Jay Leno Offered a Blank Check for a Car, But the Owner Said No

When famous American car enthusiast and television host Jay Leno laid eyes on this Duesenberg, he was so impressed that he offered the owner a blank check.

However, to everyone’s surprise, the owner, Jimmy Castle, firmly declined his generous offer.

That’s what you call true love when it comes to classic cars.

But this car is not just any old car: it is a Duesenberg Straight Eight.

READ MORE: Beyoncé’s $1 million vintage Rolls-Royce II Silver Cloud is one of the world’s most unique cars

Jay Leno Was Denied Car Even Though He Offered Him A Blank Check

The incredible story of this proposed transaction between Jay Leno and Jimmy Castle is told in its entirety on the VINwiki YouTube channel.

Samuel Northup Castle was a wealthy American businessman who managed to obtain one of the first Duesenberg road cars in the 1920s.

Duesenberg Castle was not only powerful, but also technologically advanced for its time.

It featured a chassis with four-wheel hydraulic brakes, a feature usually reserved for racing cars.

Over time, the car has even undergone some modifications – including some updates – but its vintage essence has remained intact.

Restoration expert Bruce Canepa undertook the monumental task of restoring the car, after which it also competed in the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

The vintage vehicle finished second in its class, which, while a proud moment, left Jay Leno quite disappointed.

This is because he believed the car deserved first place.

The car was later inherited by Samuel Castle’s nephew, James.

As far as inheritance goes, this one is pretty cool.

Duesenberg has a rich history

Duesenberg has a rich history with Hollywood glamour and elite status.

Celebrities such as Clark Gable and Greta Garbo were among the proud owners of this exquisite automobile.

The company originally manufactured aircraft and marine engines, but moved into road car production in 1919.

However, the cars they made were anything but ordinary: they were the most elite in their class.

Valued at around $13 million in 2013, the car’s true value lies in the love it has garnered from automotive enthusiasts.

For Jimmy, no amount of money could replace the sentimental value of this magnificent car, just like the man who loved his Rolls-Royce and drove it for 82 years.

When you love something that much, money is not important, no matter what the offer is.