Paul Jackson, and his Big Block 1969 Oldsmobile 442 - Jay Leno's garage

Picture: NBC.com

Jay Leno isn't really known as a punishing driver. If Jay Leno's Garage is any indication, you know that he might get on the throttle a little bit, but he's hardly reckless. However, this week Leno actually does a little damage to the car he's driving while showcasing the 1969 Oldsmobile 442 restomod owned by his buddy, guitarist Paul Jackson Jr., formerly of The Tonight Show Band.



The Olds received a two-and-a-half year restoration to get the muscle car to its current condition. Other than its big wheels, it looks pretty stock on the outside. Once the hood is opened, all is revealed, though. It packs a big-block V8 crate engine with a meaty 750 horsepower and 750 pound-feet of torque that routes to the rear via a three-speed automatic with overdrive. With all that power, fuel economy isn't stellar; Jackson says that the 442 gets in the neighborhood of just 5 miles per gallon.

The two guys spend a long time taking it for a drive, and you really get a chance to hear the growl of that big V8. All the conversation almost channels Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee, just without the java. Also, make sure to stay tuned after they return to the garage. That's when Jay puts the Olds up on the lift to inspect the damage. Scroll down to check out an enviably updated piece of American muscle, abysmal fuel economy or no.



Source: Autoblog