
cool car. :) even my generation had to take shop class.. i think that is probably been phased out of the school system by now for a computer lab?..i can only imagine the legal issues having a 5th grader using a bands saw to make his parents a bread holder, or a spinning top, and or a napkin holder.. i think that was our three project we had to do.. im very thankful i got to experience a full working wood/metal shop.. them skills have lasted me my life im almost 42.. so heres a thumbs up to all the shop teachers out there who may still be active in them small towns like the one i grew up in ( Mr. Crow, he rocked as a shop teacher, such a nice old guy.. ). if it alive i can only imagine it being in small towns.. big city i schools i doubt it.
They don't have the attention span to do anything mechanical. I had auto shop , machine shop and wood working in high school.All of them were three year programs.
My school has a comprehensive trade program where we can take two years of automotive repair, where we do routine maintenance and rebuild a classic car and raffle it every year, and do internships our senior year, plus we end up certified at the end. Our carpentry program builds a local house for someone, our cosmetology program receives official cos licenses right out of high school, the trades have not been forgotten.
When I was in HS a guy cut the tips of his finger off , using a planer in wood shop. He was a stoner so he was probably flying HIGH man!! They didn't do drug pee test back then.
@@TripleThreatKris Great news. I hope you and all your friends use the opportunity their education affords them and prosper mightily. Success needs no apology.
Hey Jay! Talking about the Greatest Generation? When my Dad was a young man about 24 years old (1936) he applied for a job and the old man took him to a farm. Inside this giant barn my Dad said, there were around 1300 boxes of parts and the old man asked if my Dad thought he could put it together? My Dad asked what it was supposed to be and was told, it's a Milk Bottling,and Conveyor System! Well, my Dad built the whole system and was up and running in three weeks! The best part is, there were no instructions on how to build it! Ingenuity at its finest! When I was growing up, my Dad was always telling me, "You're not going to be a Parts Replacer! You're going to be a REPAIRMAN!!! " And that's exactly what I became, I can rebuild anything mechanical!
Mr Leno. You would have made the coolest dad ever. The people that have you as a friend are very blessed. Thank you for sharing all your wonderful Automobiles. You bring much joy to all men and women that love the smell of gas in the crisp morning air.
Hey Jay,thank you for keeping the Shotwell alive.I enjoyed the video so much. I could give up watching tv,since I found your channel.Thank's again for doing all this.
Love this video, Jay! Reminded me of myself when I was a broke college student, driving a 1974 Chevy Vega that I had swapped a V6 into. This car was a heap, but I learned so much keeping that thing on the road. One day, I might build an electric Vega, but make it look like just like the first car I owned.
Yep sometimes people have an interest for these little odd-ball cars , I know would shine the light on this little one-off micro car too if I had one , its not main stream like the other cars.
Jay Leno is my car hero. He is ridiculously wealthy, buys parts that cost more than my house, and seems like someone you'd meet at your neighbor's backyard cookout if you lived in suburban Topeka and knows more about your car than you do. He is the very best type of collector; his cars don't hide in a vault somewhere; they're paraded around for all to see, (hear) and enjoy. A unique, humble and funny guy who isn't full of himself. Good on ya, mate!
I wonder how many times in 150,000 miles Mr. Shotwell had to stop and tinker with one thing or another to get it going again? I'm sure he could fix everything on it in his sleep.
Still 100 times more reliable than our GM Astra ( oh God I have to remember to stop using capital letters when I write general motors , they are really not that important anymore) Cheers mary barra we do not love you !
@@terrythomas1690 Your GM Astra is a German Opel imported and sold as a Saturn, unless you mean an Astro, which is a GM RWD van that I think they don't make any more. Either one goes a while back.
Wow driving to Alaska back in those days in a brand new Ford would have been ballsy. Even today driving to Alaska isn't somthing to be taken lightly. In those days with no cell phones, and when northern Canada was barley populated, breaking down out there could have meant having to survive for days until someone happened by to help. Doing that in the car you build is something else. Truly the greatest generation. Now adays i know people who take their cell phone to the 'shop' whenever it has some minor glitch, not the kind of people who could build their own car and drive it 150 thousand miles. Good on you Jay for keeping this little piece of history alive.
