Jay Leno back behind the wheel after being burned when a vintage vehicle exploded in his face

Car enthusiast Jay Leno was back behind the wheel in Los Angeles on Tuesday – 10 days after being badly burned when a vintage 1907 steam engine he was working in his garage on exploded in his face.

The 72-year-old comedian and former late night TV host was headed to the studio, and revealed he will be back on stage this Sunday.

Burn marks could be seen on his face and hands as he assured photographers ‘everything’s okay,’ and joked ‘I need barbecue’ instead of rest.

It’s just a day since Leno was released from the Grossman Burn Center where he was treated in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber, used to aid healing and prevent infection. He suffered burns to his face, chest and hands when the engine exploded.

His doctor, Dr. Peter Grossman, has previously warned that the once-popular late-night host may suffer from permanent scarring as a result but said in a statement on Monday he is pleased with his progress after the star spent time in an oxygen chamber. He added that he is ‘optimistic’ that Leno ‘will make a full recovery,’ as he continues to receive outpatient care.

Throughout the day,  Leno was seen whipping around in three different cars.

He first arrived in a 2002 Mercedes, which he jokingly agreed with a reporter might be the newest car in his massive collection.

Later in the day the comedian was spotted behind the wheel of a light-blue two-door vintage Maserati.

Finally, he was seen cruising around the neighborhood in a grey vintage Corvette.

Leno told photographers he was ‘hangin’ in’ and doing well.

Asked whether he would be back on stage any time soon, Leno said he would be.

‘Yeah, I’ll be performing Sunday at Comedy and Magic club Sunday,’ he said.

The venue’s website lists the show as taking place at 7pm that day.

When photographers encouraged Leno to get some rest and recover, he fired back with a characteristic joke.

‘Yeah, I need barbecue,’ he said.

The burn center also noted: ‘Jay would like to let everyone know how thankful he is for the care he received and is very appreciative of all the well wishes.

‘He is looking forward to spending Thanksgiving with his family and friends, and wishes everyone a wonderful holiday.’

Leno was hospitalized on November 12 following the fiery explosion at his garage, where he keeps a number of vintage cars as part of a collection.

George Swift, a mechanic in the comedian’s personal garage, told ET that it was a steam car that sent Leno to the hospital. 

‘It was a steam car. This steam was made by gas. It got sprayed, as a gas,’ Swift, a mechanic who works at the garage, said.  

‘He called me, and he told me there was a fire and the fire department is coming,’ the employee continued. 

The Burbank Fire Department then confirmed they were dispatched to the late-night host’s home at around 12.30om that day, and when they arrived they assessed and treated ‘one adult male.’

Leno was then transported to a local emergency room before being transferred to the Grossman Burn Center for further care.

A spokesperson for the medical center told People at the time that Leno ‘is in good humor and is touched by all the inquiries into his condition and well wishes.

‘He wants to let everyone know he is doing well and is in “the best burn center in the United States.”‘

Leno later issued a statement himself, saying he ‘got some serious burns from a gasoline fire.’

‘I am ok,’ the former late-night host said. ‘Just need a week or two to get back on my feet.’

He also told TMZ that it was his friend, Dave, who saved his life, by jumping on him and smothering the flames.

The host said that he was repairing a clogged fuel line when he got sprayed on his hands and face with gasoline.