Jay Leno Cruises LA in Rare 119-Year-Old Steam Car

The former 'Tonight Show' host was spotted driving his 1907 White Model G through the streets of Beverly Hills.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Jay Leno, the 75-year-old comedian and car enthusiast, was seen driving his prized 1907 White Model G steam car through the streets of Los Angeles on Wednesday. The rare, open-air vintage automobile is one of only a few hundred still in existence worldwide, with most examples housed in museums.

Why it matters

Leno's public outing in the antique steam-powered car highlights his passion for collecting and preserving rare and historically significant vehicles. As a prominent figure, Leno's joy of driving these unique automobiles helps raise awareness and appreciation for automotive history and culture.

The details

Leno's 1907 White Model G is a 30-horsepower, brass-era touring car built by the White Motor Company. The vehicle runs on a compound steam engine rather than gasoline and features three rows of seating and a tall, upright windshield. Only a tiny fraction of the roughly 9,000 White steam cars built between 1900 and 1911 are believed to survive today, with fewer than 170 worldwide and about half housed in museums.

  • Leno was spotted driving the car through the streets of Los Angeles on Wednesday, February 19, 2026.

The players

Jay Leno

A 75-year-old comedian and car enthusiast known for his extensive collection of rare and vintage automobiles.

White Motor Company

The manufacturer of the 1907 White Model G steam car that Leno owns and was driving.

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The takeaway

Leno's public outing in the rare 1907 White Model G steam car showcases his passion for preserving automotive history and culture, inspiring others to appreciate the engineering and craftsmanship of these early 20th century vehicles.