Long ago I was driving a 1946 GMC fire truck when the horn started sounding repeatedly. Then the headlights failed. We brought the truck home using the spotlights. The horn button wire inside the steering column was shorting to the column and causing the horn relay to pull in and sound the horn. The horn and headlights were on the same fuse and it overloaded and blew. I disconnected the horn button wire below the column and replaced the fuse. All lights worked again. We left the horn disconnected and the truck was retired in that condition. I had a similar problem with a 1954 CJ-3B Jeep. The horn wire insulation cracked and the wire was shorting to the frame. A little heat shrink tubing fixed that problem. Yes-It;s satisfying making repairs on old vehicles. There' s a simplicity about them that re-educates you.
Hats off to Mr. Leno for saving this car and making such a nice tribute to the designer. I'm doubly impressed that he diagnosed and fixed the blown fuse. Next a King Midget please!
"The satisfaction of fixing a problem on the road" .........respect to jay that is so well put and so true, difficult for people who dont understand to ever understand why that is so important and so true
The type of seventeen year old that built this still lives in rural Indonesia , the mountains of Pakistan, and in South America. Necessity is the mother of invention.
I like how you pay homage to the guy who built it. Also like your upgrades. I also enjoy your grass roots approach to your show. Thanks for doing a great job Jay.
There are some men who collect cars as a hobby because they have too much money. When the cars break down they scoff at it and call "Jeeves" to come take care of the problem and they drive home in a Land Rover. The fact that Jay was right there with a flashlight diagnosing the problem himself, even with all his resources and motorcade, is the reason why someone like Bob Shotwell would give him a car that meant so much to him, he's a true car guy and he deserves all the respect in the world for that IMO.
He had a whole crew with him. Thats what money can do for you!
d lorton He musta had a country band with him as well . They started up , when he broke down .
@@dedwin8930 , Are you saying that without $ millions and a crew, Mr. Leno couldn't diagnose and fix $2 problem?
True
I'd LOVE to live to do what Jay put into his life. I've watched 20+ years of Carson.
I love how Jay takes someone's old car, cherishes it and allows their families to visit. That's CLASS!
agree . ;)
Yeah! Thats very class!I strongly agree with you. 🙂
The fact that this show films and shows the breakdowns lends it an honesty many other car shows lack.
true
Roadkill and JLG are the best car shows out there currently
sjpro1 yeah I like the shows: Roadkill and Dirt Everyday.
agreed
A few of them do. Top Gear (the real one) their challenge cars always broke down. Wayne Carini's show shows breakdowns.
"And that's where the Shotwell lives when it's not being driven". That says a lot about Leno's love for his cars.
True. I also like how he calls himself, with no irony or b.s., the care giver and not the owner.
Amazing that a 17 yr. Old kid built this and drove it cross country! Incredible! Thanks Jay for keeping this memory alive and well.
I would call him a 17 year old young man.
Jay is the only car guy on youtube who owns cars with cylinders that displace liters a piece and calls a 77ci I4 "good size" in a car. I love it. Videos about vehicles like this are far more interesting than videos about the latest and greatest quarter million dollar exotics.
I find these videos and videos about the latest exotics equally exciting and interesting. For example, I could watch (and have done so) Koenigsegg engineering videos all day long too. Don't discount modern engineering. Great engineering is always worthy of admiration, regardless of era, in my humble opinion.
I am with you, then Jay hauls out something with twin over head cams and 4 valves per cylinder and some exotic fuel delivery system - from the 20's, just to keep everything in perspective. Nothing really new in the automotive world...just rehashed and tweeked...
*****
Would you put Jay Leno into that category of (paraphrasing) "filthy rich people born with a silver spoon who neglect their cars"? Making broad absolute statements about any consumer group is beyond ill-advised. How about people who worked incredibly hard for their success and can afford and cherish/use their cars? You seem to be coming from a place of extreme hate.
xebek
I have no interest in watching a dozen videos about the same expensive supercar, I've seen it before, and I don't care to see it again. Classics and one-offs are more interesting. I can find a video about the latest and fastest car ANYWHERE, finding something you won't find anywhere else is a real treat.
exactly, and I'm quite interested in Jay taking that MG Midget out for a run :)
I like that Jay rescued this and keeps it running. He is a real car guy.
One of the reasons I respect Mr. Leno so much, is the dignity he shows what so many others would consider "silly old junk." Not just the fact he fixes his own machine... which these days is notable enough... but the real happiness he shares caring for machines and the dreams like this.
