The debate is finally over. The larger Leaper wins!

 

But seriously. Which is better? I like the smaller Leaper on a Series 1, 2, and 3. But on an X308, I like the larger Leaper. On a sports car or a modern Jag, no Leaper.

 

My opinion of these Ridiculous things is well known.
And you probably don't want me to go any further than that.
(';')

 

The larger leaper suggests that the owner is compensating for a small something else.

 

YES!!
But if I said that it would be sexist.
(';')

 

I put a leaper back on Blue Six because of the two large holes where one had been before. My wife thinks the sedans should have a leaper - they don't look right without it. In my case if 'Elf & Safety think it's dangerous I'm all for it...

Here's a leaper I saw yesterday.

 

"Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away."

-Antoine de Saint-Exupery

 

And elegance is simplicity of design - something that Jaguars have always been known for. Here are a couple of modern examples: first an XK: Note how the eye sweeps from front to rear along the body:

and the current design of the F-Type does the same thing, but differently:


and going back 50-60 years, the Mk 2:



There is nothing extra on any of these and on the Mk 2 the leaper is a natural extension of the single chrome line down the centre of the bonnet, and this, in turn, flows into the grille design:



This sort of elegance of detail and design is constantly in contrast with the fussy designs of Jaguar's rivals. Just think about a 1973 XJ6 compared to a 1973 Mercedes - the former is a smooth flow of lines, the latter a blockey pastiche. The XJ6 looks beautiful today, the Mercedes...well, it looks old. The Mk 2 is timeless...

 

The XJC never had a Leaper !

 

"Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing to add, but when there is nothing left to take away."

-Antoine de Saint Exupéry