Driving a Jaguar XK convertible is like the first day of the holidays, or a win on the lottery - and when my numbers come up, that's exactly what I'm going to buy.

The first XK is almost as beautiful as the latest model, and with prices now down to around £10,000, they're within reach!

You can keep your Porsches and Ferraris, if you want to make a statement, the Jag is the best looking car on the block.

But don't buy without full service history and if it's with a main dealer, so much the better. These are cars that need to be cared for properly.

Check that all the electrics work and that any engine problems have been sorted.

The XK has enough performance for anyone from either standard or supercharged V8 engines and both sound absolutely marvellous.

Road-holding and handling are very good and so is the ride. Refinement is top-notch and the standard automatic gearbox takes all the strain.

Here you have all the toys you could want, plus the luxury of electrically adjusted leather seats.

Check the electric hood works perfectly on convertibles and watch for kerbed alloys and other parking damage.

: Mercedes SL