Regarding collectors and museums, I don't have any problems with stuff on display in museums. It is there so that you can see what was before and how it led to things that are today. Private collectors, generally, do not serve this purpose. Jay Leno seems to be an exception, at least he is also talking about the engineering points in the cars he has acquired. He is also the only car collector I know by name. But I'm not familiar with TV formats or TV personnel in US - nor with the museum system in US. Here, museums are funded by taxes and there are only a handful of private museums.
But thanks for putting on those links.
Some stuff I found to be of interest:
Three wheeled car constructed by 17-year-old guy. Engine was taken from Indian motorcycle. Built from the extra parts. Chain transmission, 200000 miles behind it. Quite an achievement.
http://www.popularmechanics.com/automotive/jay_leno_garage/3475911.html?page=1Mazda with a Wankel motor.
http://www.popularmechanics.com/automotive/jay_leno_garage/2629006.html?page=1Imagine how much work had be done to make this kind of engine possible. Even Leno's restoration team had no experience of these engines.
http://www.popularmechanics.com/automotive/jay_leno_garage/2420976.html?page=2Interesting point. What I know is that there used to be a guy in the service stations who was solely responsible for oiling and greasing. This guy was quite respected man, for he made it sure that your car will be able to do the other 10000 km. For some reason, the car manufacturers have decided to go to the current service system. I have collegue who had trouble with a '85-'90 Mitsu (forgot the year). The car already has a diagnostic computer, only the reading device has to be bought. Unfortunately, the price for the reading system is like 500 €. Basically that thing contains a resistor and a LED. He was able to make his own reader and check out what was the problem, so maybe there is still hope.
http://www.jaylenosgarage.com/cars/owen_shell.shtmlHuh? I cannot understand if this thing works with gas (as in gaseous form) or with gasoline from the text. Anyways, it has a generator and directs the current to electrical motor located in wheels. Never heard about this thing before. Quite a transmission this thing has.
http://www.jaylenosgarage.com/cars/toronado_shell.shtmlThey put a 1070 hp engine in front wheel drive?! Ah, not so. They changed it to rear wheel drive first. The only question is that doesn't that thing has enough power to bend the whole damn transmission axis like Viper?
http://www.jaylenosgarage.com/cars/topolino_shell.shtmlMakes you think how much unnecessary stuff todays cars carry...
Citroen DS, a car which is probably better known around Europe than US.
http://www.citroen.mb.ca/june00/68IDbrochure/index.htmlhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citro%C3%ABn_DSAdvanced thing in its time (manufacturing started from 1955). I have heard stories about that thing, many people thought that the suspension had failed when the car stopped and the suspension lowered down.
Mika