1932 Packard Twin-Six: A Tribute to Phil Hill - Jay Leno's Garage

Jay pays tribute to his late friend, Phil Hill, in his 1932 Packard Twin-Six, restored by the Formula 1 Champion himself.

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1932 Packard Twin-Six: A Tribute to Phil Hill - Jay Leno's Garage

Jay Leno's Garage

[streetsmart]

I first met Jay, at a car show, He rolled in, driving the Twin Six...later, . as Jay rolled out, I jokingly said to Jay, " let me know when we can cruise in that Beauty"..
Jay stopped and said, "Hop in " Jay Leno a Great car guy.

[stevekerby]

It's easy to get resentful of people who have the money to drive whatever they choose, but with Leno, you're just glad that someone is looking after all these old motors. And properly too. He's a custodian, in the truest sense of the word.

[kevinandjudy]

i have watched many of jay's clips and i prefer when he is solo. he didn't have to compete with an amateur comedian. this one felt like it came from his heart.

[charlievaughn]

Thank you for this tribute to Phil Hill. My grandfather, Ken Vaughn, was his partner with Hill and Vaughn. Packards always remind me of Phil and my granddad, and they always mentioned to me that they had restored some cars for you. My family really appreciates this video, thank you.

[nrrestoration]

I was working at Hill and Vaughn when this was restored. Jay’s description of Phil is accurate. He was a wonderful character, and getting to know him is one of my favorite memories. I didn’t remember doing any work on this car as it wasn’t one of my projects. I didn’t even test drive it which is odd because Ken Vaughn, my father, and Phil (Hill and Vaughn) usually liked to get my input. Phil’s passion is matched by Mr. Leno. Phil’s 80th birthday at the car barn was a pleasure. I met Ms. Leno, Mavis as well. She is a fine lady. Jay is right about racers not getting rich. Phil once told me he got $500 for driving Le Mans. Great memories for me Mr. Leno. Many thanks. I’m glad the Packard is in such good hands.

[The_R-n-I_Guy]

The way Jay speaks of his friends, you can tell just how good a person he is.

[moparedtn]

One word springs to mind watching this particular episode:
Class.
This type of episode has always been my favorite kind with Jay. It's just the machine and him, devoid of anything
or anyone else with something to promote or compete about for screen time.
One gets the truest sense of Jays' love of the cars this way and this cars' story is amazing to boot.
He's said often that he buys a cars' story as much as the car itself and this one just may be the best example of that.

I highly recommend to anyone who likes this sort of video to go back in Jays' catalog of videos to the beginnings of JLG.
Lots of videos in the early days along this same vein. Great to watch.

[joehovanec]

That Packard is one of the nicest ones I've ever seen. Phil did a beautiful job restoring it.

[senseofstile]

I saw Phil Hill a couple times and briefly talked to him. Once I saw him talking to a guy with a Jaguar XK120. The jag looked really rough and it was obvious the owner cleaned it the best he could. The good thing is it ran and drove. He and Phil Hill were talking for awhile and Phil wanted to look under the hood. At that point Phil asked if anyone had tools. Somebody brought him a toolbox. The next thing Phil is under the hood turning wrenches. Amazing.

[johnandmarylouwilde]

Back in the late "40s, when I was in high school, the husband of friend of my mother's bought a Packard V12, "to chauffeur his wife to church". (He wasn't a church goer himself, but he wanted his wife to arrive in style.) It was the sensation of his neighborhood, dubbed "Joe Bell's chicken coop". One day he let me inspect the vehicle. He'd bought it cheap from a doctor's estate. It had been sitting in a garage for several years and needed cleaning. and new tires. "It takes truck tires. They cost me more than the car". He invited me to take a spin. After he turned on the engine, he said, "Watch this." He shifted into third gear, let out the clutch, and the Packard took off smoothly. "Just like an automatic. I hardly ever have to change gears." I felt like I was in heaven. Some time later I had the chance to buy a 16 cylinder Cadillac, but turned it down after a test drive. Next to the Packard it seemed like a piece of tin.

[maxcactus]

I honestly think Jay Leno has done more for the appreciation and preservation of classic automobiles than any other single individual. I love his knowledge and zeal for the preservation of these historic cars, but even more than that, I love the stories he tells about the individuals involved, particularly ones he personally knew. This video was very touching in that regard. God love you, Jay! You've brought laughter and joy to millions for decades. Thanks for all you do!!

[NateBuildingBricks]

Amazing color. I wish we could still get green like this in vehicles.

[hiramabiff]

In my 67 years I had the honor of meeting many of my racing heroes. I was at Sebring in '65 with the scouts. As a photographer I had the immense honor of spending two days with Sir Jackie Stewart. The ending of this video made me tear up. Cheers Jay.

[Visionery]

11:55, can you believe it, it even has a seat for the mother-in-law. :)

[mikeb]

You know it's well built when it was made in 1932 and the only modification you need 86 years later is higher speed gearing...

[topturretgunner]

Jay. That was a touching and heartfelt tribute to Mr Hill. Thank you very much. You’re a true gentleman.

[SmittySmithsonite]

Ya made me tear up at the end there, Jay. What a nice tribute to your friend.

RIP, Phil Hill.

[andrewwadage]

What a lovely tribute to your friend. My grandfather was the chauffeur for a wealthy Boston Socialite, Sarah Choate Sears, from 1912 to 1936. She always owned Packards. She even had one with right hand drive that would be loaded on the SS Bremen for her trips to Europe. Grandpa always said that, next to the Stanley Steamer, Packards were the best cars he ever drove.

[danielramsey]

That engine bay was cleaner than the hospital room i was stuck in for 6 days in Alaska!

[frankbiz]

Always love watching and listening to Jay with his cars. I surly miss him at night. Stopped watching all late night garbage once Jay left. He is one guy I would love to spend some time with at his garage. He is real, not like most in LA.