I thought the 2008 and 2009s did not come with the leaper on the hood. I have looked at this car; was it added after the fact you think or am I incorrect?

2008 JAGUAR XJ8 L

 

I thought that they had been a dealer installed option since the '80s?

 

It was probably added. I believe they stopped the leaders in 2007. The guy I got the car from had the dealer install the leaper on the hood. Said he wouldn't buy it without it.

 

I know the main reason any ornament,sharp edges,etc were removed from all cars was injuries to pedestrians in an accidents,it was found people who were hit by a car could roll off but they were ripped to sheds by the ornaments. My wife old Mercedes had an hood ornament that was spring loaded and would fold .

Randy

 

My leaper is spring loaded and rotates. I assume they all do that.

 

The leaper is spring loaded

 

I took mine off and replaced with a badge. Thinking about putting it back on.

 

In germany, the leaper shown on this pictures is not allowed. There are smaller leapers, which will disconnect from the car at a certain force. In order not to damage the windscreen, they are attached by a wire.
I also own the leaper on pictures, which I bought off ebay, but german regulation doesn't allow these to be used outside a showroom.