Fitting The Mascot Jaguar Bonnet?

The user has recently received a new 2.2 diesel X type estate car and is looking for the exact drilling position to install a 7 inch chrome leaping Jaguar mascot. They have hand-carved a Jaguar mascot in balsa wood and sprayed it with silver paint for a shiny metal look. They are planning to mount the mascot on the bonnet, which is typically located under the badge.

The vintage leapers fitted may not be spring loaded, so they would need to be bought separately. On the Mk1 S type, the hole is under the badge, making it easy to remove the badge and fit the leaper through the bonnet. Later cars have holes on the inside of the bonnet. Mascots, or “leapers”, are easy to fit but require the courage to drill the hole in the bonnet. Mascots can be purchased on eBay or from Jaguar dealers.

The user has purchased a smaller silver leaping Jaguar mascot, which is easier to fit than the larger one. They recommend trial fitting the bonnet unpainted before bolting it up to the primed monocoque. If the car does not have a badge already, they will need to carefully select an area and drill a suitable hole for the mascot to be attached.

The user also mentions that it is illegal to fit a hood emblem to a car that was not built for it.