I remember hiring the VHS as a kid and haven't stopped loving this mostly hidden B-grade gem! fantastic soundtrack too. LOL my friends and i still quote the movie all the time, whenever we're putting fuel into something with a jerrycan it's ''Slush this pig with 15 bud, lets go cruise'' and whenever we fix something on a car or machine it's ''Cleared for takeoff''
Just re-watched it last winter for the millionth time. Terrible movie but it had its moments. Plus, there are a lot of ironically funny scenes. My friends and I used to quote it regularly. I was always curious about the car. Now I know.
The movies these intellectuals put down for being low budget and corny, are some of my all time favorites. They'd rather watch something that takes a team of people brainstorming together, to even figure out what the hell it was about.
The Wraith was filmed here in Tucson, and alot of it was filmed about 100ft from my front door as a kid. This wildcat holds a special place in my heart. Everytime I'm driving through the Saguaro national monument I imagine I'm driving against the wraith. And when my wife and I go to sabino Canyon I'm thinking about this movie.
Nice to see you here, MJR. Not the first time I've seen you comment on one of Jay's videos. :) And I agree. Fun movie, great looking car. (not to mention Sherilyn Fenn...)
In 1987, I was 15 years old. My family owned some apartment buildings in Maine. I was woken in the evening by my step father yelling about one of the apartment buildings on fire. We rushed to the site blasting through red lights and indeed, the whole third floor was ablaze. The renter was there with some friends and they were visibly impaired. The next day we went back and began going through the place to see how bad the damages were. Turns out, the ceiling of the third floor was gone and the sun of the morning was shining into the third floor apartment. There were artifacts inside that hinted at a party happening the night before, beer cans and ashtrays. A stack of rented VHS cassettes were melted on the TV stand. But there was one movie that survived. It was The Wraith. I watched it that night and fell in love with the movie car. I will never forget how that event, and the movie shaped my teenage self.
Hopefully someone will get on here and tell a story about how in 1987 they were going to watch this movie but never got to, due to a fire that broke out.
I'm 55 years old and the Wraith is still one of my favorite movies of all time, my ex father in law was in his 70's and he and I bonded the moment he said his favorite movie ever was the Wraith. May he rest in peace.
Excellent movie list! I remember not liking the original Flash Gordon film when I first saw it many decades ago, but it wasn't until I was much older did I revisit it and fell in love with its charm. The Last Starfighter, however, is a film I loved from day one and it's easily one of my all-time favourites!
The Wraith really is a classic, my dad loves it and thanks to him I’m a fan of the movie as well. A story about an average underdog kinda guy who woos a girl but then is murdered by a gang leader and his cronies all because the gang leader can’t have the beautiful girl that he wants, then rises from the grave to avenge his own death and takes down the same gang and it’s leader who killed him. It’s a bit of a sad storyline because the young man who died in the hands of the jealous gang leader was resurrected under a different name, both his love interest and his brother didn’t know who he is until the end of the movie and then also disappears from his brother’s life after giving him the beautiful high-tech car. Regardless, the movie was really good that I’d watch it every now and then even with my dad whenever I’d have the chance. Never judge a movie by it’s plot or storyline until you can understand it by watching from beginning to end.
Wish somebody would build a modern replica that doesn't look like a shell. With a lower ride height, nice front grill and something that looks more finished and polished. I have a real nice picture in my head of what it is supposed to look like, the way I pictured it when I was a kid.
This is my #1 Dream Car. Ever since I saw the Wraith, I wanted this car. The (Dodge) Turbo Interceptor, as they called it in the movie. Then, I found out that they never did produce them, and most were destroyed, and there was only one left... and there it is. So Awesome. And still love that movie.
The Wraith is one of my all time favorite 80's movies, it exudes 80's cheesiness! It also had a great soundtrack! My uncle Rat's '62 Ford Falcon, with a flame job, was in the movie at Kay's Burgers.
I love the soundtrack so much! My favorite songs from it were Stan Bush - "Hearts vs. Heads", LaMarca - "Hold on Blue Eyes", and Tim Feehan - "Where's the Fire"
In 1987 I had an Orange Super Beetle with primer gray fenders. I never noticed the exact replica of my car at Kays Burgers until I recently rewatched this movie 30 years later. Wraith might be fiction, but the great memories it brings back are for real.
Thank you to Jeff Dunham for keeping this one alive. And thanks to Jay Leno;'s Garage for brining it to us. That movie came out when I was just about ready to start driving, I always one to have one - well until I found out it was just a movie prop based on a one-off pace car. Though, the magic is a bit further lost, I always thought it was a V8 powered machine.... alas; childhood memories.
@averageguylifestyle7092 Although I agree for the most part about diluting cult flics I can't lie...I'd love to see not a redux but a refresh with 'modern' technology. If it happened I'm torn between keeping the storyline true to the original or rewriting it to make it darker. 🤷♂️
Dodge should have built this car instead of the Demon or along with the Demon....Where the Demon might beat it at the drag strip but the M4S would win on the race track. With better handling, power to weight ratio & aerodynamics. Something like a 600hp 2.5L twin turbo in back
To be fair, it was not a prime time or even theater movie. It was an HBO movie. Also the majority of TV viewers were just getting cable as the transition from antenna to cable was also about the same time. This is not to mention that in the 80's it was still an additional $10 a month for HBO. Not many were paying for extra channels at that time.
@@michaelbrinks8089 Nah, I love this car but let's be real here, the Dodge Demon is a legend now. That highway chase will forever go down in history as one of the most kick-butt ever. That was some real-life Fast & Furious stuff, and helped Dodge sell a bunch more Challengers. I love the M4S concept, but it would have to find a spot alongside the Demon, not in place of it.
@@Billy-bc8pk Nah, a modern M4S with a carbon fiber monocoque body, being much lighter, stiffer, higher power to weight ratio, mid engine, better weight distribution. With way better aerodynamics/less wind resistances, better handling, than the m Demon...Along with modern 2024 suspension, brakes, twin turbo mid engine V8 making 1000+ HP.....🆚 the- heavier, less aerodynamic, body on frame, front engine rwd Demon.
Sure, it's a "cult classic"... which is code for "a terrible movie, with a few cool scenes/aspects". There's some great car movies- Two Lane Blacktop, Duel, Mad Max... but Wraith was NEVER one of them... Leno is right- Cool car, but TERRIBLE "cult classic" movie.
@@baconsarny-geddon8298 Bruh? Are you serious? Wraith stands up there with the best. It's a true petrol-head film, just like Running on Empty or Dirty Mary Crazy Larry. It's entertaining from start to finish and builds up perfectly with no wasted motion.
There was a sleazy heist film “Black Moon Rising” starring Tommy Lee Jones and Linda Hamilton. Their heist car was based on a 1980 Wingho Concordia II concept. Now, that one didn't age well...
It's probably more interesting to those who saw it as young kids (on TV at least) and were captivated by that car. The movie itself is fairly 80s B grade stuff to me and I was young when this was out. I have the dvd more for nostalgic reasons but it's pretty campy. Which is to be expected when Randy Quaid has a serious supporting role in something lol
I love that movie. I was 8 when it came out, and it solidified my love of cars. Now I own a restoration shop and have dedicated my life's work to bringing them back to life. I have to go watch it now.
