1969 Lamborghini Espada - Jay Leno's Garage

After 30 years of ownership and one mechanical rebuild, Jay gives his 1969 Lamborghini Espada a cosmetic restoration and is ready to show you why this car was once known as the Italian Rolls Royce.
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A new video every Sunday! Visit Jay Leno's Garage, the Emmy-winning series where Jay Leno gives car reviews, motorcycle reviews, compares cars, and shares his passion and expertise on anything that rolls, explodes, and makes noise. Classic cars, restomods, super cars like the McLaren P1, sports cars like Porsche 918 Spyder and Camaro Z28, cafe racers, vintage cars, and much, much more.
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1969 Lamborghini Espada - Jay Leno's Garage
• 1969 Lamborghini Espad...
Jay Leno's Garage
/ jaylenosgarage

[@russcattell955i]

I had one, among the fastest and best looking of all my collection. I was 10 years old & kept them all in a box under my bed.

[@MrGrandure]

lol

[@ObesePuppies]

was your name the octopus boy?

[@jhuntosgarage]

Nice! Matchbox were the best.

[@russcattell955i]

J. Hunto's Garage Yes they were, happy days.

[@fathertime1331]

I had a nice collection. My mom threw out my collection when I went to college. And she wonders why she doesn't get Mother's Day cards.

[@superhawk1070]

anyone else really prefer when he shows off his own cars?

[@furgulley8077]

Yes I agree. they are the best vids. it's almost like an advertisement when he brings most guests on.

[@johnjohnson8700]

yep

[@leleedler]

Restoring .Force, Always, it is so much more passionate in my opinion and way more informed.

[@zacharyp10]

Restoring .Force Heck yes

[@aquateen77723]

I concur!

[@BiscuitLazers44]

Jay is basically a living breathing encyclopedia of automotive history knowledge, truly a treasure of a man. And when he talks to the camera it feels like he’s your favorite uncle joking around with you on a Sunday afternoon

[@noonegivesashit1978]

Well put

[@dontjh8448]

The Espada is one of the most underrated super cars. Love it

[@rockysutton2066]

I grew up on the 60's with the introduction of American mussel cars.The 406 Ford's, 427 Fords, 409 Chevy's, 442 cutlas. All great fun but now I'm old and this car is fantastic. I want one!

[@roushgt6839]

Its not that good of a car.

[@thecatthatgotaway]

@@roushgt6839 nothing ever is lol

[@peanutbutterisfu]

It’s not underrated the car is so ugly the only people that want them is a collector like jay who needs to have every model car. The normal guy that is gonna buy a exotic car isn’t buying one of these he’s buying something that looks modern so he can get laid lol

[@peanutbutterisfu]

@@rockysutton2066 don’t get me wrong some of the coolest cars are from the 60’s but the cars from the 60’s are very slow compared to the cars of today. A really fast production car from the 60’s your not going much faster than 12.5 sec 1/4 mile time and today you can buy a 4cyl turbo sedan that ur wife would drive to drive the kids around that would be faster than most anything from the 1960’s, handle MUCH better and get 3 times the gas millage.

[@OCSreal]

I especially love this type of video where Jay talks about his own cars, just by himself. His passion and love for them is so obvious and genuine. Oh, and the Espada is incredible ☺

[@xinlinwu4572]

I wonder why jay hasnt done one for the cobra yet

[@fartboxer22]

OCS he was the villain in the late night war but now you understand why. He needed all that money because cars are an expensive hobby.

[@Lavaman3682]

At the risk of sounding incredibly corny, the thing I love about Jay's videos is he's not elitist and he's not a know-it-all and he's not a jaxkass. and after about 10 minutes you feel like you're hanging out with one if your college buddies and he's just really excited and wouldn't have as much fun if you weren't there with him great stuff

[@theashbys8863]

Couldn't agree more

[@miuramike8310]

My grandfather bought one of these new in 1971, silver with black leather. He lived in the Italian Alps, and this car was amazing on mountain roads and the autostrada. Luckily, my grandfather and some of his friends were expert mechanics used to Italian cars, so maintaining it was easy. Seeing these cars in pictures or on tv doesn't do them justice. They are really gorgeous, not as gorgeous as the Miura perhaps, but truly unique. Unlike so many cars today, every ride was an adventure. The overpowering smell of leather when you opened the door, the artistic details, the incredible speed. But what stands out in my mind the most was the engine. It wasn't just loud (and it was LOUD) it was multi-layered mechanical music. It somehow sound beautiful and brutal at the same time.

