The gleaming, curved bodywork of the new Jaguar XJ was unveiled yesterday (February 9) in its first exhibition before the media and public.

When the new XJ is released onto the anticipation-filled market, it will have an asking price of £53,000.

But, as Jaguar's new car takes the world by storm, something exciting is brewing in the classic car markets...

Ancestor models of the XJ now date back over three decades, and some of them have been performing very well on the auction blocks...

Only last year, 1991 Jaguar XJ-S XJR-S Coupé (Chassis Num: 183372) realised $24,895 at a Bonhams & Butterfields sale.

Before that, at Kruse International in 2008, a Jaguar XJS two-door also from 1991 sold for $18,750.

The 1976 Jaguar XJS Trans-AM, sold for $225,500

Even as far back as 2002, XJS models were commanding five figures at top auctions. That year, a 1994 Jaguar XJS 'V-12' Convertible sold with no reserve, eventually bringing $34,993 at RM Auctions.

At the same Toronto auction, a 1995 model realised $39,220.

And, for new collectors looking for an inexpensive window into the XJS market, XJS-Mark IIs (1981-1990) have an average sales price of $10,059.

XJS models from the 1980s can bring up-to six figures at auction

Yet some models have been known to bring as much as $31,016 at sale.

So, in terms of value and collectability, the Jaguar XJS definitely offers a bright future for collectors.

But, for now, the 'holy grail' remains the 1976 Jaguar XJS Trans-AM. The '70s classic has commanded a cool $225,500 at auction.