Hi Jay, I hope that you will read this. I met you long ago and you graciously gave me and a design coworker a tour of your garage (over 20 years ago). I worked with the designer of the Wraith, Bob Ackerman, who was given the assignment to do the design at an offsite studio. He did an amazing job, especially considering that he was basically off on his own, and it's a kick to see that it garnered so much recognition over the years! Bob is older than the hills these days, but as far as I know he's still doing well! Regards, John
@@Zenkai76Its a cult classic. I have heard talk some time ago, that someone wanted to make "The Wraith" a 3 part movie series. I have also heard some people want to remake this movie. It would be interesting to see, either way.
@@k31v1n yeah Jay really looks like he doesn't want anything to do with this video, just constantly hating on the car and movie, took away the fun of it. At least Jeff looked like he was legit having fun.
Well, he *did* already have a history with this particular car. It sounded like a very disappointing history. And judging by various things in the video, even though they did a lot of cosmetic work to the car, it seems like it's *still* very far off from being an enjoyable driving experience. So although it's dramatically improved, under the skin, it sounds like it's still barely a *car*, and *certainly* not a "performance car". Had they done *serious* work on the car, in order to make it accelerate/drive/handle/stop as good as it *looks* like it should. Jay's impression/reaction would probably have been a whole lot different. I think his reaction was really just due to having a horrible experience with it last time, and now not actually having a much better experience even though it's been been heavily worked on.
the original design is by BBS and these were American Racing they came also on some Fieros as a matter of fact i have seen a Wraith replica based on a Fiero
HORRIBLE MOVIE? Sorry Leno, this movie was great, You should apologize for this terrible comment, superb story and great stunts, will for sure show my son this great film
I agree, I love that movie. I’m 50 years old and I love all cars and trucks and motorcycles. Also I love every show and movie that jay leno has been in.
I was 9 when this came out, one of my favorite 80’s movies. Randy Quaid’s finest work. And also the creepiest Clint Howard. YOU LOSE THE RACE, YOU LOSE YOUR CAR!!!
It wasnt a terrible movie, it was awesome with a great cast, car and soundtrack. Not to mention, the bad guy ended up directing the Notebook. Loved the movie and it Sherilyn Fenn in the movie.
I worked in a ceramic tile manufacturing plant in 80's through the mid 90's. I'm 61 now, but back then I was 6'5" and athletic. The first time this movie was on television, I went to work this next day apparently a LOT of people at work had seen the Wraith the previous night. It felt like everyone I saw that day said "you look JUST LIKE the bad guy in that movie". The character's name was Packard Walsh, who was played by Nick Cassavetes. I've been a drag racer all my life, and the funniest thing that happened related to looking like Packard Walsh happened when a group of about a dozen of us were in Bowling Green Kentucky for a race at Beech Bend Drag Strip and we all went out to a local restaurant for dinner. The Restaurant was called TOOTS, which is bit of a variation on Hooters (closed now, unfortunately). My friends had noticed the servers talking and pointing at me and this wasn't the first time people had thought I was Nick Cassavetes, so my buddies told me I should just go with it, which I never had before. So finally the girl gets up the courage to ask "are you that guy from the Wraith?" and I said "I'd appreciate if you'd keep it quiet, but yeah, I'm him". We ended up being served by all the servers in the place and we never let on that I wasn't him. We had a great time and all left big tips and apparently the girls of TOOTS had a night to remember, so I suppose, no harm no foul. Needless to say, everytime this car or especially this movie gets mentioned, I remember that outing and all the fun we had that night.
Jeff is my hero for finding and restoring this and Jay has once again shown me that he's an out-of-touch old man, shaking his fist at the clouds. The Wraith wasn't a masterpiece, but it was still a pretty good movie for it's genre, even with the Dodge M4S stealing the show through most of the movie. Edit: Didn't realize this was one of the movie prop cars and not the mighty M4S. I'm less impressed now, but Jay... needs to learn not to punch down.
Wraith is one of My Favorite Movies.. I was 9 when it came out and I have wanted My Own Wraith Car a Dodge Turbo Interceptor M4S ever since... The Movie is Great, the quintessential Good vs Evil, a Supernatural, Invincible, Man reincarnated comes back to Earth behind the wheel of an Invicible Ghost Race Car and makes sure Justice prevails... After seeing this movie and also The Car 1977 as Jay mentions.. I then wanted to be a Race Car Driver... I started trying to do everything those stunt drivers were doing and even more..like the Hooker Brothers, Bob Bass, Everett Creach, etc... The Wraith and The Car ..these movies became a Blueprint for My Race Car Stunt Driving ability....Thank You so much Jay Leno and Jeff Dunham 💜💜💜
Jay is right about the movie "The Car." It was released in 1977 which was one of the most legendary years in movie history. It was one of those movies that wasn't great, wasn't terrible but that car was maybe the meanest looking car ever made. I would love to have an exact replica of that monster.
The Car is such an iconic looking beast. I love that movie -- used to scare me something wild as a kid. Rewatching some of the scenes recently really made me appreciate its design and the action staging of that film. That and The Duel are some awesome films from that era.
I think he was doing a little tongue in cheek since he knew that wasn't the m4s engine or even close. It's a gm 3800 v6 supercharged. The factory is as he mentions in the name m4s 4 cylinder and it was Cosworth twin turbo. This is a m6so for sort of lol.
@cardinaloflannagancr8929 glad someone else caught thay too, I have an 05 Monte Carlo SS it has the 3800 supercharged in it. I knew it looked and sounded familiar! 😂
The romantic interest of Packard and Sheens character is an all time smoke too. She aged like milk apparently but in the movie she is better looking than 99 percent of women you see today
The Wraith was a great movie. I'm in the UK and personally I'm a huge fan of the Trans AM and the Dodge Daytona in the movie. Those were the sort of cars that interested me having watched many of the American movies and TV shows that were aired here in the UK back in the 70's and 80's.👍
I don’t care what people think, I love that cheesy movie The Wraith, sure it’s not good at all, but I love the way it makes me feel and it takes me back to my high school days.
That car is ICONIC. I remember watching that movie over and over when i was in middleschool. I had just gotten a vcr in my room and this was my favorite movie. WOW it looks great!
It's always a treat when Jeff Dunham has something to show Leno. Jeff has one of the most out-of-left-field car collections possible and it's always interesting to see what he's working on.
Doesn't he? I always make sure I take time to watch Jay Lenos show when he's spotlighting one of Jeff Dunhams cars. I remember when he had Jeffs Ford "Cruising Van" on there. I remember those, my dad was a Ford dealer back then.
Agreed. It did seem like this episode Dunham was pretty butthurt about how Jay said the other show was for celebrities.... I mean Jeff read it up multiple times during the episode after that.... As if Jay meant it has some slight to her Jeff and I don't think that was his intention at all.
