My XJ6 S2 is almost complete. The last three years have seen a new suspension, overhaul of steering and brakes, some rewiring, closing off a diy sunroof, complete respray in racing green, new headlining and rails, and many many hours on the engine (that AED is moody). Still some things to do - looks like a new cross member is required under the radiator and the steering fluid is leaking but it is roadworthy and looks good. I'm now considering a leaping cat on the bonnet. Should I fit one, or does the car look better without, and what size (12cm or 20cm)?

 

I think the S2 looks sweet with the 120cm leaper.

Then top it off with a chrome moulding up the centre of the bonnet, usually from a Daimler, or in my case a MK10 I wrecked. It just made that leaper look at home, as apposed to sitting in the "middle of nowhere".

 

Brendan, how about sharing some pics of your restoration?

I'm sure more than a few here would love to see it.....thanks

 

I have the 12cm one, and I really can't quite picture a 20cm version.

It sounds a bit vulgar to me.

 

Here is the "larger" one on my XJ-S.

NOT vulgar at all on that car.

I reckon, again, tooooooo big for the S2.

 

I hesitate to tread here, but anyway........

The smaller leaper was fitted to the Mark 10. In my view the smaller one would suit the XJ saloon style better as its closer to the Mark 10 rather than the Mark 2, but it's your choice entirely.

Of course the current leaper is designed to stand alone, so the plinth does not need any chrome strips or anything linking to it, so is better from that point of view. All the earlier leapers rely in having a chrome strip front and back.

 

My vote is for no leaper on the hood. I have never been a fan of them on the XJ6, or any modern design. To me they always look like an afterthought, not an original design. The lines of the car itself emulate a leaping cat very well if you use your imagination.

 

I think I'll pass on the leaping cat, I like the lines as they are. I've tried unsuccessfully to upload some pics, I'll try again some other time. The car is (almost) back to its original condition in racing green. I put gold cat's head badges on the grill and wheels (with new hub caps) - they really compliment the colour. Other than the headlining, the interior is original with the timber facia in perfect condition. All chrome is original. I also fitted old style rear seat belts and upgraded the front ones. On the rear headlining rail I gave up on the original steel clips and instead used black studs which are visible but look fine. The biggest problem (and cost) was closing in the DIY sunroof. The first garage spot-welded a steel plate from underneath and overdid it with filler. This lasted about three months. The second garage did seamless welding (leading?) and this seems to be a success. Engine, transmission, steering, suspension and brakes are all ok. There is a slight leak in the steering fluid but I can fix that. On the cooling issue, I replaced a faulty fan fluid coupling and I'm waiting for a Dayco thermostat, compliments of GS Mechanical Services in Kukerin W. Australia (couldn't get one in Europe). The car is a joy to drive and a real head turner (I'm gone beyond the babe catcher stage). Really enjoy this forum.

 

I had a Series 2 and seen others and there was no 'leaping cat' on the hood. I think stock they only had the badge. Saying that, my Series 3 does have a 'leaping cat' on the hood; the smaller one. I believe it was stock on the Series 3. Anyone know if that's correct?

 

Yes, Dealers added the leapers to the Series cars. I like mine. Kinda like the cars of a past era. the hood ornaments were so distinctive. Packard Cormorant, Pontiac, indian chief. Plymouth sailing clipper. Even the latter Buick gunsight.

I would love to have a figure representing the Jeep in cartoon lore of a past era. It would look just right on my Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Carl