THIS YEAR GEZ managed to pop his Beaulieu cherry, but because things have been so completely chaotic, we could only make the Sunday.

    Now, whilst Sunday was packed with bodies the traditional day of rest was much quieter. The organisers may have been proud of producing the largest ever Autojumble in these difficult times, but that didn’t stop the traders moaning.

    ‘I’ve never seen so many people not spending money,” said one Cheerful Charlie. Well, yes, it is understandable, but the traders have to take some responsibility for this. There were many visitors from the Continent, particularly Holland and Germany, but even people who haven’t been turned over by Brown’s mob baulked at some of the prices.

    Yes, this is a recession, yet you wouldn’t think it reading some of the prices. We witnessed one interesting conversation between a Dutch customer and a stall holder over a book. It was nearly 80 quid and the stall-holder made no attempt to adjust the price when the punter turned pale. In the end he just put it back, probably went home and logged onto Ebay.

    Of course we aren’t just wagging fingers at stall-holders, some of the cars which were on sale too were ridiculously priced. We all know the classic car movement is experiencing an unprecedented sustained boom in values, but some people really need to take a dose of reality medicine.

    After experiencing the rush of ‘my first time’ last year, I came back this year dressed for business (well, if that business was John Candy preparing to take the part of a darts player on safari) and packing twice as much cash as 2008. Worryingly, I came back with it mostly still in my pocket.

    I did clock an original if tatty BMC Special Tuning file which I was going to revisit – well, it was 65 quid – but when I returned to the stall at around 3pm, they – like many – had buggered off home. So what can you do!?!

    On the plus side, and I feel like I’m still suffering from all the negative vibes emanating from Cheerful Charlie, I did come away with a couple of damn good leads which should see the Gazelle inch closer to the MoT man.

    We'll certainly be back next year, because by then everyone should have recovered from Glum Gordon's handiwork and perhaps more of the prices will start to feel like they belong to the real world. One thing's for sure though, it will probably be on the Saturday because we don't want to miss out on some of the stalls or the buzz of the crowds.

Left to right: much as we liked this rare XM wagon. We weren't too sure about its £2400 pricetag. Lovely little Gilbern caught Gez's eye and one-off protoype Herald hatchback made its debut (it'll also be on show at the NEC's Classic Motor Show in case you missed it).

Left to right: we couldn't get over how many companies were making alloy bodies for Austin 7s – long may it continue. Is lusting over a Volvo estate a middle-aged thing!?! Glorious Model T Roadster nearly found itself a new home.

Left to right: now that's what we call art. Good or bad day? Depending on whether they were a trader or punter. Finally, even the car park produced a few distracting gems like this Moggy.

Above: a brace of superb Coventry Climax engines, they just wouldn't fit into our pockets despite repeated efforts!

Left to right: Bonhams was clearing part of a private collection of Pre-war cars following the death of its owner. Cracking little Opel Kadett up for sale. As was this beautiful vintage project Riley.