As one of the actual actors in the film (Billy Hankins) making this film was one of the best times of my life - Nick, Charlie, Dave, Jamie, Chris and Clint along with director Mike Marvin are ALL still close friends to this day! Classis cult film
Imagine showing up to your local cars and coffee in that. Nearly forty years after the movie, I bet it will still draw a crowd of admirers. To this day, there's nothing else like it on the road. Powered by a 2.2L four with dual "hair dryers" (turbochargers). Outguns Ford's current Ecoboost 2.3 by an easy hundred ponies. Even Ford's larger 3.5 turbo would have a tough time keeping up.
Meanwhile in 1980 Toyota had the 4 banger 2.1L 503e at around 800hp and later in 1998 it was boosted to 1200hp lmao. America gets the 10k hp nitro-methane Hemi, Nazis had the v16 260mph auto union missile in 1936..but Japan knows how to make tiny engines.
So I was born in 85, and this was one of my first favorite movies!!! Looking back on it now, the acting was definitely horrible, but the cars were phenomenal! Seeing this movie car brought back so many memories!!! Thank you for doing a piece on it!!!
For anyone who enjoyed this movie as I did, look up "King of the Mountain". It had a similar plot but less ridiculousness. A kid who had beat everyone in town on the local mountain road thought he was King of the Mountain. Then he found a crazy old man, Dennis Hopper in a 66 Vette who declared You ain't the king until you beat me. Some good driving scenes, way before CGI. I wish they made Jeff's Wraith drive as good as it looks.
My friend introduced this movie back in 2004 and summed it up perfectly “Have you seen the Wraith? It’s basically the ‘Crow’ with a car.” I understood why it had a cult following as it had a particular charm to it as with most low budget films and a charm from that era, much like all the cheesy/campy movies from the 80’s and 90’s that are now being appreciated. Closest I can think of is like “the running man.” Where it tries to have a serious undertone but can’t help chuckle at some of the execution. Upon seeing the movie, I did some research of the original M4S and followed up on the amazing story behind this example over the years. It you haven’t gone down the rabbit hole yet, I would highly recommend looking up the story behind this car and how it was almost lost to the winds of time, but now future generations can be exposed to something so monumental in both cinema and auto history.
"The Crow with a car" is an excellent simile. I hadn't actually thought of it like that, but yeah that tracks. I would say it does the theme without the art-house appeal of The Crow, though, which I think is why it's an easier film to digest (and watch) without having to be in a particular mood to view it.
Wraith was the first car movie I can remember and have been addicted ever since! Still holds up better than most of the car movies in the last 20 years.
Easy Jay! The Wraith is 80’s GOLD! I truly enjoy it. I recommend any car guy/gal give it a watch. Randy Quaid is soooo over the top, I dare you not to smile!
8:35 it looks like they put in the 3800 supercharged V6 from GM. It does remind me a lot of a Fiero kit car. Whatever they did, it's cool to see this old unique thing moving.
Hmmm. Doesn't look like the 3.8L Buick V6 in my 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP. That supercharger is smaller than the Eaton M90 that came on mine. My 2005 Grand Prix GT2 has the NA version. Just finished changing the rear speakers in that one. One of the originals had gone bye-bye. Monsoon sound system. Had to do some wiring trickery for the new "Kicker" 6x9 3-ways I put in. The Monsoon amp feeds the bass and mid/tweets separately. The "fun" part was having to take out the entire back seat and package shelf to get to them...
Found it,... not the MoPar option. GM "Series 3 L32 V6 3800 Supercharged Crate Motor". Looks like it was a product made to sell to Fiero owners. Why oh why did they not use a Manual!!
@@PiDsPagePrototypes Probably because 1) few people other than we "car guys (and gals) can even DRIVE a stick shift. 2) the manuals that fit the body can't take the torque! My 1989 Grand Prix SE had either a 2.8 or 2.9 NA V6 (I forget which) with a Getrag 5-speed (rare car, I only ever saw 2 or three others with 5-speeds)...
Wraith was such a classic, I went to visit a family friend on a Saturday and was the only kid there so I turned on the TV and the movie had just started, captivated me and put me in a trance for the rest of the day, something about those 80s movies, they were special, they live, predator, lost boys, etc very memorable
I was 24 or so at the time, Id popped into my local video rental store and heard the sound of cars racing, I looked up to the TV and saw a yellow Firebird being chased by something I'd just absolutely never seen before.. Ive always been huge into cars so I had to ask "What movie is this???" TLDR, I just turned 28 and I still have no plans on returning this movie.
Funny you mention that, one of the car movies I'm working on is of what you mentioned. Another one I'm putting to together will star Jay and Tim Allen . Stay tuned
THE WRAITH/TURBO INTERCEPTOR is a CLASSIC. With serious care and attention to detail, it will run amazing. Add more of the DODGE M4S tech and you have a serious contender. You can't deny the looks are striking. And it IS a movie legend. Make it faster and everyone will be impressed as hell.
But Jay is smart enough to know featuring this car will resonate with a lot of his audience. Jay had low expectations and he expectations were met. Lol!!!
Funny enough, Jay has at least 15 cars that I find stupid and nowhere near as cool as the Wraith car. I mean who want to pull up in a steam car going 10 miles an hour ?
Growing up in the 80’s this was one of my favorite cars. “The Waith” has a cult classic following. Because of the look of this car. Thanks for bringing back memories ❤
I think one big factor are the two accidents he's had the past two years: the burns from the vehicle fire in his garage in 22 and the motorcycle accident that broke his ribs and several bones last year.
Did Jay Leno say the, "The movie was horrible"?Come on Jay, its one of the most iconic movies, with an iconic car, an iconic actor, it was the best sci-fi/horror movie of its time. You have the car on your show...
One of those movies thata so bad it's good.... I love it... but it's a bad movie. The butterflies aren't even open on the yellow trans am during the race... SMH... thats BAAAAD... lol
I don't know about all that... Pretty sure it was a sleeper at best and a flop at worst. Most of us that rented it on VHS may have loved it, but we knew it was basically a high tier B-movie. Heck, until the internet became a thing, I couldn't name five other people that had seen it that didn't watch my copy of it. 😄
In 88 or 89 my friends and I recorded the Wraith off HBO. We watched that movie pretty much every day that summer. We would quote it at each other constantly. 😂
Im pretty sure that 90+% of the people who clicked on this were probably kids in the 80's who loved this movie. And we all had to sit through 16+ minutes of Jay just ripping this car to shreds. Real classy Leno, real classy!
Jay, this movie was awesome and I'll still watch it. This car was only 1 of 2 cars from a movie or TV show I ever wanted to own: The Turbo Interceptor and the General Lee.
The Wraith has kind of a cult following. I will never forget the first time I saw this movie back in 86/87. I was staying at a friends house and it came on late at night on HBO. I ended up owning it on VHS tape, and then when DVD became a thing I ran out and picked up a copy. I still watch this movie at least once a year. Is it campy? Yes. Is it the best written or acted movie? No. But it is a fun escapism popcorn movie. With fun characters and a unique sci-fi love story. I would almost say it was an inspiration for J.O. Barr's The Crow with some of the story beats. If you haven't seen this movie and want something fun to watch, I highly recommend watching this movie.
He said the Wraith movie was horrible. Wtf is he talking about ?!?! It's one of the best 80's movies ever. Straight classic.
hes a Packard fan
@@intothewild2345 Alright, that was a legit homerun lol.
