Jay Leno has long been one of the most iconic hosts in the late-night television scene. Besides cementing his legendary status at The Tonight Show, he has also made a remarkable mark in the automotive world. His YouTube show, Jay Leno’s Garage, has become a must-watch channel for car enthusiasts over the years, showcasing rare vehicles from around the globe. The late Leno amassed a collection of over 300 cars and motorcycles in his lifetime, yet notably absent from this impressive lineup were any Ferraris, a fact that has continuously sparked curiosity among fans.
In fact, Leno has not been completely disconnected from Ferrari. He has had the chance to test drive several classic Ferrari models on his show, including the 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB4, the 1951 Ferrari 212 Inter by Ghia, and the latest 2025 Daytona SP3. He drove the Daytona SP3 this May, which is equipped with a V12 engine, delivering an astonishing 829 horsepower, reaching speeds over 340 kilometers per hour, and going from 0 to 100 kilometers in just 2.85 seconds. Priced at over 2.2 million dollars, it is limited to fewer than 600 units worldwide. After test driving it, Leno praised its customizability, describing the overall experience as captivating and enchanting.
However, despite the allure of such works, Leno has never included Ferrari in his garage. When he was recently asked about this on the show Pathways to Achievement Narratives, he candidly admitted that he has never been able to accept Ferrari’s traditional purchasing methods. He pointed out that in the past, if one wanted to buy a car from a Ferrari dealership, they often had to meet a series of conditions Private, such as already owning other models, waiting in line according to a sequence, or participating in specific events. This system made him feel excluded. He frankly stated: I don’t like it when people say you don’t deserve to buy that car..
In contrast, Leno holds a high regard for the sales experiences with McLaren and Porsche. He shared that when he purchased his first McLaren, the salesperson proactively saved him $20,000 and offered a free horsepower upgrade. He believes these brands are more willing to listen to drivers’ needs and provide real value, rather than making customers adhere to the brand’s playbook. He emphasized: I want to buy a car in a place where I need it..
Even though Ferrari has considered easing some of its purchasing requirements in response to pressure from new competitors like McLaren in recent years, Leno remains steadfast in his views. He believes that cars are not just collectible items; they should provide a thrilling driving experience, and the interaction with the brand is what truly matters.
Leno’s private garage, located in Burbank, California, is named Big Dog Garage and houses over 180 cars and 120 motorcycles. While the garage is typically not open to the public, it has hosted open days in the past, with all proceeds donated to charity, highlighting his consistently low-key yet responsible approach.
Among his collection, there are indeed some rare treasures from the automotive world. The standout piece is the 1934 Duesenberg Walker Coupe, custom-built for industrial mogul Josiah Lilly, which originally cost a staggering $25,000—equivalent to roughly $600,000 today. After acquiring it, Leno undertook a complete restoration, and its current estimated value is an impressive $20 million. Another gem in his collection, also valued at $20 million, is the 1994 McLaren F1, one of the first models imported to the United States, making it a significant historical and collectible car.
According to market analysts, the total value of Leno’s entire garage is estimated to be between 52 million and 100 million dollars, making it one of the largest private car collections in North America. This late-night show host has spent a lifetime accumulating his mechanical dreams, yet he chooses to keep his distance from Ferrari, reflecting his unique character that always deviates from the norm and adheres to personal principles.