Thank you for sharing this, and so much else, with us.
The story behind this car is amazing. I fell in love with this car. It reminds me of an airplane in the 30s, and the Indian 4 engine even sort of sounds like one too. This is one of my fav cars ever. Truly amazing that a 17y/o kid can build something like that. Truly amazing!
That’s my grandpas car . I’m in the picture on the wall . Bob and his brother stopped in cities across the nation and sold post cards of the car to finance the trip
You have good reason to be proud! He was a genius. Too bad he didn't open a manufacturing plant and build thousands of those little cars. On the other hand, a one of a kind is a legacy all it's own as was your " Grandpa " .
You should be damn proud of your Grandpa mate, he was quite a man from all accounts and built a wonderful little car that has endured the test of time, it still looks good. But 150k miles in that little thing, wow . . .
I like how when things go wrong they leave it in the video. It lends Jays videos a more genuine feel.
Im 18. Though i didnt build the entire car, i built the motor for my nova and put it in, got it running, and I race it with my dad every month or so.
You are lucky to have a hood Dad
Very cool. Do you still have it?
No apology for that! I tried to keep my old '66 chevy truck running and probably did more damage than good to it when I was 17. Learned a lot, (how to and how not to)
Brother, I am 43 and have been Lucky enough to Restore cars with my father since 8 yrs old. It's GREAT that you get to work on old school cars AND Race with your dad!!! Time goes by like a DRAG RACE! You just don't see it til you hit your late 30"s. LOVE EVERY SECOND WITH YOUR DAD!!! IT GOES TOO QUICK!!
👍 Cool as...
What a cool little car for sure, way to keep Mr. Shotwells legend alive!!!
👍
This is one of the coolest cars in Jays collection, it's absolutely fantastic....
now you're overreacting!
It’s not actually a car, it’s a motorbike with a canopy. Jay’s the man though! 👍🏼
This is what I absolutely admire about Jay Leno. He can see the beauty in cars even if they are not expensive, high powered, or fast. He was so fascinated about this car that he wrote an article about it for, I think he said, Popular Mechanics. That is just so great that he can openly express his admiration for what a seventeen year old kid built by himself from scraps in 1931. I also liked how Jay stayed philosophical and did not get upset when he had a mechanical problem. Things like that just go along with having an old car. I really enjoyed this video. I love the streamlined shape of the car.
This show had it all. Great human interest story. Jay trouble shooting a problem. I so much prefer these quirky episodes over the unobtainium super car ones. Thx Jay!
Áw
3r 555544
We know Jay is a true car guy. More enjoyment was derived from solving the fuse issue than the drive itself.
so cool..especially knowing a 17 year old did this in 1931...
Tell your camera crew! This was really shotwell!
Good one 🙂
Good One!
This is my grandfathers car. My mom’s mom is Peggy Shotwell who served in WWII. I am very proud of my grandparents and wish I could have accomplished what they did at such a young age. I never met my grandfather but I know from my mom and my grandmother that he was very intelligent and very resourceful as a person.
Have you gone to see the car and Jay yet?
@@sokay2laugh512 Someone should write a book about his life, I'm sure it would be interesting.
That's a pretty amazing build for any 17 year old--he had a real engineering talent. More than the typical gas station mechanic.
More then most auto engineers I have to say.
It may not be the fastest, most luxurious, most expensive, biggest, or smallest but I think that is the neatest car you own. Thank you for keeping it alive and telling the story. O and thanks for keeping it honest with showing the breakdown and for working on your own car on the side of the road.
I love these videos. The fact that you showed it breaking down and diagnosed and fixed it on the video is the best part. It is an eighty-year-old, hand-built anomaly. That it even exists is amazing. That you have restored it and got it running is a miracle.
This is one of my favorite episodes ever! Love the history and the real issues that come with a one-off vehicle.
The Shot well DESERVES to be in the Leno Collection! What an Amazing built car from a 17 year old!! It is a Lovely built machine that Everyone should be able to see!!!
multi millionaire and no twenty amp fuses? Jay you are too cool.
One of the great things about your car collection is that you're not just a collector, but you know how to work out issues and fix problems on them too.
respect for anybody that's not afraid to dive in to fix a problem and use a tow as a last resort. true car guy.
