An Oxford-built Mini Cooper won the 1600cc class in the gruelling World Cup Rally.

Run from Blenheim Palace to Athens, the class was won by Tristan Hillgarth with co-driver Antonio Morales. Second in class was another Mini Cooper, crewed by David Parker and Malcolm Fitzsimmons.

They were fifth and 14th overall - a magnificent result when many of the other cars had been given unofficial works support on the event - which was organised by the Classic Rally Association, based at Blewbury.

Drivers from as far as Australia, New Zealand, and Bermuda took part in the 4,000-mile event, which included 22 timed test sections.

A storming drive from Alastair Caldwell in a Peugeot 205 Rallye on the final day was sufficient to confirm his victory. Second-placed man Mick Darcey, in an MG ZR, was taking no chances, and if anything slackened off, knowing that his good performance on the tarmac earlier on had given him something of a cushion.

Mick Darcey became the highest placed MG on any international rally since MG sportscars first rolled off the line in 1927, with second in his on-loan factory car.

Sophie Robinson and Catriona Rings won the 1.0-litre class in their Daihatsu Cuore, and Andy Actman in the 1300cc Sirion finished sixth overall.

The Peugeot 205s win the Club Team Award, and the Manufacturers Team Trophy, as a result of Paul Merryweather and Sandra Deacon finishing fourth overall.