No your WRONG ! it sucked
That was funny @@intothewild2345
@@Var272 literally
The Wraith is actually one of my favorite 80’s movie.
Mine too!
Mine too the Daytona turbo z was a nice looking car.
Right,I love that movie! Charlie sheen dirt bike in the movie was badass too.
I remember hiring the VHS as a kid and haven't stopped loving this mostly hidden B-grade gem! fantastic soundtrack too. LOL my friends and i still quote the movie all the time, whenever we're putting fuel into something with a jerrycan it's ''Slush this pig with 15 bud, lets go cruise'' and whenever we fix something on a car or machine it's ''Cleared for takeoff''
it was a movie so bad that it was good. I loved it and to this day all I can do is dream of having one of these cars
As an 80s kid having a huge love for cars, this was one of my favorite movies/cars I'd still watch today
Mine too. :)
going to watch tonight and show the kids a real movie
i watch it all the time while I'm detailing my car. That, plus Knight Rider and Black Moon Rising.
Right, and another Charlie Sheen movie with cars: “No Mans Land”.
Just re-watched it last winter for the millionth time. Terrible movie but it had its moments. Plus, there are a lot of ironically funny scenes. My friends and I used to quote it regularly. I was always curious about the car. Now I know.
I love the Wraith. I think Jay was describing his stand-up comedy.
Hey, OGGIE FISHER here and I’m glad this car is getting some play… Awesome to see it…🤙🏻🇺🇸❤️
Let's add it to our collection, and then we'll figure out what it is
This guy needs more upvotes, he's an actor from the original wraith movie!
Congratulations on having the 2nd coolest car in the movie.. I’m one of the cult members Jeff was talking about.. 👍👍
Cool seeing you here! Do you keep in touch with any of the cast? I see Nick went on to have a successful career as a producer (The Notebook anyone?!)
I see you found your eyes...
That movie's not a bad movie. It was an absolute classic and it still is to this day.
This was "the crow" before the crow was even thought about
Agreed...love The Wraith!
5.9 on imdb.
It didn't hold up to the day it came out.
it was extremely cheesey. But by god it was the 80's. so of course it could get away with it!
In 87 I was 8 years old and I used to watch this movie over and over again just for this car. I've always been in love with it.
Lol ditto
Same dude. I didn't even know there was nudity in it until very recently when I watched it online. I freaking love this movie so much.
same lol but i'm 54 :)
The movies these intellectuals put down for being low budget and corny, are some of my all time favorites. They'd rather watch something that takes a team of people brainstorming together, to even figure out what the hell it was about.
In the movie they called this car the turbo interceptor.
'78 kid here that spent many a sleepover with friends watching The Wraith on VHS and late night cable. So many fond memories.
The Wraith was filmed here in Tucson, and alot of it was filmed about 100ft from my front door as a kid. This wildcat holds a special place in my heart. Everytime I'm driving through the Saguaro national monument I imagine I'm driving against the wraith. And when my wife and I go to sabino Canyon I'm thinking about this movie.
Mate get a life. It makes sense such a terrible movie would be flimed in such a terrible state.
That you guys COULOMBE?
@@matthew-jy5jp Grow up.
@@matthew-jy5jpDude, go hate on another channel 🤨
where is the swimming part filmed
I rewatched The Wraith recently and I think it still holds up. Is it amazing? No. But it’s better than a lot of b-movies.
its better then the movies we get now a days .ive watched it a few times . i can't even watch new movies once .
Nice to see you here, MJR. Not the first time I've seen you comment on one of Jay's videos. :) And I agree. Fun movie, great looking car. (not to mention Sherilyn Fenn...)
It's a lot better than many AAA movies now....
@TrexGrimStud You're being methically sarcastic. 😂
I guess you could say its a real hidden gem
In 1987, I was 15 years old. My family owned some apartment buildings in Maine. I was woken in the evening by my step father yelling about one of the apartment buildings on fire. We rushed to the site blasting through red lights and indeed, the whole third floor was ablaze. The renter was there with some friends and they were visibly impaired.
The next day we went back and began going through the place to see how bad the damages were. Turns out, the ceiling of the third floor was gone and the sun of the morning was shining into the third floor apartment. There were artifacts inside that hinted at a party happening the night before, beer cans and ashtrays. A stack of rented VHS cassettes were melted on the TV stand.
But there was one movie that survived. It was The Wraith.
I watched it that night and fell in love with the movie car.
I will never forget how that event, and the movie shaped my teenage self.
That is an awesome story, always loved the movie as well. The car is just so iconic.
That's funny. I live in Maine.. I grew up in Cambridge Maine.. now I'm living in dover-foxcroft Maine.. hahaha!!
Hopefully someone will get on here and tell a story about how in 1987 they were going to watch this movie but never got to, due to a fire that broke out.
❤ from Goodwins Mills, ME
Well thats one hell of a story!
I'm 55 years old and the Wraith is still one of my favorite movies of all time, my ex father in law was in his 70's and he and I bonded the moment he said his favorite movie ever was the Wraith. May he rest in peace.
Compared to most movies made today, The Wraith is a masterpiece.
TRUTH
I haven't seen the movie but based on how low of a bar that is I believe it
What you are doing is making an argument that people who don't like todays movies have terrible taste.
No 😂
💯 % right on that even what is considered a bad 80s modi’s better then anything made by the talentless trash of now .
Wraith is a great example of an 80s cult classic like Flash Gordon, The Last Starfighter, Starman, and Krull. Watched it last week beginning to end.
Excellent movie list! I remember not liking the original Flash Gordon film when I first saw it many decades ago, but it wasn't until I was much older did I revisit it and fell in love with its charm.
The Last Starfighter, however, is a film I loved from day one and it's easily one of my all-time favourites!
STRANGE BREW!!!!
I hear they're remaking The Last Starfighter. Really hope they don't ruin it.
@@Richard-gn6hwBob and Doug McKenzie
@@E-N-A-R-D-L-A-V they ruin all of the other remakes.
Watched this movie countless of times when I was a kid and still watch it from time to time.
You must be a wraith from space to be able to do that:]
amazon has the dvd
00:39
I bought the dvd years ago for maybe $5 from one of those nice little new/used vinyl, cd, dvd shops that hardly exist anymore.
@@franko8572 It has Clint Howard.. how could it be bad lol
The Wraith really is a classic, my dad loves it and thanks to him I’m a fan of the movie as well. A story about an average underdog kinda guy who woos a girl but then is murdered by a gang leader and his cronies all because the gang leader can’t have the beautiful girl that he wants, then rises from the grave to avenge his own death and takes down the same gang and it’s leader who killed him. It’s a bit of a sad storyline because the young man who died in the hands of the jealous gang leader was resurrected under a different name, both his love interest and his brother didn’t know who he is until the end of the movie and then also disappears from his brother’s life after giving him the beautiful high-tech car. Regardless, the movie was really good that I’d watch it every now and then even with my dad whenever I’d have the chance. Never judge a movie by it’s plot or storyline until you can understand it by watching from beginning to end.
Every kid who saw this movie dreamed of owning that car. Its absolutely iconic. Hats off to you Mr. Dunham.❤
Wish somebody would build a modern replica that doesn't look like a shell. With a lower ride height, nice front grill and something that looks more finished and polished.