"We realized Minnesota's alot cooler than L.A. in many ways (besides the temperature)" Thanks Jay! Minnesota Represent! Hell yeah! Im from Minnesota and my old man has been a mechanic for northwest airlines (now delta) for 30 years! What a cool story with the car!
That was very kind of Jay to preserve the man's prized possession. He is a man among men.
It is indeed remarkable how the responsibilities and the freedom enjoyed by kids (and the rest of us) have changed over the years. What was considered normal behavior fifty years ago would land both parents and children in serious legal trouble today. IE I had 3 guns by age 10 and for my 12th birthday I was given a thirty-aught-six to hunt deer. And that's just the tip of the iceberg, the rest would curl your hair. Just normal life in the still pretty wild west. Wouldn't trade those times for anything.
asteven McCullough: what was under that iceberg ? a tank, 5 machineguns and a B29 ?
Before Video games, Before Internet; people of all ages had a thing called "Hobbies".
Born in 1956, I remember building stuff for fun and to pass the time. I remember WW2 era Dads & kids had ham radios, wood shops, wooden boats, fishing, rocketry, coin & stamp collections, sailing, Rock Hounding, Boy Scouts, etc.....We did stuff.
I grew up doing most all that stuff as well. I have a daughter now and all she does is lay around staring at her phone day & night. Can't even get her to walk a block away to her friends house, I have to drive her over.
Amen, from a 19 year old. Even my younger siblings do nothing but stare into screens all day. Bigger virtual lives than real lives. It's sad.
The only thing I'd miss if I went back to the 60's would be the internet and TURBOS.
+kirbyswarp well if you went back to the 60s the only thing you'd miss is the Internet then because turbos had been around since before the 60s lol
The Dude The first car with a turbo in the U.S. was an Oldsmobile in 1962 and It's nothing like a modern turbo in say a Saab or a supra.
I am 21 years old, and I have electronic and speaker building hobby. I am grateful for internet, only way to learn such things in my country.
5:52 Note in the photo that the spares have matching deep lug treads while the tires on the car are smoother. I think we're looking at a set of mounted snow tires. Makes sense considering he took it to Alaska
Another problem with 3 wheelers is putting your car in the snow tracks of those that went before you, none of which would be 3 wheelers in Alaska
could be. Or maybe that's just what was available. I also notice in that photo there is no front bumper, and turn signals are on the roof. The other photo shows the air scoop on the lt side of the cab, not on the top. So it evolved over time, even before Jay got it.
It is so nice to have a car guy who take old cars and restore them back to life and conserving it history always love your shows and the beautiful cars that you showcase tumbs up for you jay much respect for the car guy you are
How do you not love Jays enthusiasm? A true gear head....
Great little car! I would have been tempted during the rebuild to add a small circuit that keeps that cylinder head cooling fan running for about 2 minutes "or so" after you turn the vehicle off.....Then the fan would shut down automatically. I imagine there would be quite a rise in temp after shut off, all boxed in like that... especially in that climate. I understand it probably see's very little road time, but it would be simple, and just blend with all the other mods. Always enjoy the video's Jay! Take care.
That is exactly how my Buell Ulysses fan works. Fan runs when the temp hits a certain temp and continues to run after shutdown.
Temp probe controlled fan relay w dial adjustment calibration
CooL. you are here 😀
Just like the Turbo cool down system on modern cars,glad to see you here watching Jay videos also
As an assistant Site Super for a construction company last year, I had 17 year olds who'd never held more than a screwdriver in their lives. I had to teach them how to use a hammer. I was only 3 years older than them. I kid you not, there are likely many students in my engineering classes that haven't built a thing in their lives.
Its true. I have a friend who went to school to be a mechanical engineer for 5 years, he can't even change the oil in his own car. He says he 'dosen't want to mess it up'. Meanwhile i have a high school education and can rebuild engines and do anything a car needs, and i taught myself all of it. College is just 4 more years of high school you wasted your time on instead of working.
@@pauld.b7129 It depends on what you learn about.
Ulp!
That horn sounds so sick ~ like a wounded duck ~ I was rolling on the floor with laughter
😂😂😂
there's actually a duck tucked under the dash for authenticity
Haha I agree. It was so funny.
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
i love thar horn, wounded duck😂😂😂 xD
Original wiper motor was probably a hand crank, loved to see Jay pull over and troubleshoot he is not all Show theres some Tell in there , Bravo Jay. What a great series Bob is smiling.