[@vcolinc]

Very well described. You must have very happy memories of your childhood with your grandfather.

[@nigel900]

My great uncle knew a prostitute that was hit by one of these while crossing the road...

[@INDIGOBLUE555]

@@nigel900 That clearly was an occupational accident...

[@LordRumshi]

@@nigel900 that was certainly unfortunate plus an interesting story.

[@LordRumshi]

I do agree the Miura has a better look than the espada, but both are different from one another. The espada was a grand tourer while the Miura became the premise for all modern supercars & hypercars.

[@MrPelikan500]

10:08 "...it was My ONLY Car for a number of years ..." ... that"s just simply pure class Jay ! :-)

[@fishhuntadventure]

Ya, that impressed me. There’s a local guy I know who drives a 34? Ford pickup year round, and this is in Vermont! True, the Lamborghini isn’t the same vehicle and neither is California the same, but! You just have to respect guys like these because they love it.

[@toddpacker7058]

My daily is a 1973 Ferrari

[@schwartzuofm]

The episodes I love most are Jay by himself, demoing his own vehicle and getting lost in his stories. Could watch those ones all day.

[@PanosGr44]

That is the most beautiful car I have ever seen.

[@Kayak1088]

+PanosGr44 It is pretty awesome. Nothing has the character of the vintage sport cars.

[@jrr...9356]

I remember those Espada's in Car & Driver and Road &Track mags in the day. What a beautiful machine. Reminds me of a lower, wider,, and sleeker 70 Ford Torino. Magnificent !!!

[@briananthony4044]

I fell in love with the Espada as a teen. This was an era of truly gorgeous cars. The Maserati Bora, Merak and Montreal, the Lamborghini range, the Monteverdi Hai 450 and 375/4, the Tomaso Mangusta and Pantera, the Ferrari range, Jenson Interceptor and the FF, and many others, so many gorgeous sports cars.

[@TheJohn8765]

I just love how Jay is a *real* car lover. He's bitching about wire harnesses and shoddy leads. Lol.

[@BoostedPastime]

He was bitching about a wire non harness lol

[@waywardTruth33]

+xXxMartin96xXx you slow?

[@BrianXist]

He truly loves car and the engineering behind them. You never hear him going over dollar figures or showing off. He goes so deep into the history of the cars he owns or the ones that are brought there.

[@BrianXist]

It doesn't. That is why he is so beloved. He is a true car guy that loves all things automotive.

[@abbeykroeter]

There probably ARE people saying he's just a car fan because he has the money to buy them.... and those people would be idiots. He's been trying learn, restore, own and enjoy interesting cars (expensive OR quirky OR inexpensive... just interesting) all his life, before he could afford all these. He's a real car fan. No mystery here.

[@bluedick321]

Jay has such a positive influence on car culture ( he really gets it ). He must surely have one of, if not the best collection in the world.

[@walidaksoy4834]

Thank you Mr. Leno , in 1978 , bought my mine from Germany MK2 1972 model , drove it all the way to Jordan , kept it for 25 years , incidentally , one can drive around in this beauty with room for three beauties , not just a single one.

[@nicholassheffo5723]

Highly underrated car, but you saved this one and it was worth every penny. Thanks for the great video!

[@outdoorsluvr]

I’ve watched this video many times. This may be my favorite of Jay’s cars. The front 3/4 view and straight-on frontal views are the best. Pure art.

[@GT-gt4bf]

Love how Jay talks like he's in love. That's probably because he is.

[@dcpugh]

Jay's love for cars is infectious. And it's so cool he's got my 2nd favorite Laborghini in his garage!

[@mkfaruki]

Always loved the Espada, you brought a smile to my face when you mentioned the connection to the Marzal. Beautiful cars.

