They made quite a sight as they drove around the Dales, visiting some of the better known locations. Lesley Tate reports on the annual rally of the Figaro Owners Club.

THE sun smiled – for the most part – on the 120 Figaro car owners from all over the country and from parts of Europe who travelled to the Yorkshire Dales this month for their annual rally, an event which ran as smoothly as their 59 vintage engines.

Only 20,000 of the cute retro style Nissan Figaros were ever made, and all in 1991.

They were designed with all mod cons, and in line with the then topical branding theme of the time, ‘Back to the Future’.

And with their distinctive look, pastel shades -and sheer numbers - they certainly turned heads with people turning out to watch them pass and even putting out welcoming flags.

More than half had never visited the Dales before and were captivated by the stunning scenery and generous hospitality, with many planning to return soon including, Figaro Owner’s Club Founder, Kevin Fagan from High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, who observed: “I could live here”.

The colourful convoy made its way up and down the dales for four days following a route and busy itinerary planned by local yellow Figaro owner, Jane Ellison-Bates, showcasing the Yorkshire Dales National Park and taking in parts of Wharfedale, Nidderdale, Coverdale, Wensleydale, Littondale, Malhamdale, Ribblesdale and The Three Peaks.

“There was only one hiccup”, she said “When a road sign in Conistone had been turned to point the wrong way for Kettlewell, which led to gridlock in Grass Woods when some cars were misled and had to turn round."

The Rendezvous Hotel in Skipton provided the accommodation and hosted the Figaro dinner on the Friday evening which featured entertainment from ceilidh band Spinning Jelly and local morris side, The Flagcrackers of Craven. The hotel’s team were praised for the calibre of their hospitality, as were other venues along the way including Skipton Castle, The Riverbank Hut, Stump Cross Caverns, Parcevall Hall Gardens, Cavendish Pavilion, Kilnsey Park, The Forbidden Corner, The Saddle Room, and High Trenhouse - who gave each owner a bottle of alcohol-free gin and tonic from the Temperance Spirit Company as they left.

Other Yorkshire sponsors who provided surprise items for the rally bags included Keelham Farm Shop, Whittakers Chocolates, Yorkshire Tea, Midgley Motor Company, Yorkshire Life, Dalesman, Aspire, Welcome to Yorkshire, Skipton Hand Car Wash and the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust. Each lady member also received a hand-crocheted Yorkshire rose by Louise Mappley and for the Sue Hales Memorial Run, a fresh buttonhole rose from club member Penny Williams.

A mini-craft fair was held for the members featuring local artisans and a charity raffle with celebrity guests The Calendar Girls raised £422 for Bloodwise.