I have a real nice picture in my head of what it is supposed to look like, the way I pictured it when I was a kid.
This is my #1 Dream Car. Ever since I saw the Wraith, I wanted this car. The (Dodge) Turbo Interceptor, as they called it in the movie. Then, I found out that they never did produce them, and most were destroyed, and there was only one left... and there it is. So Awesome. And still love that movie.
The Wraith is one of my all time favorite 80's movies, it exudes 80's cheesiness! It also had a great soundtrack!
My uncle Rat's '62 Ford Falcon, with a flame job, was in the movie at Kay's Burgers.
I love the soundtrack so much! My favorite songs from it were Stan Bush - "Hearts vs. Heads", LaMarca - "Hold on Blue Eyes", and Tim Feehan - "Where's the Fire"
In 1987 I had an Orange Super Beetle with primer gray fenders. I never noticed the exact replica of my car at Kays Burgers until I recently rewatched this movie 30 years later. Wraith might be fiction, but the great memories it brings back are for real.
yeah, Hearing Ozzy Osbourne on the soundtrack was awesome.
And a gorgeous young Sherilyn Fenn. Always loved her eyes and eyebrows. She was just amazing.
@dog3y3 yes Secret Loser with Jake E Lee ripping on guitar ! 🤘
IT WASNT A HORRIBLE MOVIE!! It was actually pretty good for it’s time
Thank you to Jeff Dunham for keeping this one alive. And thanks to Jay Leno;'s Garage for brining it to us. That movie came out when I was just about ready to start driving, I always one to have one - well until I found out it was just a movie prop based on a one-off pace car. Though, the magic is a bit further lost, I always thought it was a V8 powered machine.... alas; childhood memories.
I’ve been wishing for 3 decades for The Wraith to get a proper remake.
Dodge Viper kit added on.
@@adamsifford6228 Tesla : 0
No. The Wraith does not need a remake. It’s perfect as is. Hollywood needs to come up with new ideas…not more remakes
@averageguylifestyle7092 Although I agree for the most part about diluting cult flics I can't lie...I'd love to see not a redux but a refresh with 'modern' technology. If it happened I'm torn between keeping the storyline true to the original or rewriting it to make it darker. 🤷♂️
They would probably F..k it up with modern woke crap!!!
It’s sad how many ppl HAVE NOT seen The Wraith. This movie was amazing and to have a car made from a star was brilliant.
Dodge should have built this car instead of the Demon or along with the Demon....Where the Demon might beat it at the drag strip but the M4S would win on the race track. With better handling, power to weight ratio & aerodynamics. Something like a 600hp 2.5L twin turbo in back
To be fair, it was not a prime time or even theater movie. It was an HBO movie. Also the majority of TV viewers were just getting cable as the transition from antenna to cable was also about the same time. This is not to mention that in the 80's it was still an additional $10 a month for HBO. Not many were paying for extra channels at that time.
@@dam1371 I remember it being broadcasted on WPIX back in the day. It was edited but came on a couple times a year. I always caught it and enjoyed it.
@@michaelbrinks8089 Nah, I love this car but let's be real here, the Dodge Demon is a legend now. That highway chase will forever go down in history as one of the most kick-butt ever. That was some real-life Fast & Furious stuff, and helped Dodge sell a bunch more Challengers. I love the M4S concept, but it would have to find a spot alongside the Demon, not in place of it.
@@Billy-bc8pk Nah, a modern M4S with a carbon fiber monocoque body, being much lighter, stiffer, higher power to weight ratio, mid engine, better weight distribution. With way better aerodynamics/less wind resistances, better handling, than the m Demon...Along with modern 2024 suspension, brakes, twin turbo mid engine V8 making 1000+ HP.....🆚 the- heavier, less aerodynamic, body on frame, front engine rwd Demon.
I'm 54 and the Wraith car is definitely easily one of my top 10 favorite movie cars.
JAY THE WRAITH IS AN 80s CLASSIC.
Jay must be from the 90s!
Sure, it's a "cult classic"... which is code for "a terrible movie, with a few cool scenes/aspects".
There's some great car movies- Two Lane Blacktop, Duel, Mad Max... but Wraith was NEVER one of them...
Leno is right- Cool car, but TERRIBLE "cult classic" movie.
@@baconsarny-geddon8298 Bruh? Are you serious? Wraith stands up there with the best. It's a true petrol-head film, just like Running on Empty or Dirty Mary Crazy Larry. It's entertaining from start to finish and builds up perfectly with no wasted motion.
This is Jay Leno I'm in Chatham Ontario right now come on guys that movie was horrible!!!
Wraith, Knight Industries Two Thousand, Nighthawk, Air Wolf.....the 80s were amazing
General Lee, and the GMC A-team version...😮
You forgot Blue Thunder. XD
Don't forget the SUX 6000
Cursor from Automan
There was a sleazy heist film “Black Moon Rising” starring Tommy Lee Jones and Linda Hamilton. Their heist car was based on a 1980 Wingho Concordia II concept. Now, that one didn't age well...
Thanks to Jeff Dunham for saving this iconic movie vehicle and getting it put in running order.
Jay leno, didn't seem to appreciate the car or the movie much at all.
@@billywhite4230 He does, he is just breaking his balls
Well, not that interesting……
It's probably more interesting to those who saw it as young kids (on TV at least) and were captivated by that car. The movie itself is fairly 80s B grade stuff to me and I was young when this was out. I have the dvd more for nostalgic reasons but it's pretty campy. Which is to be expected when Randy Quaid has a serious supporting role in something lol
Never saw or heard of the movie...after seeing the car was the movie in slow motion?
I love that movie. I was 8 when it came out, and it solidified my love of cars. Now I own a restoration shop and have dedicated my life's work to bringing them back to life.
I have to go watch it now.
The Wraith was never a “so bad it’s good” movie. The Wraith was always an awesome piece of my childhood 👍🏻
This year. Used to watch it every time it came on the tele.
That car was one of my actual favorites back in the 80's. The General Lee was another.
Hi Jay, I hope that you will read this. I met you long ago and you graciously gave me and a design coworker a tour of your garage (over 20 years ago). I worked with the designer of the Wraith, Bob Ackerman, who was given the assignment to do the design at an offsite studio. He did an amazing job, especially considering that he was basically off on his own, and it's a kick to see that it garnered so much recognition over the years! Bob is older than the hills these days, but as far as I know he's still doing well!
Regards,
John
I was 10 when it came out, was seriously one of my favorite movies. I think the movie was impressive for its time
@@Zenkai76Its a cult classic. I have heard talk some time ago, that someone wanted to make "The Wraith" a 3 part movie series. I have also heard some people want to remake this movie. It would be interesting to see, either way.
Still my favorite movie car. #2 is M.K.'s batmobile.
The negative energy he is giving off with this video it looks like he barely wants to sit in the car let alone read the comments.
@@k31v1n yeah Jay really looks like he doesn't want anything to do with this video, just constantly hating on the car and movie, took away the fun of it. At least Jeff looked like he was legit having fun.
The awkward tension between the two of them needs a whole movie.
Jay miserably hating on this car. It is an iconic dream car from a lot of our childhoods.
