As we reported a couple of weeks ago, this year Jaguar has put together a star-studded lineup of drivers to pilot some of their finest classic cars in the 2014 Mille Miglia rally. Jay Leno is one of those stars, and he is paired with Jaguar design director Ian Callum to drive a 1951 XK 120 Roadster for 1000 miles, from Brescia to Rome and back.

The Jaguar Leno and Callum will be driving at the glamorous event is an ex-racer belonging to Anglo-Scottish aristocrat Sir James Scott-Douglas. It is one of the most valuable classic Jags in the world, having been recently sold by Bonhams Auctions for £707,100.

That is probably why they put Jay Leno in this car. He is one of the few guys that can afford to pay the repair bill if he crashes it. In fact, he has an XK 120 at his garage. Jay’s XK probably isn’t as nice as this one though, which has been meticulously restored and finished in the classic Flag Metallic Blue of the Ecurie Ecosse racing team.

Jay Leno commented: “I’m fortunate to have an XK 120 in my garage – not to mention a few other incredible cars from Coventry – but this Ecurie Ecosse XK 120 is one of the most beautiful Jaguars ever built. I absolutely adore it. It’s a real honour to be asked to drive it on the Mille Miglia and to be able to revel in its history with someone like Ian is a true privilege.”

Some of the other stars driving for Jaguar in 2014 Mille Miglia include Amy Macdonald, Jody Kidd, Brian Johnson, and Jeremy Irons.