A Different Kind of Ferrari Story on Jay Leno’s Garage
Jay Leno’s Garage has long been a gathering place for seasoned collectors and industry veterans. Most episodes feature older men discussing values, restorations, and decades of ownership.
But this time, it’s a bit different. Instead of another legacy collector, viewers meet a young enthusiast pushing back against today’s culture of leasing, software-defined vehicles, and disposable ownership. In an era dominated by electric crossovers and subscription models, the episode feels like a reset.
That enthusiast is Victoria Bruno, a Ferrari mechanic who specializes in early, carbureted-era cars. She graduated from McPherson College’s automotive restoration program and works exclusively on Ferraris. She is not a speculative investor or a casual collector, nor is she trying to rebuild a wrecked Ferrari for the clout. She is hands-on and mechanically fluent.
Bruno purchased her dream car, a 1987 Ferrari Testarossa, with just 12,000 miles after it had sat dormant for more than 20 years. Her goal was simple. She plans to drive it to 112,000 miles and make it a true high-mileage Ferrari.
The Flat-12, The Wrenches, and The Road
Bruno’s Testarossa is not the usual red poster car. Finished in black over black, it tones down the dramatic side strakes and gives the wide-bodied supercar a more subtle presence. Under the rear decklid sits Ferrari’s 4.9-liter flat-12. The engine produces nearly 400 horsepower and about 360 lb-ft of torque. It uses Bosch mechanical fuel injection, which Bruno prefers over modern electronic systems. The car rides on Monodado single knock-off wheels and retains largely original paint.
Mechanically, it required a complete refresh. Victoria dropped the subframe to perform a major service. She replaced timing belts, cam seals, and hoses. She rebuilt the water pump and refurbished the alternator. The rear brakes were locked from sitting and needed attention. She also degreed the cams to ensure proper timing.
The result is a Testarossa that drives as intended. There is no power steering and no drive modes. The experience centers on the gated shifter and the naturally aspirated 12-cylinder soundtrack. It remains a composed long-distance cruiser.
YouTube: @jaylenosgarage
Old-School Ownership in a New-School World
The episode resonates because of its philosophy. Victoria once considered buying a modern EV as a daily driver. She later discovered it would cost more to insure than her classic Ferrari. More importantly, she understands that many modern cars require laptops and proprietary diagnostics.
Leno makes a clear point during their drive. True wealth is not just owning a Ferrari. She is not preserving a museum piece. She is driving it, refining it, and learning from it. Watching a young mechanic choose a 1980s flat-12 over modern convenience might be unconventional, but it is a reminder that real enthusiasm is getting your hands dirty from time to time – or in this case, always.
YouTube: @jaylenosgarage
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