I agree! The car itself was great, I would love to own one myself. But the people that fixed it up did a horrible job!!!!
Jay talking bad about the car, meanwhile his own cars can't even sell LMAO
Yeah, American 4 cylinders are awesome!!
It has the LOOK of an amazing car... on the running gear of a Dodge Neon, modded to be mid-engine.
Well, he *did* already have a history with this particular car. It sounded like a very disappointing history. And judging by various things in the video, even though they did a lot of cosmetic work to the car, it seems like it's *still* very far off from being an enjoyable driving experience.
So although it's dramatically improved, under the skin, it sounds like it's still barely a *car*, and *certainly* not a "performance car".
Had they done *serious* work on the car, in order to make it accelerate/drive/handle/stop as good as it *looks* like it should. Jay's impression/reaction would probably have been a whole lot different.
I think his reaction was really just due to having a horrible experience with it last time, and now not actually having a much better experience even though it's been been heavily worked on.
Those wheels look like a late 70's Pontiac Trans Am wheel.
the original design is by BBS and these were American Racing they came also on some Fieros as a matter of fact i have seen a Wraith replica based on a Fiero
Look like the 89 TTA wheels. The center console shifter also from a 3rd gen trans am. Looks identical to my dads 85 TA shifter
More like late '80s Trans Am GTA rims.
@@eldo59 I was going to say. A friend of mine had an '87 GTA with those same rims.
They were on the 1989 20th anniversary turbo Trans-am.
HORRIBLE MOVIE? Sorry Leno, this movie was great, You should apologize for this terrible comment, superb story and great stunts, will for sure show my son this great film
Exactly 💯
I agree, I love that movie. I’m 50 years old and I love all cars and trucks and motorcycles. Also I love every show and movie that jay leno has been in.
Just saw it recently for the first time and I liked it
Classic movie!! A must to have in the collection
You lose the race , you lose your car!!!!!😊
As a part of automobile movie history I think it's great that you preserved this car. Thank you!
I was 9 when this came out, one of my favorite 80’s movies. Randy Quaid’s finest work. And also the creepiest Clint Howard. YOU LOSE THE RACE, YOU LOSE YOUR CAR!!!
Yeah Clint was pretty creepy. Randy's finest work was the cannibal movie, "Parents". 80's movie. Horror/ Comedy. Highly entertaining
It wasnt a terrible movie, it was awesome with a great cast, car and soundtrack. Not to mention, the bad guy ended up directing the Notebook. Loved the movie and it Sherilyn Fenn in the movie.
I worked in a ceramic tile manufacturing plant in 80's through the mid 90's. I'm 61 now, but back then I was 6'5" and athletic. The first time this movie was on television, I went to work this next day apparently a LOT of people at work had seen the Wraith the previous night. It felt like everyone I saw that day said "you look JUST LIKE the bad guy in that movie". The character's name was Packard Walsh, who was played by Nick Cassavetes. I've been a drag racer all my life, and the funniest thing that happened related to looking like Packard Walsh happened when a group of about a dozen of us were in Bowling Green Kentucky for a race at Beech Bend Drag Strip and we all went out to a local restaurant for dinner. The Restaurant was called TOOTS, which is bit of a variation on Hooters (closed now, unfortunately). My friends had noticed the servers talking and pointing at me and this wasn't the first time people had thought I was Nick Cassavetes, so my buddies told me I should just go with it, which I never had before. So finally the girl gets up the courage to ask "are you that guy from the Wraith?" and I said "I'd appreciate if you'd keep it quiet, but yeah, I'm him". We ended up being served by all the servers in the place and we never let on that I wasn't him. We had a great time and all left big tips and apparently the girls of TOOTS had a night to remember, so I suppose, no harm no foul. Needless to say, everytime this car or especially this movie gets mentioned, I remember that outing and all the fun we had that night.
Great story, thanks for sharing!
It’s very jaguar xj220 for me
haha, I've done the same thing. Only difference being I have no idea who they thought I was.
😂@@csj9619
Jeff is my hero for finding and restoring this and Jay has once again shown me that he's an out-of-touch old man, shaking his fist at the clouds. The Wraith wasn't a masterpiece, but it was still a pretty good movie for it's genre, even with the Dodge M4S stealing the show through most of the movie.
Edit: Didn't realize this was one of the movie prop cars and not the mighty M4S. I'm less impressed now, but Jay... needs to learn not to punch down.
It's actually the called Turbo Interceptor in the movie, Charlie Sheen was The Wraith.
It was a very special car!🤣
Thank you! He even named it in the movie!
Thank you
He also said..The Only one in existence..And which this car is the last one to exist lol
@@jonathonstanford6951 It reminded me if Chrysler made a Ford GT-90.... except, they beat Ford to the punch by a whole decade!
THE WRAITH IS A BADASS FILM! It’s basically The Crow with a car! I’m 50 and love this “low budget “ movie, plus been fan since day one!
Yup, same here.
HOLY CRAP, this was my favourite movie growing up - and Sherilyn Fenn of course
I'm 47. I fell in love with this car the first time I saw it. The Wraith was hands down one of the best movies of the 80's.
Wraith is one of My Favorite Movies.. I was 9 when it came out and I have wanted My Own Wraith Car a Dodge Turbo Interceptor M4S ever since...
The Movie is Great, the quintessential Good vs Evil, a Supernatural, Invincible, Man reincarnated comes back to Earth behind the wheel of an Invicible Ghost Race Car and makes sure Justice prevails...
After seeing this movie and also The Car 1977 as Jay mentions.. I then wanted to be a Race Car Driver... I started trying to do everything those stunt drivers were doing and even more..like the Hooker Brothers, Bob Bass, Everett Creach, etc... The Wraith and The Car ..these movies became a Blueprint for My Race Car Stunt Driving ability....Thank You so much Jay Leno and Jeff Dunham 💜💜💜
I’ve always loved this car!
Same
Yup same love the design + mid- engine layout.
Me too!!!!!
Me too... The 80s was the best!!🎉
This is the first I've heard of this car or the movie.
Jay is right about the movie "The Car." It was released in 1977 which was one of the most legendary years in movie history. It was one of those movies that wasn't great, wasn't terrible but that car was maybe the meanest looking car ever made. I would love to have an exact replica of that monster.
The Car is such an iconic looking beast. I love that movie -- used to scare me something wild as a kid. Rewatching some of the scenes recently really made me appreciate its design and the action staging of that film. That and The Duel are some awesome films from that era.
The car was the best actor in that film.
At first I was thinking “what the hell happened to Chip Foose?”.
The guys who restored this car are true artists. Looks beautiful. I wish I could get the same shop to work on my old Wagoneer.
Jay hating on this car from the jump is just hilarious 😂😂
I think he was doing a little tongue in cheek since he knew that wasn't the m4s engine or even close. It's a gm 3800 v6 supercharged. The factory is as he mentions in the name m4s 4 cylinder and it was Cosworth twin turbo. This is a m6so for sort of lol.
