Jay Leno has always been synonymous with cars. If you don’t find him on the stage cracking jokes, you will find him in the garage working on cars. The comedian hosts his own show, “Jay Leno’s Garage,” where he exhibits some of the most unique and rare vehicles in automotive history.
Even after his unfortunate fire accident, which left him injured and required months of recovery, Leno didn’t let the setback slow him down. He returned to the garage to work on cars. Recently, he turned his attention to the restoration of a legendary vehicle: the 1977 Pontiac Firebird from the classic television series The Rockford Files. Leno was excited to work on this project because he loved the show.
Jay Leno takes a spin in the 1977 Pontiac Firebird from ‘The Rockford Files’
The 1977 Pontiac Firebird is no ordinary car. It was driven by James Garner in The Rockford Files, a hit TV series from the 1970s and 1980s. Garner’s Firebird was not just a background prop—it was a key element of the show, practically a co-star in its own right.
This particular Firebird stands out for more than just its fame. It features a 403-cubic-inch Oldsmobile V8 engine that produces 185 horsepower, paired with a three-speed automatic transmission. The car is also painted in gold, a color Garner chose himself. Additionally, it was modified with Koni shocks to accommodate the sound equipment used on set.
The restoration of this Firebird was led by Pat McKinney, a devoted fan of The Rockford Files. McKinney had previously owned one of the show’s Firebirds in the 1980s but sold it, only to later regret the decision. Driven by nostalgia, he purchased a severely deteriorated Firebird from eBay and spent 15 years restoring it to its original glory.
McKinney shared his story on Jay Leno’s Garage; he detailed the challenges he faced while trying to restore the car. Together, he and Leno marveled at the car’s transformation, with Leno even taking it for a drive. “It makes you want to fight crime when you drive it,” Leno mentioned.
McKinney’s Firebird is more than just a car; it’s a piece of television history. With Jay Leno’s seal of approval, the restored Firebird is a tribute to those who love classic cars and The Rockford Files.