In the niche world of automotive entertainment known as “Car Collections of the Comics,” Jay Leno remains the undisputed king. But Jeff Dunham, the comic and ventriloquist, holds a surprising—and possibly soon-to-be-accessible—second place with his sprawling warehouse of cars.
For those unwilling to wait, Dunham’s new series, The Cars That Made Us, offers an immediate solution. The half-hour program premiered on Discovery and is now available on HBO Max and Discovery+. Produced in partnership with The Nacelle Company, the show joins a franchise that includes The Toys That Made Us and The Movies That Made Us.
Dunham is the driving force behind the series, guiding viewers through his collection of roughly 130 vehicles with a mix of humor and expertise. His eclectic lineup spans from the street-legal Batmobile from Batman Returns to a rare 1975 Brubaker Box, a 1963 Chrysler Turbine, and even a 1988 Yugo GVS.
Among the highlights are a 750-horsepower Hummer H1 “rat rod,” a 1963 Amphicar, multiple Bradley GTs, and Dunham’s first major collectible—a Dodge Viper, purchased only after his accountant confirmed it was within budget.
Dunham’s collection is more than just a showcase of rare cars; it’s a curated archive of rolling backstories. As he explained to TV Insider, the series prioritizes stories over speed:
“Some great interviews, some great vehicles, and stories people have never heard before. That’s what I love about this most. It’s a car show, but not zero-to-60 in so many seconds. It’s not a giant motor in this car. It’s the heart and soul behind many of these vehicles. Ones that bring us so much love.”
For the first season, Dunham didn’t need to look far—his own collection provided the perfect lineup for each of the initial eight episodes. The show avoids the typical focus on acceleration or luxury, instead celebrating the emotional connections people have with these cars, whether from childhood memories or lifelong passions.
Dunham’s collaboration with The Nacelle Company ensures the series aligns with their established franchises, offering a fresh yet familiar format for automotive enthusiasts and casual viewers alike.
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