Jay Leno's 1970 Monteverdi High Speed 375 S

A very rare 1970 Monteverdi High Speed 375 S owned and driven by comedian, television host, and car collector Jay Leno leaving the 2024 San Marino Motor Classic at Lacy Park. Built in Basel, Switzerland, the High Speed 375 S is powered by a Chrysler 440 V8 engine producing 375 horsepower. This example is one of six with bodywork by Carrozzeria Fissore and is equipped with an optional Chrysler 4-speed manual transmission. Originally finished in yellow, it was displayed at the British International Motor Show in London and featured in Monteverdi brochures.

Cheese. Chocolates. Watches. The Swiss are known for many things, but most would agree that cars isn't one of them - unless you've seen a Monteverdi. Most of us seasoned car spotters reach a point where we naturally assume that if we see a car we don't recognize, it's probably something very special. That's exactly why I instinctively pressed the "record" button on my camera when this car appeared. To be honest, I thought it was some sort of old Ferrari with unique coachwork. The friendly security guard in the golf cart told me afterwards that it was driven by somebody famous. I later found out it was none other than Jay Leno, and that I'd just caught my first Swiss car.

Back in the '60s and '70s, it was actually cool to give a car a name like "High Speed". And thanks to Peter Monteverdi's history with Ferrari and the car's powerful American V8, there's actually substance behind that name. Despite its rarity, Leno isn't afraid to put miles on it. Those who regularly attend the San Marino Motor Classic know that he always makes an appearance (and typically slips out early). And if you're trying to catch him, be sure to pay extra attention; given his massive car collection, he will likely show up in something different every year!

Would you choose this Monteverdi over a contemporary Ferrari? Leave a comment on YouTube and let me know!