Leno’s Garage: Jay Leno Calls Elon Musk in China, Ends Up Buying a Tesla
Comedian and car enthusiast Jay Leno, known for his iconic "Jay Leno’s Garage" show, recently recounted a hilarious anecdote involving a late-night call to Tesla CEO Elon Musk while the billionaire was in China. The story, shared on Leno’s YouTube channel, highlights the unexpected connection between the two, and the power of a simple, albeit slightly embarrassing, phone call.
Leno recalled a meeting with Musk seven years ago, where the Tesla founder gave him his personal cell phone number. "He gave me his private cell phone number and I said, ‘I will not abuse this, I’m not gonna call you up and annoy you’," explained Leno. Years passed, and Leno, while filming a segment for "Jay Leno’s Garage," decided to reach out to Musk to gain access to a Tesla factory.
"I thought, ‘Let me call Elon, I’m sure he’s at the factory’," said Leno. "I dialed it up, and — hello, uh-huh, hello Elon, yeah, Jay Leno."
The reality of the situation hit Leno as he realized he had called Musk in the middle of the night, likely in China. "I felt like an idiot," confessed Leno. "I said I wouldn’t bother the guy, and I call him up when he’s in China and he’s asleep."
To remedy the situation, Leno jokingly claimed he would buy a Tesla. "I’m going to buy a car just to make up for it," said Leno, adding, "It makes for a better story, I wouldn’t have bought it if it wasn’t a great car."
The story emphasizes the genuine connection between Leno and Musk, and demonstrates how even a seemingly awkward interaction can lead to a positive outcome. As Leno put it, "It’s fast, it’s fun," referring to the Tesla, "you know horsepower cures a lot of problems, and it causes a lot of problems."
The video serves as a reminder of the unexpected nature of life and the importance of human connection, even between renowned figures like Jay Leno and Elon Musk. The story is ultimately a light-hearted glimpse into the world of car enthusiasts, highlighting the excitement that comes with a passion for automobiles.
Jay Leno’s Accidental Call to Elon Musk: The Story Behind the Tesla Acquisition
Jay Leno, the beloved comedian and car enthusiast, recounts a humorous and unexpected encounter with Elon Musk, revealing the story behind his acquisition of a Tesla. In a recent episode of his CNBC show, "Jay Leno’s Garage," Leno shares how a seemingly harmless call to Musk while the Tesla CEO was in China, turned into a serendipitous purchase of a Tesla Model S.
Key Takeaways:
- Elon Musk’s Unassuming Nature: Despite his immense success, Musk remained approachable, providing Leno with his personal phone number.
- Unintended Consequences: An impromptu call, meant for a factory tour, resulted in Leno acquiring a Tesla.
- Elon Musk’s Humility and Sense of Humor: Musk’s willingness to entertain Leno’s call, despite being asleep in China, highlights his down-to-earth personality.
A Call That Went Viral
The anecdote, first aired on Jay Leno’s Garage, quickly went viral, capturing the attention of internet audiences. The narrative of Leno’s casual call to Musk, followed by a spontaneous decision to buy a Tesla, resonated with viewers.
Behind the Scenes of the Call
Leno, a car aficionado known for his extensive collection of vintage and luxury automobiles, had a long-standing interest in Tesla. Back in 2010, he met Musk at a car show, where he was impressed by the Tesla Roadster.
“I thought it was impressive at the time and at the time he gave me his private cell phone number," Leno recalled. "I said I will not abuse his, I’m not gonna call you up and annoy you."
However, years later, during the filming of his CNBC show, Leno sought access to the Tesla factory for an episode. He remembered Musk’s number and decided to call, hoping for a quick response.
“I said let me call Ilan, all right, the afternoon I’m sure he’s at the factory," Leno said, recounting the events.
Leno dialed the number – only to discover that Musk was in China.
"I’m sorry to wake up you," Leno said sheepishly on the call, "you’re in China, right?"
"Yeah,” a sleepy Musk responded.
“I feel like an idiot, Walter,” Leno confessed. “I said I wouldn’t bother the guy, and I call him up when he’s in China and he’s asleep.”
“So I said, you know, I’m sorry, Bob did you look, I’m gonna buy a car just to make up for it,” Leno added, seemingly out of guilt.
A Serendipitous Outcome
The seemingly impulsive decision to buy a Tesla, motivated by a desire to make amends, reveals a deeper truth. Leno, genuinely impressed by Tesla’s technological advancement, had long contemplated adding a Tesla to his collection, regardless of Musk’s response to his call.
“I’ve got a problem, that’s not really the reason I bought it, but it makes for a better story,” Leno shared honestly. “I wouldn’t have bought it if it wasn’t a great time. It’s, it’s, it’s fast and it’s fun. You know, horsepower cures a lot of problems, it causes a lot of problems [Music]."
Musk’s Humility and Approachability
Beyond the comedic aspect, the story highlights the remarkable accessibility of a global icon like Elon Musk. Even though he was asleep in a different continent, Musk readily acknowledged Leno’s call and engaged with him in a relaxed manner.
The story portrays an image of a successful CEO who remains grounded and approachable, prioritizing personal connections.
This unexpected interaction offers a glimpse into the human side of Elon Musk, emphasizing his humility and willingness to engage with a fan even despite the late hour, further highlighting his approachable persona.
A Story that Transcends a Car Purchase
Jay Leno’s anecdote, while amusing, reveals much more than a simple car purchase. It demonstrates the unexpected nature of human interaction, the power of social bonds, and the underlying humility of a world-renowned innovator. Leno’s story, however comical, provides a glimpse into the unique personality of Elon Musk and the allure of the Tesla brand.
The story also underscores the significant role social media plays in shaping public perception. The story’s virality reflects the digital age’s fascination with the lives of both celebrities and business titans.
Leno’s Legacy of Car Enthusiasm
Jay Leno, an institution of American comedy and automotive culture, continues to captivate audiences with his passion for cars. His “Jay Leno’s Garage” show, a testament to his deep-rooted interest in automobiles, resonates with viewers who share his enthusiasm for all things automotive. Through captivating stories, insightful interviews, and captivating presentations, Leno’s show celebrates the history, technology, and culture surrounding the automobile.
Leno’s unexpected encounter with Musk, whether a genuine accident or a well-executed comedic ploy, serves as an engaging anecdote that illustrates the power of human connection and the unexpected turns life can take. This story, amplified by the reach of social media, adds another layer to the already compelling narrative of Jay Leno’s legacy as a car aficionado.
