OK, I know this is going to affect some purists like nails on a chalk board, but . . .

To me a Jaguar is not a Jaguar (with exception of XKE) without the leaper on the hood (bonnet, whatever). I have a 1958 XK150 . . . leaper. An 1999 XJ8 . . . leaper. And a 1997 XK8 (convertible--carnival red with tan top) that I just bought eBay on a wild impulse for a ridiculously small amount of money . . . NO leaper. And . . ., I KNOW IT'S NOT SUPPOSED TO HAVE ONE.

And yes, I get it, Jaguar has abandoned the leaper for that ridiculous profile of the once great cat that they are gluing to the rear of all the new models. To me it looks like it was cut out of cardboard, spray painted and stuck on the rear with crazy glue. But that's just me, and I am not really into the new models.

I had the XK8 shipped from Pennsylvania to California, and I have totally fallen in love with this car. Best impulse buy I ever made. It has lots of problems. However, this car is going to show and perform like new without an exorbitant investment in paint, upholstery and mechanical work.

I am not trying to impress anyone with it. After all, this car is 16 years old, and, anyway, everybody wants an XF or whatever these days. So, harking back to my Jaguar memories, something in me is itching to stick and XJ8 leaper (which I just bought for the heck of it) on the hood.

My wife says "Absolutely not." My better judgment says "Don't do it."

Is there anyone out there who would put a leaper on the hood of an XK8?

Just asking.

If you are outraged, please don't be mean. I am very fragile.

 

I've seen and didn't like it. The cat looks like it is jumping into the ground. If I had my druthers I would take the emblem off the front and mount it on the mesh grill I have.

 

Hey Bob, for me and most of the UK guys in general it will be a resounding NO.

THere are actually quite a few guys from your side of the pond that will agree that it just doesn't belong.

Having saoid that there is the camp that loves the leaperr ** end of story** and put them on new XF's etc etc.

Your car, your choice really Bob.

Good luck

 

Just search this forum for the word "leaper." You'll find plenty of opinions!

Yeah, a few guys do it, but only a few. The vast majority of the folks on this forum (including me) believe it just looks wrong...way wrong...on this particular body style.

Nothing against the leaper itself...I happen to like it on the larger sedans, etc. But the bonnet of the XK8 / XKR is beautifully sculpted and low with clean, organic curves that are ruined with the addition of a leaper in my opinion. Context matters.

But hey...it's your car, do what makes you happy. Just don't expect many folks on this forum to tell you it looks good.


.

 

No.

 

Xj6 series I , II , III never left browns lane with one as did several other models never had them from the factory, so I don't subscribe to the it's not a jaguar unless it has a leaper society. You're right about the e-type and just think that most people over 30 years old word wide can ID an e type as a Jaguar with out a Leaper. Doesn't look right on an etype, xk8 or XJS but then that's just my opinion.

 

I would definately mount it on a nice block of wood, and put it on my desk..

 

I also love the leaper and it looks great on the S-Types, X-Type, XJs, etc. I had given serious consideration, as you have, to putting one on my 2002 XKR but after seeing a photo of an XK8/R with a leaper, I decided not to put it on my car. What everyone says is correct; it just doesn't look right. On the other cars listed above, the leaper adds to the Jaguar style of the car. On an XK8/R it detracts from the Jaguar style. I ended up with a mesh grill with a growler badge and strike (from Paragon Design) and I believe this look adds to the innate Jag-ness of the XK8/R. But, as everyone else has stated, your car, your choice.


Mark

 

Extend the shifter to about shoulder high, and put the leaper on top.

 

Mark (mjlaris) and MFoncerrada8,
Thanks for the most thoughtful and helpful replies of the bunch. Not so sure about the comedians. It's not going to happen.

 

I own an XJ and LOVE the leaper...purchased my XK8 and thought about it....but I agree the aesthetics get compromised between the leaper and the XK. I abstained.

 

Phil is the definite expert on leapers, I am sure he will chime in at the very talk of the subject.

 

I saw a gold leaper on a white XK8 in a used car lot. All I could think of was shooting gallery. It would look better on a flat black Honda Civic with a fart can exhaust.

 

No, No , and No.

My neighbor has one on an otherwise pristine 2001 XK8 with a leaper and it looks ridiculous on that hood.

His 70 year old Mom had it put on at the dealership when she bought her "deam car." She is sadly gone, but the leaper remains.
Vector

 

I recently bought my wife an XK8 from a fellow forum member in Calif and had it shipped to Fla. Got it for a song as it had been sideswiped and the paint was toast. but, the rest of the car was in very good condition.
It is by no means ever going to be a show car nor is it a collectible example of an XK8. That said, when my wife asked me to find a leaper for her car I had no reservations.

 

Not a fan of the leaper on an XK myself, but not a purist either. The angle on the sloping hood doesn't allow the cat to point up like it does on an XJ, so it looks like it is leaping downward. Pointed up it looks proud and natural. Not so much facing down.

But the final word is yours. It's your car.

Some have moved the growler from the nose to the grill. A very nice look IMHO and makes it a little more unique.

 

I think this pic has a leaper on it!
I like it either way. If you have a dark car, paint it to match!!
If you have a light car, chrome can work.
It's totally personal. I want one on my new car color!! Still contemplating it!!

 

Growler moved to grille.
I've done it all!!

 

I'm taking the self pronounced expert decision on growler/leper! I've had every option!! Lol
My only issue is if you have the growler badge on the nose, a leaper is too much. Move the growler to the grille, then you can have a leaper.

 

Do what I did.
Modify a leaper. Epoxy the leaper to the base then use badge tape to attach it to the bonnet. Then you can easily remove it when every one here beats you up for adding it!! Lol