Ep 12. Space Age

In the twelfth episode of the second season of Jay Leno's Garage, we witness an out-of-this-world experience as the show explores the fascinating world of space age vehicles. Jay Leno, a car enthusiast and collector, takes the viewers on a journey to discover some of the most unique and rare vehicles ever created.

The episode begins with Jay Leno showcasing his own one-of-a-kind vehicle, a jet-powered motorcycle that he designed himself. He shares his experience of riding the motorcycle at an insanely high speed and describes his passion for unique vehicles that push the boundaries of what is possible. As the episode progresses, Jay explores some of the most innovative and creative space age vehicles that the world has ever seen.

Jay first introduces us to the "bubble car," an unusual-looking vehicle that resembles a cross between a car and a spacecraft. The bubble car's unique design is intended to provide a 360-degree view of the road and the surrounding environment. It was created during the early 1950s as part of an effort to create vehicles for the future that would transform the way we travel. Jay takes the bubble car for a spin, and we witness its futuristic design and smooth ride.

Next up, Jay introduces us to a vintage car that looks like it belongs in a science fiction movie from the 1950s. The car is called the "Atomic Punk" and was created by legendary car builder, Dave Chasiss. The Atomic Punk was built to showcase what could be achieved with the use of fiberglass as a primary building material for cars. The car's unique design and flashy paint job evoke an era of optimism and excitement about what the future held in store for us.

Another standout vehicle featured in the episode is the Lunar Roving Vehicle or LRV. This vehicle was designed specifically for use on the moon during the Apollo missions in 1971 and 1972. The LRV is a four-wheeled, electric vehicle that was used by astronauts to explore the surface of the moon. Jay gets a chance to drive the LRV on Earth and talks to one of the engineers who helped design the vehicle.

One of the most fascinating vehicles featured in the show is the Lunar Module, the spacecraft that was used to transport astronauts from the orbiting Apollo spacecraft to the surface of the moon. Jay gets a chance to climb into the Lunar Module and learn about its unique design and specifications. He talks to a former astronaut who piloted the Lunar Module during the 1972 Apollo 16 mission and gets a firsthand account of what it was like to land on the moon in this amazing vehicle.

Throughout the episode, Jay Leno's passion and enthusiasm for these unique vehicles and their remarkable histories shine through. His guests include engineers, former astronauts, and car builders, all of whom share Jay's love for innovation, creativity, and pushing beyond what is possible. Jay's humor and charm keep the episode light and entertaining, while his deep knowledge of cars and their histories provides viewers with a wealth of information and insights.

With its focus on space age vehicles, this episode of Jay Leno's Garage offers a glimpse into the future as imagined in the past. Through the lens of remarkable cars and spacecraft, we see how humans have dreamed of exploring the unknown and pushing beyond the boundaries of the possible. It's an inspiring and entertaining episode that showcases some of the most unique and futuristic vehicles ever created.