[@seaglider844]

Man I always thought this was one of the coolest GT four seaters ever built. I love that Jay wants to share the experience of driving his classic cars with other cars lovers!Thanks Jay....that made my day!

[@roverwaters3875]

it is the coolest 2+2 GT ever made

[@X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X]

Such a beautiful car with classy lines and a singing V12. I love it! Harry Metcalfe is one of the best motoring journalists - with a great taste in cars - I know. Check out his channel "Harry's garage".

[@writerconsidered]

+X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X it sang me to sleep, now I have to rewatch.

[@Nords_e87_130i]

nice tip, thanks!

[@simes205]

I don't understand your comment, please enlighten me.

[@X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X]

simes205 You randomly insulted me for no reason ;)

[@joebob5888]

+X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X he was bored

[@jasoncarpp7742]

Beautiful looking car. I find these classic Lamborghinis *way* more attractive than what's currently being offered.

[@jasoncarpp7742]

@Carlo Carugati "True Italian Lamborghini" cars?

[@Hachaimenesch]

@@jasoncarpp7742 as in not a Lamborghini after Audi took over. Nowadays there is a German influence. This may actually be a factor making you more confident in purchasing a Lamborghini for relaxed weekend touring instead of keeping an older, more quirky car running. Then again there is something adventurous about owning an older one.

[@demimoorestapeworm1416]

I just love how down to earth and real Jay Leno is despite the fact he’s worth $400 million. He just seems like someone you could chat and have a beer with. I guess thats the difference between someone that inherits their millions to someone that works hard for their money! Keep up the good work Jay! Love your show!

[@philiptownsend4026]

I've never seen his show but he has pure class for sure. Love from England.

[@PaulZink]

One of the most beautiful cars ever: sleek, clean lines, low and sexy, and beautiful interior. Great color combination, Red and saddle tan leather. Lucky Jay.

[@bertiewooster4043]

My first - and only - ride in an Espada, took place in 1975, drove from Geneva to Montreux and back. Watching this took me back to that amazing ride. Thanks, Jay!

[@dillank3240]

Great episode! Jay must really love this car. He didn't mention his McLaren even once. :) Personally, I think it's one of the best he's ever featured here.

[@BoogieKnight1976]

I utterly love this vehicle. I'd love the chance to own one .The tones, textures and lines of these Italian classics is a sure thing of beauty.

[@obiepelc940]

Love the Espada Jay it’s awesome when you talk about your own cars You can tell your heart and soul is in them all

[@heikkiremes5661]

Beautiful. I love it. Just gorgeous 60's design.

[@martinbaum5354]

one of my favourite cars ever - just gorgeous

[@UCs6ktlulE5BEeb3vBBOu6DQ]

Mr Baum, we've been trying to reach you about your car extended warranty.

[@robertmardosian727]

I can't figure out which is the true gem here, the Espada or Mr.Leno. A true privilege to have a passionate car guy sharing his cars and knowledge with others. No ego trip, just pure passion between man and the automobile.

[@HSGAutomotive]

My favourite Lambo ever, so loved this vid.

[@bigmanjaffers]

I thought I recognised you - you do a lot of GT6 content, no?

[@HSGAutomotive]

+ChickenNulty - Indeed I do.

[@martinda7446]

Triumph GT6?

[@James-fx8eb]

Gran Turismo 6. Playstation game.

[@Bubbles99718]

I prefer their tractors.

[@askunz1]

I have fun watching Jay have fun in his cars. Thanks Jay! Drive on!

[@saggo1712]

Thank you Jay for looking after this beautiful car.

[@ScottSmiley99]

It is a beautiful example of a grand touring car. Thank you Jay for sharing.

[@thomas5809]

Jay, you mentioned this was your only car for quite some time. I would love to hear more about your current daily driver(s) What cars get the biggest % of your annual mileage? I Googled and found nothing. Hopefully others are interested and you can share that with us. Thanks.

