Before seemingly every American motorist drove either a pickup truck or some sort of crossover vehicle, traditional sedans, versatile station wagons and rugged body-on-frame SUVs dominated the roadways. Taking us back to the old times, three wildly different – and incredibly special – family haulers were just featured on a recent episode of Jay Leno’s Garage. This includes a vehicle that was powered by one of the world’s very first mass-produced V6 engines, an unlikely model many people probably aren’t familiar with.
Different Routes To The Same Destination
This diverse selection of vehicles was brought to Leno’s Garage from the Audrain Museum in Newport, Rhode Island. And chaperoning these priceless relics is no other than Donald Osborne, an ASA classic and exotic car appraiser, and a consultant from the Audrain Museum.
1961 Jaguar MK IX Sedan
Screenshot via Jay Leno’s Garage YouTube Channel
The first of this trio featured in the video is an unrestored Jaguar MK IX sedan from 1961, which has a very spacious cabin and a huge trunk, a rarity for an English car of the period. With its swooping fenders and beautiful details, this four-door looks fantastic, though, as legendary comedian, TV host and this YouTube show’s titular personality, Jay Leno, pointed out, the car does seem a bit old-fashioned for the ‘60s.
Screenshot via Jay Leno’s Garage YouTube Channel
Back in the day, Jaguar delivered a few things. “It was grace, pace and space,” explained Leno, and the MK IX had all three, with the speed being provided by a legendary overhead cam straight-six under the car’s long hood.
Screenshot via Jay Leno’s Garage YouTube Channel
Matching the exterior, Osborn said, “the interior is like an English gentleman’s club, just wonderful sofas with pull-down arm rests and the wood trim, just absolutely amazing character and atmosphere.” Indeed, they don’t build ‘em like they used to.
1952 Lancia Aurelia B53
Screenshot via Jay Leno’s Garage YouTube Channel
Next up, we have a 1952 Lancia Aurelia, which was built in a variety of formfactors. According to Osborne, Lancia introduced the first unibody vehicle in 1922, a construction technique used by the Aurelia coupe and sedan, though a separate architecture was also offered to coachbuilders, which is what underpins this station wagon.
Astoundingly, this Aurelia is reportedly one of only three examples that are left today. Making the car even more unique, it features stunning details, beautiful construction quality and even a vibrant, wood-trimmed body, just like an American wagon from the 1950s or ‘60s.
Screenshot via Jay Leno’s Garage YouTube Channel
Highlighting Lancia’s engineering excellence, this Aurelia features the same mechanicals as the coupe or sedan variants, including a rear-mounted transaxle and inboard brakes for enhanced balance. There’s also a column-mounted shifter, which is unusual for a European car.
What’s also unique is this station wagon has the world’s first mass-produced V6 engine, which Leno also has in his 1958 Aurelia sports car. He says this car handles beautifully and has “more than enough power” courtesy of that rev-happy engine that feels far more modern than its manufacturing date would ever suggest.
1985 Jeep Grand Wagoneer
Screenshot via Jay Leno’s Garage YouTube Channel
And finally, this episode of Jay Leno’s Garage features a 1985 Jeep Grand Wagoneer, which Osborn describes as “the first luxury SUV,” having launched long before Land Rover ever went upmarket.
Unexpectedly, the interior of this Jeep is all original, which Osborn said, “is absolutely astonishing.” Appropriately for the era, this cabin has thick leather seats, shag carpeting, and brown everywhere… so much brown.
Screenshot via Jay Leno’s Garage YouTube Channel
Motivation is provided by a V8 that provides a measly 144 hp. Despite that laughably low output, “It’s an absolute hoot to drive,” Osborn said, though he cautions that when you pilot the Grand Wagoneer, “you’re reminded of its origins as a utility vehicle,” there’s nothing sporting about this pioneering luxury SUV.
Screenshot via Jay Leno’s Garage YouTube Channel
For more details about all of these vehicles, make sure to check out this episode of Jay Leno’s Garage. The feature is embedded above for your viewing pleasure.
Source: Jay Leno’s Garage YouTube channel
