My 2011 XK convertible had a small (3.75” or 95 mm) Leaper on the boot lid when I bought it, in the same spot as the later model cars (below the spoiler). I could tell it was not original by the near-horizontal placement, vs. the typical slant. The car was also missing the “XK” emblem, which I’ve replaced. I removed the Leaper, but it’s actually a nice part in very good condition. I’m wondering if a preponderance of opinions exists on adding Leapers to “non-Leaper” cars? My XFR has the larger Leaper, but I’m thinking that’s a bit too much bling for an XK with the chrome license plate surround.

 

If you want an opinion, I think you should dump the XK convertible all together and get a '12+ XKR coupe. That'll solve the badge issue, and get rid of that ugly generic European convertible roof line and that terrible color combination. Plus, it'll reduce the mechanical complexity of the car and be one of the few cases where adding a badge actually added HP. Also ditch the chrome plate surround because that's what poor people put on their Chrysler 300's to make them seem more fancy.

Or do whatever makes you happy because it's your car and aesthetic opinions are subjective at best.

 

By “chrome plate surround” I meant the factory bar across the top of the plate.

I already have two supercharged, closed Jaguars and wanted an open car. You’re right, aesthetics are subjective, and I sort of like that my car is an uncommon color, even if blue would have been my first choice. I concur with the complexity comment but when after you’ve owned a V12 XJ-S, for 13 years, nothing is too complex.

 

Some guys delete it completely, some black it out. As Mandrake says,"aesthetic opinions are subjective at best". Mine is there. Ultimately your choice and good thing not using a license plate frame.

 

Gator8,

You asked: "To Leaper, or not to Leaper."




That made me ...

 

I bit the bullet and ordered one (the standard size, I think about 6"?) from my Jag dealership and put it on my 2010. Loved it.
The secret to placement: the "belly" of the leaper should be horizontal. That gets the leaping angle perfectly. Go look at some, you'll see what I mean.
(FYI: saw some darker tinted leapers on newer XF's, which is what I now own. They're not black, but like a glossy dark charcoal. I'm seriously considering replacing the chrome one on the back of my grey XF-- as well as the word "JAGUAR" below it, although applying those letters looks like a PITA)

 

A personal preference. I’m fine without one on my car… unless you want to pay me for advertising;-)

 

One of the first things I put on my 2010 Vert.
Short story: Wife has always wanted a Jaguar, (been married 54 years) In the fall of 2020 I saw this Jag on the lot of my local Cadillac Dealer. Wanted to get something different than the BMW Z4 I'd been driving for the past 17 years. Took it out for a test drive and loved it, called my wife to come down to the Cadillac Dealer and look at a car I was interested in. Her first comment was " It better not be a Cadillac !"
She shows up a short time later and I point out the Jag, she lights up and almost runs to the car, looks it over and the first thing she says "where is the leaper on the hood ?
Bought it anyway, but decided to get a leaper for the trunk lid, I also found it makes it easier for people to recognize the car for what it is.
As far as advertising, come on man, it's a Jag, damn right I want people to know.

 

the 2010 coupe doesn't have one stock. It was added back in 2012 I believe. My wife wanted it so I bought one and stuck it on. I like it there. Do what you like, Except putting one on the bonnet. Don't do that

 

I put one on my '07 XKR and '10 XKR as I like the look. The area you mount them though is a little curved so I struggled to get it to mount properly which is why someone may have put it more horizontal

 

Thanks everyone. I appreciate all the input, especially placement tips.

 

No leaper for the XK. The X350 line of sedans were the last Jag's that look good with a leaper.

 

I've forcefully leaped

 

I have the same problem…. How he gets on top of the LR, I have no idea.

 

Poor man's Jaguar.

 

I suspect that you are referring to the XK convertible in "storage mode" with the "hood" up. The lines of the "topless" XK are hard to beat and is what attracted me.
Leaper on the hood is excessive, on the trunk is tasteful but not necessary. trunk sans leaper adds mystery. Less is more.

I agree: Subjective

 

OP here. I decided against putting the leaper on the boot lid, never planned to add one to the bonnet, and now that I know my car has a “terrible” color combination, I’m considering brush-painting it, which couldn’t be much worse. 😏

 

I bought a Speed Pack spoiler and it had the leaper on it already so I left it. The Jaguar License Plate Frame I had at the time also had a Leaper on it. Looked goofy so I took off the plate frame.

 

Mine had a leaper on the trunk lid, above the plinth and below the spoiler, along with R type badges on the front fenders, installed by the PO. I took the fender badges off fairly quickly after taking possession, as I did not think they added to the overall looks. After a while, I also decided the trunk leaper was unnecessary and removed it as well. I think removing it helps to de-clutter the clean lines of the car.

I'd also like to replace the power antenna with one of the short sticks like the MB's of the era had. I think it would fit very nicely with the lines of the car, as some of those were more rounded rather than angular and de-clutter the driving image or the car. But that would involve custom making the fender grommet and then painting the assembly to match the color. And that's just more work and cost than I want to do!

 

"illuminated" for night use?