[@hotblackdesiato5771]

Bit of necromancy here, but I know from an episode of JLG when he had his own site for the vids, and from other sources that he used to nearly DD one of his Deusenbergs to the Tonight Show for years, only occasianaly swapping it for this car or some other Italian masterpiece.

[@MartyFox]

Hotblack Desiato He hasn’t done a video on it, but there are lots of sightings of him driving his green 1932 Duesenberg SJ Murphy convertible coupe.

[@brettpatching]

What a great video. I love the ones where it's Jay's own car and it has real meaning for him: "This has got, its got to be over a hundred thousand [miles] now. […] It was my my only car for a number of years." He really loves his Lamborghinis.

[@frankpavan7865]

Love to see this beautiful and amazing part of Italian automotive history. Thank you Jay

[@matthewduka7710]

It's so common to see people buying dream cars and destroying them in one way or another so for Jay Leno to put so much effort into all these cars is worthy of praise

[@TDCflyer]

"Its amazing how some cars look like big boats next to you on the highway" Laughed so hard, I almost fell from my chair...

[@jeffmitting330]

Jay, that's a beautiful job on my favourite car ever. I share your passion for these and have done since I first saw one so many years ago. I remember seeing the Marzal in a local magazine called Sports Car World here in Australia when I was 14 and thinking how beautiful it was and my unbridled joy when I discovered the Espada. It's been about 45 years now and this is still number 1 in my top 5, others come and go but this remains, Outstanding!

[@johnjacobjingleheimerschmi3857]

What's so cool about Jay's videos, you don't have to own one to get a sort of feel for the car. He's fantastic at describing the experience. He gives tips on maintenance, explains every detail in layman's terms. Thanks again for another fantastic ride in one of your beautiful automobiles Jay, it's made my day a little brighter. God bless you Sir.

[@noonehere1793]

Many years ago i was behind one of these in Paris, the guy looked like a local and this was his daily driver obviously….what a thing to see on the road, great clouds of blue smoke when ever the traffic flow stopped.. … beautiful….

[@trespire]

The Espada II & Citroen SM, my 2 dream cars . . . Now this is a proper Grand Tourer. Both aerodynamic beauties with lots of road presence.

[@hcwollaston]

trespire . Espada or SM on the Autobahn at night with 4 people on board at max. speed would be most enjoyable.

[@user-yp5fp8gn7o]

I always had to agree with an auto mag that once voted.the citroen the ugliest car ever. With that 6 CYL MASARATI. Engine in it it was still no speedster but no one can contest that they were technically superb . it was one of those like the Espada...u either loved it or hated it. Rich/San Jose

[@leeengelsman1855]

The Citroen seems way more advanced and comfortable but Espada literally oozes sex appeal like a super model.

[@1240enzo]

Simply a gorgeous car. A true GT, and what an engine sound. Jay your spot on with your choice of the Espada.

[@druidofthefang]

Wow what a beautiful car, I have never even seen that! Probably the best looking Lamborghini I have seen, love the interior with the wood and all. Thanks Jay, once again!

[@ADPTraining]

Fantastic, it's great when he shows off his own cars. I'd love to take a peek at his Garage.

[@guytansbariva2295]

There are many videos of people touring his garage out there, some with celebrities

[@SolidRollin]

What a beautiful sound.

[@bArda26]

it's just so beautiful, good job jay, I'm glad that someone who cares and loves cars keeps this car running and puts miles on it

[@lordrefrigeratorintercoole288]

loved the Espada when was a kid. Leno you should make a museum with all your cars so people from the world can see your amazing collection.

[@hugos6444]

It is an absolutely fantastic car! I remember about 1969 my brothers and I saw a silver one inside of a bank in San Francisco, unforgettable.

[@TheGeodoctorcl]

Fantastic job Jay and crew! Gorgeous car and it does sound great! I am in love. TY again for sharing a great video.

[@jamesclukey7488]

Beautiful !!! Gotta' love his taste in cars ! Lots of respect for preserving works of art.

[@stlchuckhd]

Awesome video Jay! Really enjoyed the commentary and ride! Thank you 🇮🇹 🇺🇸

[@Johonavich49]

You mentioned to let your vehicle warm up to listen to the radio, make a phone call, or do something while your car or truck is warming up. I personally pray to God for a couple of minutes. Really helpful! Thanks for this video!

