Former "Tonight Show" host and comedy legend Jay Leno is one of the most prominent car guys in the Hollywood. Housed in a series of airplane hangars at Burbank Airport, his collection of over 200 cars and motorcycles​ are the envy of many around the world. Not only does Leno drive the cars, but he, along with a team of mechanics, also help to maintain and restore many of them in his priceless collection. In addition, the late night legend also possesses a near encyclopedic knowledge of automobiles and their history. Recently, Business Insider had the chance to chat with Leno, and he imparted some of his automotive wisdom.

What draws him to a particular car?

NBC Universal/ Walker Dalton
"I like cars that are ahead of their times, and that were noble failures because they were built to a higher standard than the consumer needed. Cars like the Wills Sainte Claire or the Duesenberg." Wills Sainte Claire and Duesenberg were two upstart car companies from the 1920-30s who technologically advanced cars.


On safety regulations

REUTERS/Michael Dalder
"Corporations complained about [safety] regulations, but let's face it, people walk away from accidents now that would have killed them when I was a kid"


How will society adapt to future challenges?

AP
"I believe engineers will save the world."


How did he feel when he got his drivers license?

Twitter/Jaguar
"I was born the day I got my license. When I was a kid, if I wanted to go somewhere and see things, you have to get in your car and actually go. "


Is the car losing its iconic place in our culture?

AP
"The car was the iPhone of the 20th century. Kids these days don't have to drive anymore. They just go there virtually."


A car guy should never let anyone touch his cars

AP
"Anybody who gives their car to a valet isn't a car guy"

How Jay Leno chooses a restaurant

Melia Robinson/Business Insider
"If there isn't a parking space out front or I can't see my car from the window, we're eating somewhere else."

How environmental laws have helped?

"Regulations force people to do better."


Why does Jay Leno works on his cars?

Stacie McCheaney/NBC
"When you work with your hands, you learn to appreciate how easy it is to earn money talking."

Why does being your own mechanic still matter?

Julie Zeveloff/Business Insider
"When you fix something with your hands it gives you a sense of accomplishment and a sense of self worth."


Have a look inside Jay Leno's Garage...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uV2EM7zanyM

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