The 1973 Avenger Tiger of Kevin Clark, with Tom Leeming doing the shouting, were hard on the heels of the Mini and the Midget, pressing both hard for such a large car. Kevin even managed to trounce both parties on test 16, a real feather in the cap to be proud of.

Meanwhile Dave Agnew and Graeme Mactavish in the 1967 Porsche 911, beautifully fitted out for rallying got into the swing, despite a wobbly start on the first test, so much so that by the end of the event they took fastest time on test 17 to secure the "marathon" prize.

John Bertram and Matthew Alexander in the 1978 Yellow Mk2 Escort 2000 from BDMC were right behind the Porsche playing tag throughout the day and finishing second on test 17. This was only 5 seconds behind the 911, and a second quicker than the Simmonds Midget.

You would be forgiven if you were seeing double, as Martin Ibbotson and Richard Gilbert were throwing around their yellow 1979 Mk2 Escort 2000, entertaining the crowds as only a rear wheel car can do when driven with spirit. Taking time out of the Bertram Escort on five of the tests was not enough however to take the place, and Martin and Richard had to settle for a healthy 6th place.

two Mk1 Cortina's also entertained the crowd. The Lotus Cortina crewed by Gordon Currie and Andy Aird, and the GT crewed by David Marsden and Mike Dent were so evenly matched that they ended the day on equal scores of 1885. Swapping times on tests throughout the day shows how good the cars and crews were to end on level pegging.

Neil Morrison brought his 1973 orange BMW2002 along and Tom Warwick kept him right on the turns. Like the author of this piece, Neil has had his fair share of troubles rebuilding the car engine. I know how he feels. But on Sunday he got a ninth place so it all made it worthwhile.

Chasing Neil was Joe Norman and Jane Clark in the 1964 Mini Cooper S, matching the bigger car pretty well to end the day only two points behind.

Robin Murray and Ron Palmer in another Cooper S, this time of 1965 vintage, were breathing Joe Normans exhaust on most, but not all of the tests. Despite a superb run on test 17 the crew could not pip the Norman Coopers S and had to make do with 11th place.

The little blue '61 Anglia brought back memories, but in the hands of Nigel Cardale and Peter Littlefield it was transformed into a little rocket. On test 9 the crew creamed the other competitors, and put up a good fight everywhere else making a good 12th overall to finish.

Stuart Kellett is a past master at autotesting, including giving lessons to the kids. With John Grahamslaw in the left hand seat Stuart displayed just how to throw around a Vauhall Nova.

Ross Butterworth and Nathan Derbyshire 1981 Lotus Sunbeam was only a second behind Kellett giving the rear wheel machine quite a bit of stick, especially on the wet tar later in the afternoon.

The 1967 MGB/GT of Alan Hunter and David McDonnell was in fine fettle and looked very clean and tidy, as was Alan's driving which put in a really good time on test 16 to secure 15th overall.

Another joint score was made by Stuart Bankier and David Alexander in Stuarts new 1976 MG 1500cc Midget, reportedly bought on eBay, and Mike Stead and Josh Stones Booker special. The stunning MG now shod on new minilites and rubber to match was given no quarter as the crew threw the otherwise standard little car round the tests on the parade ground.

Meanwhile Mike Stead and Josh Stones were hot on their heels in the 1954 Buckler Mk6. Based on the Ford Pop the car looks more like an early 1900's GP car, and certainly requires goggles and neckscarf to fend of the bugs and the rain. Josh must have motorcycle sidecar experience as leaning well out on the left turns appeared to be the order of the day. So much so the pair went on to win the Spirit of the Event, and the Cathy McCrudden Memorial Cup.

Two penalties behind the Midget and Buckler was Mike Kirk and Martin Oates in a '79 Escort RS 2000, followed 2 penalties later by David and Heidi Garstang in their RS2000. Quite a day for the Ford marque.

Craig Clements and Mark Macleod had the engine of the 1994 Peugeot 106 Rallye singing as it whisked the crew swiftly around the venue.

Mark Halsall and James O' Grady 1962 Sunbeam Rapier was returning to competition after a long time in storage, whilst Ralph and Paul Miller eventually made it to the end in their 1959 Triumph TR3A, despite an annoying electrical cut-out which plagued them on several of the tests.

Ken and Scott Forrest thrashed their 1976 Dolomite but had fun doing it, though the sound of it bottoming out sent shivers down spectators backs.

Alex Currie and Graeme Robertson brought up the rear of the finishers in the family Ford Focus. Hope the rest of the family know!

Finlay Leask and Troy Patterson in the 1975 Toledo were forced to retire due to fuel starvation. Possibly squashed the fuel line as again they bottomed out with regular abandon. David Kelly and Lucy Fryer drove a 1972 Dolomite. I noticed the front suspension sitting very low making the little car bottom out a bit too often. Once too often as a hidden rock in the Stobs undergrowth connected with the sump and bang goes the oil.Austin Leask and Anita Car in a 1974 Toledo blew the clutch up. not a good day for the Triumph Toledo / Dolomite models.

The retiral of Peter Humphreys' Mini started when it wouldn't start, after the power lead came adrift from the starter motor, then the servo let the brake fluid leak out. What joy. john Roberts and Oliver Tomlins 1966 Gilbern GT also came to grief but not sure why.

The overcast arrival cleared to provide a sunny blue sky for the first car to challenge the 17 tests carefully designed to make the most of the site. Based on four test sites the competitors were treated to four runs at each of the sites, with each run being changed just enough to keep the navigators and drivers on their toes.

To finish the event all four sites were joined together for the great "marathon" test, requiring all the skills of each member of the crew to get round without missing a turn, or a codeboard.

The early rounds were fast and flowing, but the tropical rain clouds were looming in the adjacent valleys. Stobs is renowned for its "micro climate" and we continued to be bathed in sunshine until about 2 o'clock, when the charms of the site could no longer hold back the incoming storm.

The downpour certainly made a difference to the timings on the tests, which favoured those who had made their run in the dry. The tests that once threw up clouds of dust now covered the cars in mud.

Eventually the clouds cleared, in time for the marathon run, so all crews had the same advantage to win the special prize for fastest on test 17.

Only one test had to be dropped, due to the time taken to complete when the rain came down, and the build up of a queue at the start line.

As the day wore on the casualties started to mount as Stobs took its toll on some of the machinery. However  24 of the starters made it to the finish

Crews were refreshed during the day from the barbecue of Mike Gray who kept a constant run of burgers, sausage, bacon and chicken burgers to meet the needs of breakfast and lunch. A hearty meal was provided at the Hawick Leisure Centre, followed by the Prize giving.

Thanks to all who joined in the fun. If your car failed to reach the end we hope you enjoyed the runs you made, and hope the "Stobs Classic" bug has bitten, enough for you to return next year.

If you can't wait that long, HBCC run the Hangover autotest at the start of January. Though much more compact than the "Classic" it does offer an excuse to get away form the festivities and enjoy your motorsport.