Jay Leno is best known for his passion for rare and modern supercars, but in this episode, he shifts gears—literally and figuratively—by stepping back nearly a century. Instead of high horsepower and advanced technology, Leno introduces his producer and director, David Swift, to the challenge of driving a 1925 Ford Model T.
For anyone under 40, the Model T is a fascinating window into automotive history. Jay describes it as “the iPhone of its day,” a groundbreaking machine that revolutionized transportation when it first hit the market. Originally sold for just $260, this particular “Mennonite” Model T comes equipped with a splash-lubricated engine, no oil or water pump, and a magneto ignition system that makes a battery optional.
Jay guides David through the car’s unusual operating system, which is anything but intuitive by modern standards. From adjusting spark timing with an advance and retard lever, to navigating the three-pedal setup (none of which function like a modern clutch), the lesson quickly proves why the Model T demands both patience and practice. With only rear-wheel brakes and little room for error, Jay warns: “If you start to panic, you’re in trouble.”
The episode isn’t just a driving lesson—it’s also a history lesson. Along the way, Jay shares fascinating details about Henry Ford’s ties to Thomas Edison and the claim that John D. Rockefeller supported the Temperance movement partly to steer Ford away from developing alcohol-powered cars, which could have disrupted the oil industry.
Whether you’re a car enthusiast or just curious about what came before today’s modern machines, this episode offers a rare chance to see one of the world’s most influential vehicles in action. It’s an entertaining reminder that while automotive technology has come a long way, the innovations of the past were every bit as revolutionary in their time.
