Just got the grill back with black mesh now and just installed the large leaper instead of the badge. What do you guys think?

 

Please don't ask me that.

 

1996, 4.0. I am considering the small leaper on my 2+2 but don't have a problem with the big one.
RagJag

 

i like it. im considering picking up one when im finished with the 6 banger swap.

 

Well, you know what I think about the leaper!!! (Look at my signature)

I've been around Jaguars since I was a kid (thanks grandpa), and I've always thought the only two sports Jags where the leaper works are the XK150 and the XJS. I know some gentlemen will bitterly disagree.

The grill looks good. It looks very much like the original but with a little "je ne sais quoi" lol.

The only thing I am not sold on is the badge on the grill.....it's definitely not ugly, but it hasn't grown on me

Overall, Very nice !!

 

I kinda like the grill, but I'm not sure about the leaper. If it were me I think I'd have left the badge on the hood and kept the grill either bare or with the V12 emblem.

 

My 1996 XJS came with both the badge and the leaper. I think it looks better in real life than in pictures. It's kind of neat to see the leaper leading the way when you are driving along the highway.

 

Like the leaper (mine has the small one) but I'm not sure about the grill ..........kinda looks Cadillacish, with the badge in the center......just my 2c

 

I think you are right. I might take out the badge on the grill. Thanks...

 

I replaced the growler badge on my 88 XJS H & E with the small Leaper and Friggin love it. Gives it so much more class. Not crazy about the grill, but I am a traditionalist.....It's your ride, if you like it, in the end, it's all that matters. Still looks clean and nice though.
I'm actually looking to replace my 1BADXJS vanity plate with LPNGBTY (leaping beauty)......I keep saying that Jag enthusiasts would be the only people who "get it".....

 

Was the combimation of the Leaper & Growler Badge an OEM option on the facelift cars?
Anyone? Anyone? Bueler? Bueler?

 

Hello,

No XJS left the factory with a leaper. Not one. However, as with the XK150's A LOT of them have been fitted with them by dealers as a "dealer" option . This is the reason why nearly 3/4's or maybe 1/2 of XJS's and XK150's have them. The E types and later XK8's did not.

 

Wish my badge was gold like the wheel centers. Think I will have the XJS and the V12 emblems on rear chromed what do you think ?
Thank you.

 

I initially preferred the leaper, the 96 XJS I bought had one installed by the previous owner.

After awhile I started to think that the leaper was a bit too phallic.

I ended up buying a growler badge and swapped it out. I now think it looks right with the growler. The leaper is all wrong on this car.

Of course that's just an opinion. To each their own.

 

Want to sell the leaper?
RagJag

 

I mounted it for my daughter in her room. She loves it.

 

I think I like the car better without the leaper. It's a little more sleek. I have been thinking about removing the leaper on my XJ6 if I have it repainted.

 

Liked the leaper on my '98 XJ8, and was looking for an XJS with leaper and Euro headlamps originally. Since owning my '91 coupe for almost a year now, the growler badge (gold on the Classic Collection series) and quad lights have really grown on me and just look "right".

 

3/4 to 1/2 the XJS's have leapers????? I've been looking at, admiring and watching out for XJS's for along time and I wouldn't throw that statistic out there.

 

Well Vee, at least you don't have a cat litter pan in there for your daughter to not empty.

Too phallic??. Isn't that the point, especially with V 12s. lol
RagJag