I see all of the XJR's and XJ8's with a "decorative strip" in the middle of the lower grille opening, however mine does not have this. My bumper is just a big gaping hole and looks kind of funky. Were there bumpers made with and without this plastic strip, or is it a piece that is supposed to be there and for some reason mine is not there?

 

All 308's have a splitter bar added, I guess to protect the coolers - you can buy them from Jaguar and have it painted body colour - the VDP/SV8's had chrome versions.

 

Far from being a 'decorative strip'....it actually serves a purpose ;o)
It's designed as as an 'air splitter' and all 308's should have them.
The only 'accessory' was a chromed version which is normally fitted to Daimlers or the VDP models.
It's fitted with three plastic '1/4 turn' screws.

 

Yikes! For whatever reason mine is missing. I knew it looked funky with the big gaping hole. Is the VPD one interchangeable with the XJR?

 

I have the exact same question! My 98 XJR is missing it too and I like the look of the chrome more.

 

You will find it's identical for all 308 models.
Only difference is the chrome model for the VDP's....look on flea bay
to pick one up or other scrappers.

 

Didnt see any chrome ones on ebay, and its about 120 bucks brand new. Time to call scrap yards.