PROGRESS is a wonderful thing. Take Jaguar's venerable XJS for example. Long and lithe, the car earned a reputation for being a relaxing tourer, despite its cramped cabin.

Launched back in 1996, the car is now the oldest model in Jaguar's line-up and next in line for replacement. Yet it doesn't look out of place when alongside the more youthful X-Type. And it's that timeless, mature look of the XK that has kept it at the top of countless shopping lists since it was launched.

As a pre-owned proposition - Jaguars are never second hand - the XK makes surprisingly good sense, with clean, average mileage cars regularly cropping up for sensible money. OK, running an XK will prove more costly than a new BMW, what with the need for a decent warranty and more go-juice, but once the Jag has reached a certain age, its rate of depreciation will slow.

While the XK is more at home crossing continents, it doesn't mind being driven briskly on your favourite A-road.

It's very much an emotional purchase - hardly the most practical or spacious coupe, but a creamy-smooth V8, combined with a cosseting ride and that long bonnet disappearing towards the horizon, should be enough to have you reaching for your wallet.

The spec

Model: Jaguar XK 4.0 Coupe, pay from £16,955 (1998 R/S-reg).

Engine: Eight-cylinder petrol unit of 3995cc producing 290bhp.

Transmission: Rear-wheel drive through five-speed automatic gearbox.

Brakes: Discs front and rear, with ABS.

Performance: Maximum speed 155mph; 0-60mph 6.4 seconds.

Economy: 16-31mpg.