Rod Emory Debuted Tribute Baja Bug on Jay Leno’s Garage
A custom-built tribute to a 1967 original brought family history to Jay Leno's famous collection.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Car Culture
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Rod Emory has unveiled a custom 1,800-pound tribute vehicle modeled after the original Baja Bug created by his family in 1967. The project was showcased recently on Jay Leno’s Garage as a memorial to Gary Emory.
Why it matters
The build honors the legacy of Gary Emory, who pioneered the Baja Bug concept in the 1960s using a modified 1957 Beetle after being unable to afford a commercial dune buggy kit. The family-led project serves as a preservation of DIY automotive history and personal heritage.
The tribute vehicle features a 2,650cc Type 4 engine generating 190 horsepower. The custom build maintains a lightweight design at approximately 1,800 pounds.
The players
Rod Emory
He is a custom car builder known for his work on vintage Porsche and Volkswagen models.
Gary Emory
He was an automotive enthusiast who created the first Baja Bug design in 1967.
Jay Leno
He is a comedian and television host famous for maintaining one of the world's most prominent private car collections.
Don Emory
He is a family member who contributed to the tribute project by painting the vehicle.
The details
The original Baja Bug was crafted from a wrecked 1957 Volkswagen Beetle acquired for an 80cc Suzuki motorcycle. Rod Emory and his family completed the tribute through extensive metalwork and welding, with Don Emory applying the signature chrome-yellow paint.
Timeline
Gary Emory acquired a 1957 Beetle in 1966.
The original custom Baja Bug was finished in 1967.
The tribute vehicle was featured on October 1, 2026.
Roadmap
This build continues the long-standing tradition of modifying the Volkswagen Beetle for off-road performance, a movement sparked by the 1966 creation of the original Baja Bug. It reflects how modern custom shops are increasingly turning to historical archives to preserve and modernize early DIY automotive culture.
This project highlights the potential for enthusiasts to source classic parts for custom performance builds in a market dominated by modern technology. Owners of vintage Beetles can look to this tribute for inspiration on how to balance weight reduction with engine power increases in their own restorations.
The takeaway
Restoration projects offer a unique way to bridge personal family history with technical automotive innovation. Enthusiasts can maintain their vehicle's legacy by documenting the original assembly methods used during the build process.
Further reading
Learn more about the history of off-road modifications in the Car Culture section.
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