@cardinaloflannagancr8929 glad someone else caught thay too, I have an 05 Monte Carlo SS it has the 3800 supercharged in it. I knew it looked and sounded familiar! 😂
Just straight roasting it all video!!😂😂😂"No budget movie" car😭😭
what a useless pos car
Jay usually likes cars that actually run 😂
BITE YOUR TONGUE, LENO!!! The Wraith is a great 80s movie! 😆😆😆
Wraith is one of the best 80s movies
The Wraith was awesome; I watched it a bunch of times as a kid.
The Wraith is a great movie. Very underrated
Meh, let's not confuse fun with great. "A Few Good Men" is a great movie, "The Wraith" is a fun movie.
It's pretty much high plains drifter
@@spddiesel ok 💩 smear
The romantic interest of Packard and Sheens character is an all time smoke too. She aged like milk apparently but in the movie she is better looking than 99 percent of women you see today
@@solidsnake7167 She was dating Johnny Depp at the time and he was on set during the filming of the movie.
I still watch the wraith from timee to time. Still one of my favorite 80s movies.
The Wraith was a great movie. I'm in the UK and personally I'm a huge fan of the Trans AM and the Dodge Daytona in the movie. Those were the sort of cars that interested me having watched many of the American movies and TV shows that were aired here in the UK back in the 70's and 80's.👍
I don’t care what people think, I love that cheesy movie The Wraith, sure it’s not good at all, but I love the way it makes me feel and it takes me back to my high school days.
As long as you don't take it seriously it's an enjoyable movie.
@@lb9gta307 It’s just silly mindless fun, a good break from reality and the torment that awaits the USA for 4 years if DT wins 🙈
That car is ICONIC. I remember watching that movie over and over when i was in middleschool. I had just gotten a vcr in my room and this was my favorite movie. WOW it looks great!
It's always a treat when Jeff Dunham has something to show Leno. Jeff has one of the most out-of-left-field car collections possible and it's always interesting to see what he's working on.
Doesn't he? I always make sure I take time to watch Jay Lenos show when he's spotlighting one of Jeff Dunhams cars. I remember when he had Jeffs Ford "Cruising Van" on there. I remember those, my dad was a Ford dealer back then.
Agreed. It did seem like this episode Dunham was pretty butthurt about how Jay said the other show was for celebrities.... I mean Jeff read it up multiple times during the episode after that....
As if Jay meant it has some slight to her Jeff and I don't think that was his intention at all.
Not only is the incredible Wraith car stunning, it is a true concept car inspiration. Just as well as the other brilliant cars of the movie.
"That other celebrity show" .........that was a real zinger. Respect to Jeff Dunham for saving an iconic movie car. They did that car justice.
LoL If I were in Jeffs shoes I'd have just assumed he meant "That show is for celebrities, this show is for good friends with cool cars".
Yeah I think Jeff got a little too butthurt with that, I really don't think Jay meant it in some malicious way....
Jay talkin out the side of his neck
The Wraith is one of my favorite movies
he has no neck
wraithing lights was an S tier dad joke. good one lol
I pictured Mike Tyson saying it...
@@joebernier7724 🤣🤣🤣
@@joebernier7724 I was picturing Carrot Top
It needs wraithing stripes.
@@jasonlarrow 🤣🤣🤣 ...and when they took delivery of the car, they cried. "No! Wraithing stripes! Not wraithing lights!"
As one of the actual actors in the film (Billy Hankins) making this film was one of the best times of my life - Nick, Charlie, Dave, Jamie, Chris and Clint along with director Mike Marvin are ALL still close friends to this day! Classis cult film
Imagine showing up to your local cars and coffee in that. Nearly forty years after the movie, I bet it will still draw a crowd of admirers. To this day, there's nothing else like it on the road. Powered by a 2.2L four with dual "hair dryers" (turbochargers). Outguns Ford's current Ecoboost 2.3 by an easy hundred ponies. Even Ford's larger 3.5 turbo would have a tough time keeping up.
Pretty sure it was a Chrysler 2.2L engine
@@paulstandaert5709Yup! the M4S had a 2.2 with Cosworth head and a pair of turbo's.
@@paulstandaert5709 fixed it. Thank you
There is a weekly show at 14 and Woodward that would really appreciate a visit from either or both of you.
Meanwhile in 1980 Toyota had the 4 banger 2.1L 503e at around 800hp and later in 1998 it was boosted to 1200hp lmao. America gets the 10k hp nitro-methane Hemi, Nazis had the v16 260mph auto union missile in 1936..but Japan knows how to make tiny engines.
Only two things I remember from the movie are the car and Sherilyn Fenn.
Fenn was(is) definitely memorable...
super saucy
Two Moon Junction👌🏼
I remember three things. The car, and those other two things.
@@Union53992👀? She had a nice pair for sure!
I loved that movie! I was at that age 10-11 yrs old. I remember watching it over and over for years. Good memories
So I was born in 85, and this was one of my first favorite movies!!! Looking back on it now, the acting was definitely horrible, but the cars were phenomenal! Seeing this movie car brought back so many memories!!! Thank you for doing a piece on it!!!
For anyone who enjoyed this movie as I did, look up "King of the Mountain". It had a similar plot but less ridiculousness. A kid who had beat everyone in town on the local mountain road thought he was King of the Mountain. Then he found a crazy old man, Dennis Hopper in a 66 Vette who declared You ain't the king until you beat me. Some good driving scenes, way before CGI. I wish they made Jeff's Wraith drive as good as it looks.
My friend introduced this movie back in 2004 and summed it up perfectly “Have you seen the Wraith? It’s basically the ‘Crow’ with a car.”
I understood why it had a cult following as it had a particular charm to it as with most low budget films and a charm from that era, much like all the cheesy/campy movies from the 80’s and 90’s that are now being appreciated. Closest I can think of is like “the running man.” Where it tries to have a serious undertone but can’t help chuckle at some of the execution.
Upon seeing the movie, I did some research of the original M4S and followed up on the amazing story behind this example over the years.
It you haven’t gone down the rabbit hole yet, I would highly recommend looking up the story behind this car and how it was almost lost to the winds of time, but now future generations can be exposed to something so monumental in both cinema and auto history.
"The Crow with a car" is an excellent simile. I hadn't actually thought of it like that, but yeah that tracks. I would say it does the theme without the art-house appeal of The Crow, though, which I think is why it's an easier film to digest (and watch) without having to be in a particular mood to view it.
I darkly remember seeing this movie on TV as a teen. Honestly: apart from the stance this car looks astonishingly modern. Wow! 😲
Wraith was the first car movie I can remember and have been addicted ever since! Still holds up better than most of the car movies in the last 20 years.
Easy Jay! The Wraith is 80’s GOLD!
I truly enjoy it. I recommend any car guy/gal give it a watch.
Randy Quaid is soooo over the top, I dare you not to smile!
8:35 it looks like they put in the 3800 supercharged V6 from GM. It does remind me a lot of a Fiero kit car. Whatever they did, it's cool to see this old unique thing moving.
It's either that or the V6 from a Voyager, with the blower from one of the Jeep kits for the 3.8 motor.
Hmmm. Doesn't look like the 3.8L Buick V6 in my 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP. That supercharger is smaller than the Eaton M90 that came on mine. My 2005 Grand Prix GT2 has the NA version. Just finished changing the rear speakers in that one. One of the originals had gone bye-bye. Monsoon sound system. Had to do some wiring trickery for the new "Kicker" 6x9 3-ways I put in. The Monsoon amp feeds the bass and mid/tweets separately. The "fun" part was having to take out the entire back seat and package shelf to get to them...
