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 he was badly burned when a 1907 vintage steam engine he was working on in his garage exploded in his face.

The 72-year-old comedian and former late night TV presenter made his way 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 that “everything is fine” and joked “I need barbecue” instead of rest.

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

His physician, Dr. Peter Grossman, has previously warned that the once-popular late-night presenter could suffer permanent scarring as a result, but said in a statement Monday that he is pleased with his progress after the star spent time in an oxygen chamber. . He added that he is “optimistic” that Leno will “fully recover” as he continues to receive outpatient care.

All day long, Leno was seen cruising around in three different cars.

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

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

He was eventually spotted touring the neighborhood in a gray vintage Corvette.

Leno told photographers that he was “hanging on” and doing well.

When asked if he would be back on stage soon, Leno said he would be.

“Yes, I’m performing at Comedy and Magic club Sunday,” he said.

The venue’s website states that the show is at 7 p.m. that day.

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

“Yes, I need barbecue,” he said.

The burn center also noted: ‘Jay wants everyone to know how grateful he is for the care he has received and is very grateful for all the well wishes.

“He is looking forward to spending Thanksgiving with his family and friends and wishes everyone a happy holiday.”

Leno was hospitalized on Nov. 12 following the fiery explosion in 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 me 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 was sprayed like gas,” said Swift, a mechanic who works at the garage.

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

The Burbank Fire Department subsequently confirmed that they were dispatched to the overnight host’s home around 12:30 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 was “in a good mood and touched by all the questions about his condition and well wishes.”

“He wants everyone to know that he’s fine and that he’s in ‘the best burn center in the United States.'”

Leno himself later issued a statement saying that he suffered “severe burns from a gasoline fire.”

“I’m fine,” said the former late-night host. “I’ll only 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 putting out the flames.

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