A television host, a comedian, a writer, and most importantly, a hardcore automobile enthusiast. Jay Leno is known for his insanely huge collection of cars and motorcycles. But despite owning more than 180 cars and 160 motorcycles, he doesn't own a Ferrari.
Over the years, he has tasted numerous Prancing Horses that include the likes of the 1972 Ferrari Dino Monza 3.6 Evo, the 1977 Ferrari 275 GTB4, the magical Ferrari Enzo, the Ferrari F40, and the wedgy Ferrari 288 GTO, to name a few.
The last new Ferrari he rode was the 2021 SF90, and he was quite impressed by the hybrid supercar madness. But he never went ahead and bought one for himself. In an interview with Jason Stein on his Cars and Culture podcast, Leno was asked Why no Ferraris yet? The reply was informative as well as hilarious.
Updated April 2023: Leno has made a surprise revelation on his love for modern Ferraris. We have updated this article with more interesting information on the love-hate story of Jay Leno and Ferrari cars; and why the time might not be far off when Leno buys a new Prancing Horse.
Jay Leno Is A Hardcore Car Collector
Jay Leno has been interested in cars ever since he was a child. It all started with an abandoned Renault. He has a 3-pointer checklist when buying a car. It should be of technical and historical importance; it should be fun to drive, and thirdly, looks are a must! The most expensive car in his collection doesn't have a price tag!
That's because it is the one-of-one Ecojet that he created in collaboration with GM. Based on the 1963 Chrysler Turbine, the Ecojet uses bio-diesel. But despite having immense love for automobiles, he has never bought a Ferrari. The ones that you see him driving on his YouTube channel - Jay Leno's Garage are mostly of his good friend - David Lee.
The Drama Involved In Buying A Ferrari Is Not To Mr. Leno's Liking
On Jason Stein's podcast show - Cars and Culture, Mr. Leno opens up on why he doesn't own a Ferrari. He says that they make excellent machines, but it is the dealership and customer experience that tips him off. Ferrari's set of rules for owning cars is much criticized, as much as it is loved for exclusivity. He mentioned that there was a need to buy two Ferrari Mondials just to get his hands on an exclusive model he wanted. This also gives us a hint that Mr. Leno, at some point, did visit a Ferrari dealership with the notion of buying one.
But clearly, the exclusivity-driven rules didn't amuse him! He feels that you need to fight to own a Ferrari, which isn't what a person who is willing to put in his hard-earned money expects. Ferrari's sales model is a clever way of getting to buy more of their cars. We don't say that it's bad, but the Italian automaker must, at least, open up alternative options for people who want 'just the La Ferrari' without the added drama.
McLaren & Porsche Has Upped Leno's Customer Experience Expectations
Jay Leno also stated his buying experience with McLaren and Porsche, which he adored. McLaren is his favorite carmaker, and Mr. Leno has owned the iconic F1 since new. But he wasn't biased when mentioned their customer experience. He was so keen on the McLaren MP4-12C that he flew to the UK and tested the final prototypes before putting his money down for one.
He states that before receiving his MP4-12C, a McLaren salesman called him up and asked if he wanted a free performance upgrade from 592 to 617 horses (Who would say no to that?!). Mr. Leno also wanted to have the Carbon ceramic brakes, but his salesman suggested not to go for it. This was because the MP$-12C was for road use, and the carbon brakes would not be utilized to their full potential.
Also, this suggestion saved Mr. Leno $20,000. In another instance, he was treated with a bundle of goodies that includes a book, stationery items, a jacket, and "feel-good" things when he bought the Porsche Carrera GT. Also, the car was delivered to him in a flatbed along with two mechanics who gave him a thorough walk-around of the car and its functions. The Europeans have treated Mr. Leno with a lot more love and affection.
Jay Leno Hilariously Compares Buying A Ferrari To Visiting A Dominatrix
Jay Leno hilariously compares walking into a Ferrari showroom to that of "rich guys going to a dominatrix". The outcome is pleasurable, but the process remains painful and not everyone's cup of tea! Mr. Leno was blunt about what he felt about Ferrari's customer experience. And we hope that the Italian automaker has a more flexible and outspoken attitude in the future towards its evolving customer base. As for Mr. Leno, we feel that this revelation might finally end up with him having a new Ferrari in his garage!
Will Jay Leno Ever Own A Ferrari?
While Leno doesn't own one yet, we can't completely write off the possibility of him buying a Ferrari in the future. We feel that the right person can persuade him into looking past the unpleasant buying experience to enjoy the Prancing Horses. Something similar happened recently when Donald Osborne, a hardcore Ferrari enthusiast, took Jay Leno on a drive in his bright yellow Ferrari 458 Spider.
Osborne managed to make Leno confess his love for modern Ferraris. Leno also mentions that, unlike what many people think and say, he doesn't hate Ferrari or its cars; but the frustrating customer experience. Well, if Osborne can turn things around in terms of a Ferrari sales experience, we might see Jay Leno take the delivery of his first new Ferrari ever. It's all up to Osborne now!