Found it,... not the MoPar option. GM "Series 3 L32 V6 3800 Supercharged Crate Motor".
Looks like it was a product made to sell to Fiero owners. Why oh why did they not use a Manual!!
@@PiDsPagePrototypes Probably because 1) few people other than we "car guys (and gals) can even DRIVE a stick shift. 2) the manuals that fit the body can't take the torque! My 1989 Grand Prix SE had either a 2.8 or 2.9 NA V6 (I forget which) with a Getrag 5-speed (rare car, I only ever saw 2 or three others with 5-speeds)...
Sounds just like a Daytona.
The rear suspension looks like it needs to be at least 3" higher. Got a little of that Carolina Squat goin' on!
The suspension needs work. It should be a bit stiffer. They bottomed out a couple times in the video.
I thought that too, especially for a movie car. It had a much higher stance in the rear. Iirc the real was wasn't as high but still higher
I was thinking the same thing. It was painful to watch the stance of the car all through the video.
L.A lowrider cosmic style
@😂yawningchasm33
Wraith was such a classic, I went to visit a family friend on a Saturday and was the only kid there so I turned on the TV and the movie had just started, captivated me and put me in a trance for the rest of the day, something about those 80s movies, they were special, they live, predator, lost boys, etc very memorable
I was 24 or so at the time, Id popped into my local video rental store and heard the sound of cars racing, I looked up to the TV and saw a yellow Firebird being chased by something I'd just absolutely never seen before.. Ive always been huge into cars so I had to ask
"What movie is this???"
TLDR, I just turned 28 and I still have no plans on returning this movie.
They need to do a "Cannonball Run" Race with only using TV/Movie Cars....But the Wraith, as a kid of the 80s this movie helped me become a car guy!
🤔 Sayyy, that’s not a half-bad idea!
My wife said the same thing to me years ago.....be like a mad mad mad world for cars lol
I like that idea!
Funny you mention that, one of the car movies I'm working on is of what you mentioned. Another one I'm putting to together will star Jay and Tim Allen . Stay tuned
That would be frigging awesome.
THE WRAITH/TURBO INTERCEPTOR is a CLASSIC. With serious care and attention to detail, it will run amazing. Add more of the DODGE M4S tech and you have a serious contender. You can't deny the looks are striking. And it IS a movie legend. Make it faster and everyone will be impressed as hell.
I was a young kid when I saw this film.. and I still watch it today.. great movie
The Wraith is a Iconic car guy movie and a all time favorite for so many people, very action packed so idk what Jay Leno is talking about.
I love that Jay is merciless on Jeff's cars and they both can have a laugh about it
But Jay is smart enough to know featuring this car will resonate with a lot of his audience. Jay had low expectations and he expectations were met. Lol!!!
Funny enough, Jay has at least 15 cars that I find stupid and nowhere near as cool as the Wraith car. I mean who want to pull up in a steam car going 10 miles an hour ?
@@ebbhead20 *ahem..... I...... would.
@@ebbhead20literally everyone on this earth lol
@@IsaiahMalin it's everyone is it.? Wow, must tell the earth.. They dont seem to know. 😅
37 hours away! Aahh come on Jay! I can’t wait that long! One of my all time favorite cars and definitely in my top 3 movie cars.
Every weekend when we have off, he shows cool video to be released while your at work Monday
I don't get either. Must be a millennial doing his editing and uploads and refused to work weekends
Gffdvf
Ni
Growing up in the 80’s this was one of my favorite cars. “The Waith” has a cult classic following. Because of the look of this car. Thanks for bringing back memories ❤
One of my all time childhood favorites. This car was a big impact to formative years.
For me it was Knight rider and this one
Jay sounds like he's barely awake. Time takes its toll.
It sounds like he had a stroke. If not, he has aged A LOT!
I think one big factor are the two accidents he's had the past two years: the burns from the vehicle fire in his garage in 22 and the motorcycle accident that broke his ribs and several bones last year.
@@jamesrawlins735 his wife also has dementia which I would think has taken a lot out of him.
9:01 those look exactly like 1986 Trans Am rims!
87-92 But yeah, that's exactly what they are.
I came to the comments just to make sure someone noted those are rims from 3rd Gen Trans Ams. Specifically starting with the 1987 GTA
I don't remember any mini van coming stock with Trans Am rims.
That's what I thought they were
Lots of cars had knock off BBS RA’s in the 80’s/90’s.
This car I watched as child and made fall in love with cars even more. Best car design for a movie of all time. In my humble opinion.
The Wraith was another one my most iconic movies.
Did Jay Leno say the, "The movie was horrible"?Come on Jay, its one of the most iconic movies, with an iconic car, an iconic actor, it was the best sci-fi/horror movie of its time. You have the car on your show...
hes a spoil sport in more ways than one.
You've gone a little far.
Says the man that was in COLLISION COURSE.
One of those movies thata so bad it's good.... I love it... but it's a bad movie. The butterflies aren't even open on the yellow trans am during the race... SMH... thats BAAAAD... lol
I don't know about all that...
Pretty sure it was a sleeper at best and a flop at worst. Most of us that rented it on VHS may have loved it, but we knew it was basically a high tier B-movie. Heck, until the internet became a thing, I couldn't name five other people that had seen it that didn't watch my copy of it. 😄
In 88 or 89 my friends and I recorded the Wraith off HBO. We watched that movie pretty much every day that summer. We would quote it at each other constantly. 😂
One of those iconic car movies in the 80s next to Christine!
How dare you sir, "horrible movie"?! That's a classic!
The Wraith is legit good, Jay. I’ve watched it countless times…
Im pretty sure that 90+% of the people who clicked on this were probably kids in the 80's who loved this movie. And we all had to sit through 16+ minutes of Jay just ripping this car to shreds. Real classy Leno, real classy!
The movie was awesome. The soundtrack was even better. Lion, Ozzy... It is an 80s gem.
Rebel Yell was in it too.! Idol!
Yup! Never Surrender. Got many speeding tickets to that song.
Jay, this movie was awesome and I'll still watch it. This car was only 1 of 2 cars from a movie or TV show I ever wanted to own: The Turbo Interceptor and the General Lee.
The Wraith has kind of a cult following. I will never forget the first time I saw this movie back in 86/87. I was staying at a friends house and it came on late at night on HBO. I ended up owning it on VHS tape, and then when DVD became a thing I ran out and picked up a copy. I still watch this movie at least once a year. Is it campy? Yes. Is it the best written or acted movie? No. But it is a fun escapism popcorn movie. With fun characters and a unique sci-fi love story. I would almost say it was an inspiration for J.O. Barr's The Crow with some of the story beats. If you haven't seen this movie and want something fun to watch, I highly recommend watching this movie.
The movie plot was maybe cheesy…but man that cars was so badass and the driving scenes through the desert 🏜️ were incredible
I loved The Wraith!!! Its been awhile since I have seen it, but I remember it fondly! It's easily one of my favorite 80's movies.