I love it. Multi million dollar garage and collection and he didn't have a 50 cent 20 amp fuse handy lol. He's definitely one of us.
Love it when Jay breaks down and fixes the car!
The break down and repair makes this video more interesting. Much more real. Much more down to earth. Great story from a great video. Love that you own the issue. Excellently done, thank you.
One of the absolute coolest means of conveyance I've seen in a long, long time. Combined with the story & the man who built it....truly amazing. Hard work & determination can produce great things. Thanks so much for sharing Jay.
Every time I watch one of Jay's videos, I say to myself, it's the coolest one. But this one really is the coolest, for several reasons!
Thank you Jay!
Jay Leno, you are to much ,you had me in stitches , and everybody must know you around LA by now and when they see a funny car they think of you
Would love to have seen a few more 'before' pictures; but otherwise, good work keeping this long-gone man's dream alive.
Jay, the story behind that Shotwell is your best yet. Thank you for making this vid, telling the history of it AND saving that great car. I wonder if Bob and his brother kept a ledger of their trip to Alaska?
19:00 the satisfaction of driving a cool car is double when you fix or improve on it by yourself, that's very true!
Jay more Bugatti's please.
I wonder when hes gonna drive the chiron. That thing is mean...
This car is a testament to American ingenuity and know how. As Jay said, back when this car was built kids were expected to be a lot more creative and self reliant.
That Jay now owns this car is fantastic. He obviously understands and appreciates its uniqueness and historical importance..
Great episode, Jay!
Best JLG video ever! The Shotwell is a testament to an individual (Bob Shotwell) overcoming financial limitations with ingenuity, skill, and raw ambition. We need more people like Bob Shotwell these days.
8:24 "Minnesota's a lot cooler than LA in many ways, besides the temperature" - LMAO
Minnesota: Small happy and proud noises.
Built by a car guy, owned by a car guy. Thx for a good story.
3rdpwrn - Yeah that was a great story, and the fact Jay spent so much time and money restoring it when he never met Bob, or had any personal connection with the car shows how much he likes that story too.
My only slight sadness is that Jay didn't get the car just a little bit earlier, that Bob might have gotten to see his labour of love brought back to it's former glory and maybe had one last ride in it.
Got me right in the feels - well done, Jay.
A wonderful and worthy tribute Jay. I had a few books like the one you mentioned..."The Boy Mechanic" was one. Very sophisticated plans even a feature on a youngster that built his own engine. No wonder we went on to defeat the Nazis in WW2.
Jay, you may wish to make a mod and install a collapsible steering column in the ole "Shot" for safety sake.
I agree it was the greatest generation!
Jay Leno is an American Treasure.
It's really a beautiful car!
I can imagine its aerodynamic shape as a silvery dream flying down the road.
When I was in elementary school, once I learned that the tear-drop shape was the most aerodynamic, I made drawings of what my dream car would look like...really not to far off from Bob Shotwell's creation.
To think he and his brother drove it from Minnesota to Alaska and back is a wonderful adventure!
I'd love to have a really modernized version of this. Rather simple, light, fuel efficient, & oddly good looking.
Jay never fails to impress with the stories that come with these unique and unknown cars.
Love the horn on this thing: Mööp, möööp.
And the swivelling Rearview mirror on the window!
Love that the guys name was Shotwell and the throttle stop is the base of a shotgun shell 12:08 xD
@@billc5378 swiveling? More like flopping...
This is why I come and watch Jay Leno’s garage It’s for the history lessons and Vehicles that nobody has heard of Absolutely worth every second
That is awesome - an 'elegant car' from a more 'civilised age'!
Great story about a cool car built by a kid.
Oh Jay you have no idea how long I waited for this video.
The first one was just a 2 minute one and it just showed him going around the corner and so on, I was dissapointed, but glad to see you made a longer video about it!
Thank you Jay for always making me smile. Your a class act and I have much respect for you. Thank you for helping so many people and especially our veterans.
Jay Leno is an American treasure. He teaches us by elegantly expressing his respect for marvelous people and the things they build. He makes me strive to be better, like after listening to my favorite pastor or when my dog snuggles up to me.
