I rather like my leaper on the bonnet. Some previous owner put it there - it's gunmetal to match the XJ Sport rad slats.
But some board members say 'shame about the leaper...' etc.

I certainly can't get rid of it. I notice that quite a few X308 members have a leaper as well...

It must be a bit nerve-wracking when you take the drill to the bonnet

 

I think all US X300 and X308 came with the leaper, but in ROW that isn't always the case, often due to safety regulations.

But I can see both sides of the aesthetic argument, especially on the XJR where many think the leaper is superfluous especially when the growler located is right under it.

That being said, mine came with the leaper from the factory as did all/most US cars, so I like it as all Jaguars from that era had them here and it looks very proper to me.

Plus they are pretty cool


I wouldn't worry about it as the leaper obviously isn't functional. So it's up to you if you like it.



.

 

It was standard fit to USA cars but European markets didn't come with them. Personally I think it's better without the leaper, but that's just my opinion.

 

I'm with Geoff Lawson the guy who designed the 300/308 he didn't include it. He hoped it was recognizable as a Jaguar product not to need it.
A brave break from tradition imo. With Jaguar's brand identity in the US the instantly recognizable leaper sets them apart from other euro offerings and I admire that.

 

what I do know is, when by cat is in storage, with its cover on, and to avoid ripping it, I have to turn the leaper round to face backwards - which looks a bit weird...

 

I instead made a hole in the dust-cover, which I use in the underground parking.
The leaper sticks proudly out of the cover, much to the delight of the kids in our apartment building (and I admit, to myself as well ).

 

My opinion is:


Saloons with 4 round headlights: LEAPER
Everything else: NO LEAPER


So Coupés (E-Type, XJ-S, XK, F-Type) no leaper.
XF, XE, XJ (X351), F-Pace, XJ40 (with design headlights), no leaper.
XJ Series I-III, XJ40 with 4 headlights, X300, X308, X350 with leaper.


The worst Thing is a Daimler with a leaper on the bonnet. Daimler badges all around and on the bonnet a leaper... It is like Fitting a Bentley with an Emily... Same body but different brand. Or sticking a Seat badge on an Audi A4 (oh, wait, Seat Exeo, yeah, was done!)

 

For once I agree with you, guess that is a pretty neat definition .