Leapers

[niccis dad]

I guess that this may turn out to be rather divisive. Anyway, what's the consensus for fitting a Leaper to the bonnet
of an X300 ?

I'm really tempted to fit a black silk finish one to my 3.2 Sport. It obviously was part of the car when I had a 3.8 mk11 many years ago, then I fitted one to an XJS V12 I had, thought it looked fine. However, the 3.2 Sport perhaps looks "finished" and does a leaper just look naff? Look forward to your opinions.

[ryanjohnstott]

Personally I wouldn't fit one on a modern Jag, it looks naff!

[niccis dad]

Ta, that's one NO so far.

[sogood]

Absolutely no way. Ok on an older Jag, but something of an anachronism on a "modern" car.

[groomi]

For the X300, if you had a chromed up Sovereign or a V12 then I'd say go for it, but not on a sport and especially not in black. Lots of naffness.

[Hooli]

Personally I don't think they work after the XJ40, it's just a shame whoever fitted one on my car before I got it didn't get it quite central.

[jas xjr]

sorry . they do not work after the '60's

[Jaguar steve]

Discontinued in the UK market around late 60s, IIRC the 'Merkan spec cars still have them fitted as that's what they expect on a Jag-war.

Personally I'd never want a car with one - quite apart from the fact I think they are just trying to shout Jaguar a bit too loud, especially when you mostly see them fitted on second hand base model X Types - I'd be concerned about the local Scroti trying to rip it off for a larrf and even a spring loaded one is still capable of causing more injury to someone you hit then there would be if no leaper was fitted at all.


So, one more vote for the no don't school of thought.

[AmitG]

Personally I wouldn't. The X300 is sleek and smooth in profile. A leaper on the bonnet interrupts that long, smooth bonnet line. It doesn't really work IMHO.

Also, these cars are starting to become sought after, so I think it's better to keep them original where possible.

[SV8Predator]

AmitG said:

Also, these cars are starting to become sought after,

What? Who by?

[mph]

Another no vote from me.

They look fine on the classic Jags but a bit OTT on modern ones IMHO.

[niccis dad]

Aye, right, consensus says naff. but, you know I still have a wee hankering for a silk black one. Go on. Talk me out of it. Again. it's probably something I'd never really feel comfortable with. Am I allowed to say that it may look a little ~? Then again, should I be Bovvered?

[LoudV8]

I agree naff - but it's your car do what you like with it. I'll still wave at you if I'm in my X308 XJR !

[AmitG]

SV8Predator said:

AmitG said:

Also, these cars are starting to become sought after,

What? Who by?

Seemingly by people in their 40s who remember them when they were new. This year I've helped 4 people in my office buy X300s/X308s, of whom 3 are in their 40s and one is in his late 30s. The usual story is that they want something classic that is everyday usable, need 4 seats and a boot, has to be effortlessly cool, always liked Jaguar saloons. So anecdotal evidence only, but there it is.

Mind you, nobody seems to want the Daimlers. The fluted grille puts people off

[sgrimshaw]

You want one, you get one!

Then mount it on a nice bit of Mahogany and stick it on your desk as a paperweight.

I was sure I'd read that they are actually illegal, found this:

" Under British Law, Regulation 53 Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 states that no mascot, emblem or other ornamental object shall be carried by a motor vehicle in any position where it is likely to strike any person with whom the vehicle may collide unless the mascot is not liable to cause injury to such a person by reason of any projection thereon except:

•motor vehicles 1st used before 1st October 1937,
•vehicles which comply with EEC 74/483 or ECE Reg 26.01.

Additionally:

European Directive 74/483/EEC covers external projections of motor vehicles with added ornaments.

Annex 1, Point 6.1.1 of European Directive 74/483/EEC states that any added ornament which projects more than 10 mm from its support shall retract, become detached or bend over under a force of 10 daN. "

[NormanD]

A copy post from a XK8 Club Member


Shanghai - Went to get some shopping and this new XJ was in the car park.

I guess the Chinese owner thinks it must look good - Only in China

[/

[Big Rod]

I bought mine with one already on it...



I actually rather like it so it's staying.

[tr7v8]

Jaguar club mag spoke of people getting 3 points & £60 fine for dangerous device or similar. They also looks dire!

[Euro5stars]

I got one too (also came already on it).

I likes mine too.


Mines also staying.

But I understand others who don't.

Well done Big R, for popping ur head up.

[anonymous-user]

Jaguar steve said:

Discontinued in the UK market around late 60s, IIRC the 'Merkan spec cars still have them fitted as that's what they expect on a Jag-war.

No current American spec Jags have them. We sometimes get customers asking for them. We try to gently dissuade them but if they insist... I think we've done 2 XJ's and 2 XF's