I have a 1977 XJ6C that is very clean and very original and am considering adding the "Leaping Cat" hood ornament. I don't believe hood ornaments were originally installed this year and am concerned that if I add it on that I will damage the integrity of the "original" label. Does anyone have any feel for this?

Thanks in advance for any comments/suggestions.

Submitted by ken_cantor@hot… on Sat, 09/30/2006 - 17:29

J.A.M.

I think you are looking at leapers in the wrong perspective. If we really want to get this matter straight:

Jaguar shipped many leapers without autos of any sort being attached to them.

Anyone who does acquire one of these orphaned leapers and elects to attach an XJ to it is simply mounting the leaping cat on a perfectly suitable - and appropriate - factory designed dispay.

As even JCNA does not deduct points when a Jaguar automobile is used in such a fashion, this would seem to imply that it is in fact the auto which is the addition and not the leaper. What is ''correct'' then clearly remains a decision for the individual owner to make based on his - or her -personal preferences.

As to the mouldings, my '87 had them and they did not look out of place. My '92 does not and looks cleaner and less cluttered to my eye anyway. I admit to having to more careful as to where I park (not a bad thing) but I also don't have rivet holes in all of the doors and in each quarter panel or wing to start to rust.

Kenneth L. Cantor
1992 Series III V12 VDP (No. 24 of 100)
ex 1987 Series III V12 VDP

Submitted by zurdo_1@univis… on Sat, 09/30/2006 - 17:04

another opinion: Leapers look tacky on the XJ models. I agree that just because the car dealer may install one, that doesn't make it a Factory Option, perhaps a Dealer-Installed Option yes, but otherwise no. Remember that Jaguar stopped installing them after 1967 because they were a hazard to pedestrians, but previous Jaguar owners missed the chrome Leaper "Mascots", so dealers complied. They also installed side moldings on all XJ-6/12 Series 3 but they weren't Factory Options either. Unlike the Leapers installed by dealers, the moldings look nice and serve a purpose.

Submitted by darainey@sbcgl… on Mon, 08/21/2006 - 20:48

Thank you. I have heard that as well. I guess the big question is, in your opinion, if I were to sell my XJ6 at anytime in the future, would this impact the value negatively?

Submitted by SE98-32482CJ on Mon, 08/21/2006 - 17:32

The leaper is incorrect for that car. Because a dealer installed something it is not necessarly an option. Rule of thumb if it is not in the options list or supported by a parts catalog then it is not an option. Having said that JCNA recognizes they are incorrect BUT popular so they are allowed to slide in shows. George Camp

Submitted by darainey@sbcgl… on Mon, 08/21/2006 - 16:50

Thanks for the reply . . . I appreciate the thought process! I had conducted a small amount of research on this some time ago and what you're saying is pretty consistent with what I found then and it's nice to have it reaffirmed.

Submitted by bonnettoboot@e… on Mon, 08/21/2006 - 15:11

I would say that 90% of all series 2 & 3 have the jag fitted so go for it. If you check you will find that the dealers fitted them for customers when new, I know because I did so! That being the case it would be considered an option, lets see what the other "rules" posts have to say. Jaguar affectionado and etc.