With cars from the fifties to the turn of this century meant a colourful and varied selection of vehicles on the roads of central Scotland. Oldest was the Swallow Doretti of Alan Gibb, one of only 276 cars built, with Richard Larter reading the roadbook.

The sixties were represented by a Renault 8, in racing trim, crewed by Elizabeth Swan and Suzanne Mitchell. The girls also won the Best Dressed crew for their matching polka dot dresses, headbands, bobby sox and shoes. They weren't the only crew to dress up for the day. Jock Millar in his 1965 MG Midget with Linda Telford were also suitably kitted out, Jock in blazer and slacks, Linda complete with Audrey Hepburn outfit and sunglasses. For way out style there was Bruce and son Steven Reid in the 1972 Marina Coupe. Complete with knitted a knit/suede jacket, flares and matching blonde wigs, they looked as if they had come straight from a Starsky and Hutch episode. Bruce told me that he used to wear it back in the seventies.   

John Hutchison brought his 1969 Triumph Vitesse convertible, last seen at the earlier Stobs Classic, with Lydia Ebsworth guiding. This time the top would be raised for most of the day as we drove toward the rain. Having a passenger in the back would also be interesting as John would later throw the car enthusiastically round the cones at Charterhall.

Scott Fanning and Hugh Liddle displayed just what can be done with a Hillman Imp in the right hands, taking their 1968 vintage to win the rear wheel drive class of the PCT. Meanwhile Allan Barwicks' 1968 Magenta had co-driver Stuart Mains hanging on as they powered the Austin 1100 running gear kit through the tests. With only ill fitting sidescreens for protection from the elements, more water got in than was kept out!

The seventies was led by Ranald Bruce and his new 1972 Lancia Fulvia Rallye Coupe acquisition, with Louise Wall providing the navigation. Roy and Margaret Tulloch were out again in their MGB/GT, last seen on the La Carrera Caledonia in June. Though low slung the car still managed through the waters of Charterhall, more of which later! Jim Reynolds brought along his 1978 E Type replica, and single handed got round the tour route. Duncan and Michael Massie arrived in a 1973 Triumph TR6 but by the lunch stop at Biggar the drive train was making some nasty noises so decided to head home for Arbroath before it completely expired.

Moving on to newer metal, the eighties brought out the Audi Quattro's of Alan and Ysanne Stewart, with there 1988 model, and Richard Taylor and Helen Carpenter in a 1986 version. Colin and Jacqueline Rushford appeared in a Ford Escort RS2000, while Steven Scott and Raymond Stolecki stormed the tests in a 1989 Volvo 340.

Ian Murray and Ian Anthony crewed a 1998 Quantum, which provided great fun until a drive shaft failure spoiled their fun at Charterhall. Marc Armitages' 1998 Vauxhall Corsa had been lowered, making it tricky for the gravel at Charterhall. However he and Thomas Pollock had fun on the tests they did attempt. Not so for the 2001 version driven by Alistair Penman co-driven by Richard Reason, they stormed home with a performance that won them the PCT/RWD trophy. Gareth Stuart in the big TVR Chimera also found the going too rough with such a low slung car. After hearing a lot of thumping gravel from underneath decided to save it for another day.

A warm pot of soup awaited crews and marshals at the Oxton Village Hall after the event, where prizes were presented. A big thanks to Liz Leeming who provided and cooked all the food, and her offer to donate her charges to Project Stedfast.

Updated 19 September 2008
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