[@sarullor]

I've just started watching his video's and its like a breath of fresh air he is inspiring to watch makes you feel welcome to come join him in all his video's Jay's just got that human nature of a great guy

[@c5forbob]

Gorgeous car! If I owned one it would definitely be a keeper!!!

[@ulfericsson5106]

This shape & sound is imprinted deeply. I was maybe 10 years old, standing at gas station beside a big 4 way x-section. Looking across, i see this low, wide 4 headlight front.... about half the height of what ever was standing next to it.... Then the the traffic lights shifts and it took off.... 1st, 2nd, 3rd, going flat out. the sight and sound it made me stand there just gaping. Thank you Jay for taking so good care of it.

[@igalflint]

I saw an olive green Espada in May 2019, on Sussex Road, London. I was astonished. This is my dream car.

[@recnepsgnitnarb6530]

One of my favorite Italian cars ever. I like this car way more than a Countach.

[@alansmilealot]

😧

[@gregorytimmons4777]

I love the 2+2 aspect. The engine placement. Everything.

[@Sheeezus]

Lovely hearing Harry Metcalfe get a shout-out at the end, I was sitting here thinking your two Espadas are almost identical

[@johnnymula2305]

What an absolutely beautiful car. And the exhaust note is amazing!

[@francoisoosthuizen7912]

Jay is right, every car enthusiast should drive a V12 at least once. When I was a kid, my dad used to service an XJ-S that belonged to an elderly Englishman who had emigrated to South Africa. One day, after he spent about 300 hours replacing the spark plugs - not an easy job on the Jag V12 - we took it out for a drive and I remember being amazed at how a car could go so fast, so quietly. Another interesting thing with V12 engines is that they all seem to have very low geared starter motors so many of them emit this high pitched whirring sounds before they fire up. It truly is something exquisite and if you've never experienced it, make sure you do while you still have all your faculties in place.

[@johnfrei9057]

Awesome. Do more of the passenger view segments. It really gives us a feel for the experience of the car.

[@leleedler]

So beautiful, I seriously love this car it is just a great looking car.

[@maprow]

Beautiful interior. Loved the video.

[@kentgordis7922]

I still remember growing up in Geneva, Switzerland in the late 60's and early 70's and being absolutely blown away by this car which I always found to be unique, gorgeous and fascinating.

[@JClark-34695]

Espada, Islero, Jarama: they're ALL gorgeous!

[@terrywbreedlove]

The 1971 Mustang must have gotten some design clues from this car

[@matthewstavrowsky2393]

Yes! I thought it looked familiar.

[@dlamb2840]

I ABSOLUTELY love the Espada as well Jay!!, GORGEOUS full stop!!!

[@DoctorHayduke]

I like that even Jay Leno leaves his directional on sometimes. Jay, lately you're inspiring me to think about pursuing auto design. I'm old and broke so it would be a challenge to start something new, but I believe I would find it deeply rewarding. I am just now learning to work on cars after decades in residential construction. It's dawning on me that what I like most is the notion that the way a car looks can make us feel emotion. I love the personality of these machines.

[@michaelvickers89]

awesome restoration Jay !!! the car looks amazing ! ps I would drive it everyday happily it's a beautiful car !

[@iain6167]

I really enjoyed this! How about a few more videos on your own cars Jay?

[@tommorgan7431]

That interior is beyond classically beautiful.

[@hydra1894]

Very nice way to share your passion. Close to perfection. Thank you.

[@henkdevill]

Amazing. My second favorite car, and with that my second favorite Lamborghini. Absolutely magnificent car.

[@mr.dmr.d9348]

Absolutely Love it... After seeing this it could be my favorite Lamborghini..?? it oozes Something really special ... As always Thanks Jay...(:

[@jl8628]

As a boy, I used to stare at one of these for at least an hour a week. The car was a champagne color and owned by a local Italian restaurantaur. I would head over to the restaurant and just look at the Espada. I'll always love these cars.

