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I thought the XJ series has the leaping cat as standard until 2007, and then as an option in 2008. So in the 2008+ model years you can just put it in the same place as the earlier model years.
Saw one in person once. Just doesn’t belong on this car.
Agreed. Also, your country may have laws regarding hood adornments (as does the UK) and these have to be 'pedestrian-safe' in case of accident. Adding such an adornment may or may not invalidate insurance for these reasons. Since it is a 'modification' it would have to be reported to insurers anyway and they may choose to decline coverage or to impose additional premiums. Most of all, it looks like cr&p
In 1968 I bought a 1966 XKE Coupe 4.2 which the previous owner had installed a hood leaper, at first I did not like the look but after driving the car, I came to appreciate the leaper as it saved the nose of my XKE from numerous hits during parallel parking. The leaper was placed right at the point where the body work drops away from the sight of the driver and by measuring the distance in front of the leaper, I could now estimate the distance beyond my line of sight.
XKE's extend 2' - 3' beyond the driver's line of sight, XK8/XKR's have a similar issue but not nearly as bad, a leaper can help avoid damage to your car's front end especially if it has multiple drivers who rarely drive it and you remind the driver of the distance beyond the leaper!
I thought the XJ series has the leaping cat as standard until 2007, and then as an option in 2008. So in the 2008+ model years you can just put it in the same place as the earlier model years.
I don't think that any of the XJ series have had a leaper as standard. The place of the leaper was taken by the 'growler' at the top of the grille, although the Mk2 had those as well. There were leapers on each guard (fender) behind the front wheel on series II - III, but I'm not sure about the XJ40/300/305/308. The X350/8 has growlers on each wheel centre (center), grille, and steering wheel, but no leaper, not even on the boot lid. Oops, I think the Portfolio had them embossed into the headrests.
The last leaper as standard would have been before the XJ model rationalisation around 1968, when they would have been on the 240, 340, 420G, 420 etc. Even at this time the effect on a pedestrian during a collision was starting to be considered.
Neither of my cars was designed with, or has a leaper, and I think they are the better for it. Most Jaguar drivers I know here in New Zealand feel the same.
03-10-2021, 01:49 PM