One of the best episodes of your show, ever - by the end of the episode you had figured out precisely why you had to make a roadside running repair....it is indeed very satisfying to solve or drive around a problem on the road. That is, to me, the essence of motoring, something which has been lost along the way. And who hasn't run out of the correct fuses at some time or other on the road, and installed an inferior replacement? This is a great story, of a terrific little car built by a inspiring young man, and I appreciate you restoring and keeping this thing going, Jay.
Thanks Jay for showing us one mans dream.
I can't decide what my favorite feature of this car is between the leather belt hood latches, the horn or the fuel gauge. They were all brilliant
To me fuel gauge, all day long.
But the other things you mention is great. The whole car is matter in fact. And the milage he put in the maschine.
@@kulan9379 I also noticed the sign "Batteries recharged while you wait." Honestly how cool would it be to have a sign just like that on Tesla charging stations?
Thanks for covering this car again, Jay. It really is a wonder. Scott
This was so entertaining. So much respect for Jay Leno. A piece of Americana.
For some strange reason, this is the Leno video I enjoyed the most.Quite advanced looking for 1931 too- well done back then, young Bob.
I love it! It brings me back to my boyhood adventures. When I was 18 I built a 12 foot mini cigarette boat and stuffed it with an engine I snatched off a wrecked 94' Honda CB1000. When I felt confident enough I took it from VA to Wilmington NC. Then I thought, "Why stop now"? So I went to Charleston SC and then Savannah GA. My parents were super pissed but I didn't care. My goal was to get to New Orleans but I didn't make it. The girls in Miami wouldn't let me go, but don't tell my wife that! :) I love my little ciggy!
Rocketninja200 Was und
cool car. :) even my generation had to take shop class.. i think that is probably been phased out of the school system by now for a computer lab?..i can only imagine the legal issues having a 5th grader using a bands saw to make his parents a bread holder, or a spinning top, and or a napkin holder.. i think that was our three project we had to do.. im very thankful i got to experience a full working wood/metal shop.. them skills have lasted me my life im almost 42.. so heres a thumbs up to all the shop teachers out there who may still be active in them small towns like the one i grew up in ( Mr. Crow, he rocked as a shop teacher, such a nice old guy.. ). if it alive i can only imagine it being in small towns.. big city i schools i doubt it.
They don't have the attention span to do anything mechanical. I had auto shop , machine shop and wood working in high school.All of them were three year programs.
My school has a comprehensive trade program where we can take two years of automotive repair, where we do routine maintenance and rebuild a classic car and raffle it every year, and do internships our senior year, plus we end up certified at the end. Our carpentry program builds a local house for someone, our cosmetology program receives official cos licenses right out of high school, the trades have not been forgotten.
Chris c: I picture those millions and millions of parents at Christmas with their napkin holders in one hand and a bread holder in the other!
When I was in HS a guy cut the tips of his finger off , using a planer in wood shop. He was a stoner so he was probably flying HIGH man!! They didn't do drug pee test back then.
@@TripleThreatKris Great news. I hope you and all your friends use the opportunity their education affords them and prosper mightily. Success needs no apology.
Thank you for Jay, for your passion for these vehicles, and for sharing it with us through this channel!
Hey Jay! Talking about the Greatest Generation? When my Dad was a young man about 24 years old (1936) he applied for a job and the old man took him to a farm. Inside this giant barn my Dad said, there were around 1300 boxes of parts and the old man asked if my Dad thought he could put it together? My Dad asked what it was supposed to be and was told, it's a Milk Bottling,and Conveyor System! Well, my Dad built the whole system and was up and running in three weeks! The best part is, there were no instructions on how to build it! Ingenuity at its finest! When I was growing up, my Dad was always telling me, "You're not going to be a Parts Replacer! You're going to be a REPAIRMAN!!! " And that's exactly what I became, I can rebuild anything mechanical!
Mr Leno. You would have made the coolest dad ever. The people that have you as a friend are very blessed. Thank you for sharing all your wonderful Automobiles. You bring much joy to all men and women that love the smell of gas in the crisp morning air.
Hey Jay,thank you for keeping the Shotwell alive.I enjoyed the video so much.
I could give up watching tv,since I found your channel.Thank's again for doing all this.
The story behind this car is really inspiring, thanks for sharing
I smiled for 23 minutes and 24 seconds. I'm glad I'm old enough to know the era of make it... break it... fix it... keep it.
It’s great that Jay is keeping Shotwell’s legacy alive and on the road even after so many years.