[@raymondbutcher4579]

I just love these, this is a credit to you Jay beautiful job

[@Porsche996driver]

“This was my only car for several years” he says matter of factly lol.

[@chrisc64]

poverty sucks. Just one car?

[@leeengelsman1855]

@@chrisc64 Yes should have offered him your chevy, The poor man.

[@MetalJesusRocks]

Jay is reunited with an old girlfriend in this episode. You can tell he's having a lot of fun!

[@MrAbe1984]

Definitely a hidden gem!

[@jimbo9446]

I love Jays show. Its hilarious watching him book down the highway with the blinker on!!

[@CallmeDaBreeze1971]

Great video and awesome machine. Love the color and wheels. Great lines on this car and that sound.

[@retroolschool]

Ya Man! As a lover big old American cars. I realized not long ago that one of things I I like about exotic cars, is that they're always wide! Great show Jay!

[@MikeServis]

Jay . . . you made a remark about 10-11 minutes into this video: "This was my only car for a while" How long has it been since you've had one car?

[@therealronaldd]

Obviously then lol

[@roverwaters3875]

+Mike Servis his only car to drive regularly, without hustle and problems in that period

[@larrysmith6797]

+Mike Servis That was a bit of Jay bullshit. He bought his 1955 Buick when he came to California in the 1970s and he never sold it. He said he bought the Espada in 1986.

[@KLX1990]

+Mike Servis i think he probably meant it was his only running, driving car for a while

[@Stuka87]

Just because he had other cars doesn't mean they ran.

[@kimmern999]

Amazing video about an impeccable specimen of the best looking car from the late 60s/early 70s. I just discovered the Espada and have totally fallen in love with the design.

[@pasthuman]

That horn is fantastic! :D ...appears to be a most practical yet super stylish ride. A great balance.

[@jesslynch7293]

I always thought Jay was a bit of a tool but this channel has really changed my mind he's actually a bit of a hero

[@omartinoco9930]

Maybe you are trying to pay him a backhanded compliment or maybe the one who needs a backhand slap is you.

[@insolentstickleback3266]

Jay is no tool, he is the last of the REAL and great Late Night Television hosts. Last of an era I grew up with. Salute! Jay Leno!

[@zollotech]

Great video. I would love to see a follow up to the Owens Magnetic.

[@seinsmeld13]

What an excellent way to spend 23:01 minutes of my time. Thank you Jay.

[@noahvale939]

This video convinced me about the Espada -- plus, I love that color.

[@michaelobrien232]

You know Jay is aging when you see the blinker in more than one clip.

[@aaardvarkkk]

I'm leaving a comment, yet I have no words for how much I love the Espada. But Jay, it completely defeats the purpose of having a cut-off switch when you have to open the door, pull a lever, open the rear hatch, pull up the carpet, lift a mat and take off a panel JUST to turn it off or on! Not only that, but it's TWO INCHES FROM THE BATTERY!! At THAT point, you don't NEED a cut-off switch, YOU'RE THERE! You can just take the ground off! The switch should be mounted under the rear bumper or somewhere you can get to it from the outside. Jay, c'mon!

[@limer4330]

Absolutely gorgeous car. I love it.

[@andreye519]

I really like the passenger perspective, you should do these more, Jay. Thanks for the videos.

[@Slider2732]

Same age as me...same kind of wiring too :)

[@sickofthestupid1067]

Oh no! Jay has gone senile old man driving down the road with his turn signal flashing !

[@realRichHunting]

lol

[@klausheinrich1791]

Yes! GBS! (Geriatric Blinker Syndrome) I think someone at Automobile Magazine coined this term.

[@davidgolfgti1]

He probably couldn't hear the indicator over the sound.

[@sickofthestupid1067]

+David Palacios must of left his tin ear horn at home lol

[@levelman4214]

+SickOfTheStupid Not the first time he crossing lines with blinker running hot

[@tris7]

Superb video! Thanks Jay!

[@buymeskittles2719]

These videos are just wonderful- exactly what I hoped Jay would do after he left the Tonight Show. Videos about something that he and I really love, and released as he sees fit to complete them; not on a daily timeline. Bravo.