Spanish Springs in sunny Nevada has played host to what will is likely to be its final event for classic cars of 2011, with hundreds of people turning out to celebrate their vehicles in a suitably festive style.

The Villages Christmas Cruise event certainly made the most of the spirit of the season, with many of the participants choosing to decorate their vintage motors with the kinds of things you might normally expect to find hanging from trees at this time of year.

Amongst the cars on display was a 1979 Pontiac Trans Am, which owner, Alex Szuch, said was inspired by Burt Reynolds' movie Smokey and the Bandit.

Mr Szuch has gone as far as to equip his Trans Am with a mannequin he intends to represent movie star Sally Fields and the character she portrayed in the film. The model has a permanent place in the front seat of the car, which may disgruntle potential passengers but certainly wins the approval of fans, he told the Village Daily Sun.

The Christmas treats were rounded off by a visit from Santa and his wife, enthusiastically portrayed by a local couple, so there was something for the whole family at the event.