Jay Leno's Garage (2013) Season 9 Episode 34 Gabriel Inglesias' 1966 Volkswagen Samba
- February 2, 2015
Jay Leno's Garage season 9 episode 34 takes us on a tour of Gabriel Iglesias' 1966 Volkswagen Samba. In this episode, Jay Leno explores the life and career of Gabriel Iglesias, a Comedian, and actor, and takes a closer look at his prized possession - a beautifully restored 1966 Volkswagen Samba.
The episode kickstarts with Gabriel Iglesias taking Jay Leno for a ride in his beloved Samba. Gabriel reveals how his love for Volkswagen buses started back when he was a kid in California. He shares anecdotes from his life while growing up, and how he used to ‘cruise’ the streets in his Volkswagen Bus.
Gabriel then takes Jay Leno back to his garage, where the Samba is parked. As they approach the car, Jay Leno can’t help but marvel at its beauty. Gabriel shares the story of how he came across this particular Volkswagen Samba and how it took him five years to complete the restoration of the vehicle.
Jay and Gabriel then get under the hood and explore the vehicle's engine. Gabriel gives Jay a detailed insight into the engine, which is a 1600cc dual-port engine. He shares how the engine provides a balance between fuel economy and power and how the car's fuel system is set up.
The duo then moves to the interior of the vehicle. Gabriel shows Jay the unique features of this Samba, including the ’21-window’ design, which gives the car a spacious feel, and the ragtop roof, which can be pulled back to give riders a convertible-like experience.
Gabriel also shares how he has personalized the interior of the vehicle. He shows the custom-made seats, which are designed to resemble the seats found in a classic car while providing modern comfort. He also points out the various accessories he has added to the vehicle, including a custom sound system and a vintage bar which adds to the ambiance of the car.
Jay and Gabriel then take the Samba out for a spin on the road. The duo creates quite a stir as they cruise around the streets, with passersby taking pictures and waving at the car.
The episode ends with Gabriel sharing his passion for Volkswagen buses and how he has several other Volkswagen buses in his collection, each with a unique story behind it. He talks about how restoring and customizing classic cars is a labor of love, and it's not just about the end result. For him, the process of restoration is as important as the end product, as it requires a lot of patience, perseverance, and love for the vehicle.
The episode perfectly captures Gabriel Iglesias’ passion for Volkswagen buses. Its customization and personalized interior are a true reflection of his style and personality. The episode provides an insight into the classic Volkswagen buses, their history, and how personalization makes them unique. The episode is a must-watch for all Volkswagen enthusiasts and Gabriel Iglesias fans.