Jay Leno constantly drives around in cars that have deep automotive history, and like any car, there's a personal story behind the nuts and bolts. Recently, the famed comedian and automotive enthusiast took a spin in Rod Hall's 1968 Ford Bronco to learn more about the iconic Baja racer and its legendary driver.

The History of Rod Hall

Lenos garage
Jay Leno's Garage/YouTube
Leno sits in Rod Hall's 1968 Bronco 

In the latest online episode of Jay Leno's Garage, Leno and off-road racer Amy Lerner took a ride in Hall's 1968 Ford Bronco and discussed the man who piloted it and his lifetime in off-road racing. Hall began competing in the Baja 1000 off-road race in 1967 and raced in the event for 50 consecutive years. In 2017, Lerner approached him to proceed with the documentary, "One More Win," a look into Hall's legacy and the history surrounding off-road racing ahead of the racer's 50th consecutive entrance into the event. Hall was born in 1937 and passed away in June 2019 at 82 years of age. Hall spent nearly his whole adult life racing off-road vehicles. He was 80 years old right after his final race Baja 1000 Race in 2017 before he developed progressive supra nuclear palsy, a late onset degenerative brain disease.

The 1968 Ford Bronco Renovation

Rod Hall Bronco
Jay Leno's Garage/YouTube 

The 1968 Ford Bronco featured in the video was the actual Bronco in which Hall had won the 1969 Baja 1000. Hall's daughter Shelby requested to pull the Bronco out from the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame Museum to race in the NORRA Mexican 1000. The Bronco was then renovated at Samco Fabrication. According to Bronco Corral, Hall's Baja racer is powered by a Ford Racing 347-cubic-inch, 350-horsepower crate engine capped with a Holley Ultra XP carburetor. It also features Hedman Elite Headers, Flowmaster Super 10 mufflers and plenty of other off-road upgrades to tackle any terrain. After restoring the car to its 1969 glory, Hall and his daughter competed in a 1,300-mile race, placing second in their class, to return to Bronco to the podium once again.

The Bronco Won the 1969 Baja 1000

Rod Hall Bronco
Jay Leno's Garage/YouTube 

Before it took Hall and his daughter to the podium, the 1968 Bronco reigned supreme in the 1969 Baja 1000, a 1,000-mile off-road race that takes places between Ensenada, California, all the way to La Paz, Mexico. The race is famous for its unforgiving conditions, even sabotage among competitors. It includes various types of all-terrain racers competing, including trophy trucks, dirt bikes, side-by-sides, Baja bugs and buggies.

While traversing in Hall's 1969-winning entrant, Leno and Lerner discuss Hall, the Bronco, and Lerner's past racing endeavors, including her transition from two-wheel racing to four-wheel competition on the rough terrain. Check out the above video to learn more about Hall, the Baja 1000, Lerner and more about this legendary Bronco.