Can you have a leaping Jaguar fitted to a second hand Jaguar that wasn't built with one?

Question

I will soon be purchasing a second hand Jaguar XJ saloon (around 8 years old). I know that the leaping Jaguar on the bonnet was banned at some point in the 80's but I have seen some new Jags with them fitted.

Would it therefore be possible and legal to have one fitted to the bonnet of my second hand Jag? And if so would it have to go to a Jaguar garage to be done?

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

I understand it's legal as long as it's spring-loaded. The old "rigid" ones were banned because of the danger to a pedestrian in a bump.

Edit: just found this, which might give you an idea: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/NEW-S-Type-Jaguar-…

Asker's Rating:

Asker's Comment:

Thanks for a good answer and useful links.

Answer 2

Well, if they were banned in the 80's. This means they were illegal in the 80's.

Could this mean they just might, just possibly still be illegal in 2009?

Just assuming, that they might be illegal, do you really think a franchised Jaguar dealer would risk prosecution by fittting one of these.

These newer jags must have a different type of Mascot

Answer 3

I see you're in the UK,

As an individual motorist, as a opposed to a manufacturer, no you can't unless it's placed no more that 12" away from the from the windscreen, in other words at the back edge of the bonnet, whether it's spring-loaded or not.

Source(s):

1986 Road Vehicle Regulations Act.

Answer 4

The 1995 and newer XJ's all came with re-designed pedestrian safe leapers from the factory. If this car is 8 years old, it should have a leaper. If it doesn't, someone probably stole it and a new one can be fitted for around $350-$600 (depending on whether you go to the dealer).

Answer 5

Yes you can and it is legal.
The dealership can do it for you, but you can also do it yourself if you think you can do it the right way.

Answer 6

Yes you can. Not illegal to add one.

Answer 7

It might boost up your insurance!