Jay Leno’s Net Worth And The True Value Behind His Car Collection

Before his career as a standup comedian took off, Jay Leno used to work at a Mercedes-Benz dealership, and it was this period that kickstarted his passion for the brand’s cars. The 600 compressor, in particular, is one of his favorite cars of all time, since he says it was “the only Mercedes-Benz machine built without regard to cost.” It was the most expensive car in the world when it was unveiled in 1963, costing around $22,000, considerably more than a Rolls-Royce.

Leno describes how replacing a window switch in his car cost an eye-watering $11,500. This is because it is entirely hydraulically powered, using a system that’s completely obsolete, and that only a few people in the world know how to work on. Examples of the 600 for sale vary wildly in price, from $80,000 up to more than $200,000 depending on the exact history and specification of the car. Leno’s car is most likely worth something in the top end of that price range, having been meticulously restored by a 600 specialist in Wisconsin.