Blastolene Special - History

History

In 2001 a glass artist named Randy Grubb made the Blastolene Special with a Continental AV1790-5B(A huge engine that weighs the same as a Volkswagen Beetle) used in a 51-ton M47 Patton Tank back in the 1950s, a Greyhound bus transmission and metal for the body. The glass blower figured he made about US$125,000 selling it to Jay Leno to put into the extensive collection of cars he owns (84 cars and 73 motorcycles as of April 11, 2006). The car was built at Grubb's shop in Grants Pass, Oregon.

After purchasing the car, Jay Leno made numerous enhancements to the roadworthiness of the vehicle including new gearbox (six speed Allison automatic), new rear brakes, new electrical system, and chassis work. Recently, the engine has been upgraded with fuel injection and twin turbochargers from Gale Banks and his company, Gale Banks Engineering, estimated to produce 1,600 hp (1,200 kW) and 3,000 lbf·ft (4,100 N·m) of torque.

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