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Jay Leno Gives Ride In 2020 Corvette To Terminally Ill Fan: Video

After he was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 70, Arizona-native Larry Webb didn’t think he’d ever have a chance to drive the new 2020 Corvette C8. However, thanks to a viral video posted by his son, as well as the generosity of fellow car enthusiast Jay Leno, Larry got the opportunity of a lifetime.

As we covered last month, Larry was dismayed to learn that he probably wouldn’t have a chance to see the new mid-engine Corvette in the metal before passing.

“My dad will tell you the Corvette, that’s the heart of America, it’s American muscle, Americans want a Corvette,” said Larry’s son, Colby Webb, in an interview with local ABC affiliate, ABC15 Arizona.

In response, his family reached out to GM, which arranged a private viewing for the new 2020 Corvette at the local Midway Chevrolet dealership. There, Larry managed to sit in the new 2020 Corvette and check it out from tip to tail.

Colby posted a video of his father’s experience on social media. Two weeks later, he received an email from the producers at Jay Leno’s Garage. In just a few days, the whole family was flown out on a private flight to Burbank, California, where a big surprise was waiting for Larry.

“We get him off the plane; there’s Jay,” Colby said. “My dad looks at my wife and goes that’s Jay Leno.”

Unbeknownst to Larry, Jay had a prototype 2020 Corvette waiting. Together, Larry and Jay took the new sports car for a drive, and afterwards took a tour of Jay’s expansive car collection.

“Jay Leno is one of the nicest people and his crew. Everybody was just the nicest people ever; they took care of everything,” Colby said.

“I think it will be one of the last things he thinks about,” Colby said.

Larry’s driving experience will be in an upcoming episode of Jay Leno’s Garage.

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Source: ABC15 Arizona

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Jonathan is an automotive journalist based out of Southern California. He loves anything and everything on four wheels.

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Comments

  1. Ok. I admit it. I teared up. A great story.
    I’ve lost love ones to cancer, among other things. So, I can relate, as I’m sure many of you here can as well.

    Also, I’m not sure how much is true about the back-stabbing that went on when Jay and Conon O’Brien had their beef over the Tonight Show ordeal, but Jay comes across as a pretty cool guy.

    ?

    Reply
    1. Whoever gave me a “thumbs down” for expressing only positive energy, and sharing my personal losses and my sympathy for others, might want to remember one thing…Karma never sleeps.

      Reply
  2. Jay Leno always has a heart bigger than his famous jaw! And he loves any special vehicle manufactured by U.S. brands including electrics (his daily drive is a Chevy Volt). If GM decides to produce the “E-Ray” or “Electric Ray”. Jay will buy one and add it to his electric car collection.

    Reply
  3. Just sad. Leno is an awesome car guy. Just think if we had even half the energy spent trying to find ways of curing cancer as we do in making self driving cars where we would be. Poor guys like Larry might stand a chance. My heart goes out to him and his family.

    Reply
  4. Zcat,

    I have tears too. I thought what was done for Larry before was wonderful but this is just so kind and generous and thoughtful. Jay has truly taken it to the next level. Bravo to everyone involved, especially to Jay Leno. And to Larry and his family, my prayers are with you. I said before that I was hoping Larry would miraculously still be around for the launch of the C9 and that remains my wish for him.

    Reply
    1. Nice reply and sentiment, Cci2Eye. Any loss is a loss, no matter the cause.

      Cancer is tough, because of instead of getting a phone call telling you someone has just been killed in a car wreck, you have to watch a person you care for waste away, little by little. Both are devastating, and I’ve experienced both happing to people I cared about. To me, seeing someone burn like a piece of paper on a fire and watching the ash float into the abyss until there’s nothing left, does not make for a happy moment.

      Reply
  5. Is there anyone in the world that doesn’t like Jay Leno. I think not. He is just the nicest coolest guy. Awesome story by GMA.

    Reply

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