Great story. Can’t believe a 17 year old kid built a car. Awesome
Love this video, Jay! Reminded me of myself when I was a broke college student, driving a 1974 Chevy Vega that I had swapped a V6 into. This car was a heap, but I learned so much keeping that thing on the road. One day, I might build an electric Vega, but make it look like just like the first car I owned.
3:33 That shot right there is Jay Leno. P1, SLR, Miura and a Countach. And then this awesome little thing taking the spot-light.
Yep sometimes people have an interest for these little odd-ball cars , I know would shine the light on this little one-off micro car too if I had one , its not main stream like the other cars.
I'd love to build anything that would provoke Jay to respond, "Actually goes pretty good!"
Jay Leno is my car hero. He is ridiculously wealthy, buys parts that cost more than my house, and seems like someone you'd meet at your neighbor's backyard cookout if you lived in suburban Topeka and knows more about your car than you do. He is the very best type of collector; his cars don't hide in a vault somewhere; they're paraded around for all to see, (hear) and enjoy. A unique, humble and funny guy who isn't full of himself. Good on ya, mate!
As a Minnesotan, the quote at 8:28 really brings a smile to my face.
Maybe put the wheels back on Jay makes it look kinda cuet.
Love the horn btw.
Hey Jay the tonite show was good but this is your calling?Like your you tube show a lot.
I wonder how many times in 150,000 miles Mr. Shotwell had to stop and tinker with one thing or another to get it going again? I'm sure he could fix everything on it in his sleep.
Still 100 times more reliable than our GM Astra ( oh God I have to remember to stop using capital letters when I write general motors , they are really not that important anymore) Cheers mary barra we do not love you !
@@terrythomas1690 Your GM Astra is a German Opel imported and sold as a Saturn, unless you mean an Astro, which is a GM RWD van that I think they don't make any more. Either one goes a while back.
@@emjayay it was a Brasil astra . 2.0 ltr . Never again for us .
Wow driving to Alaska back in those days in a brand new Ford would have been ballsy. Even today driving to Alaska isn't somthing to be taken lightly. In those days with no cell phones, and when northern Canada was barley populated, breaking down out there could have meant having to survive for days until someone happened by to help. Doing that in the car you build is something else. Truly the greatest generation. Now adays i know people who take their cell phone to the 'shop' whenever it has some minor glitch, not the kind of people who could build their own car and drive it 150 thousand miles. Good on you Jay for keeping this little piece of history alive.
Long ago I was driving a 1946 GMC fire truck when the horn started sounding repeatedly. Then the headlights failed. We brought the truck home using the spotlights. The horn button wire inside the steering column was shorting to the column and causing the horn relay to pull in and sound the horn. The horn and headlights were on the same fuse and it overloaded and blew. I disconnected the horn button wire below the column and replaced the fuse. All lights worked again. We left the horn disconnected and the truck was retired in that condition. I had a similar problem with a 1954 CJ-3B Jeep. The horn wire insulation cracked and the wire was shorting to the frame. A little heat shrink tubing fixed that problem. Yes-It;s satisfying making repairs on old vehicles. There' s a simplicity about them that re-educates you.
17:01 to 17:12 Jay bends the fuel gauge and barely hides his frustration griping that 76 antenna ball. lol.
Very interesting! Amazing story!
Such a great story and historic perspective. Jay is the best.
Hats off to Mr. Leno for saving this car and making such a nice tribute to the designer. I'm doubly impressed that he diagnosed and fixed the blown fuse. Next a King Midget please!
"The satisfaction of fixing a problem on the road" .........respect to jay that is so well put and so true, difficult for people who dont understand to ever understand why that is so important and so true
The type of seventeen year old that built this still lives in rural Indonesia , the mountains of Pakistan, and in South America. Necessity is the mother of invention.
Frank Zappa's band were the Mothers of Invention, also a necessity for his fans, otherwise they'd blow a fuse.
@@volksfront9605 I see what you did there . . .
@@marvindebot3264
You saw me in the concert dropping acid?
Thanks from Minnesota .
Thanks for doing this, Jay. It's just great.
I like how you pay homage to the guy who built it. Also like your upgrades. I also enjoy your grass roots approach to your show. Thanks for doing a great job Jay.
Amazing things were done by young adults living during the depression. That horn was just too cute. Jay Leno for President!