Every year, automotive enthusiasts from around the world gather for an event that transcends mere car shows – the Concours d'Elegance. These prestigious gatherings are not just about displaying automobiles; they are celebrations of automotive artistry, history, and design. One such event that captures the essence of this automotive elegance is the Hilton Head Concours d'Elegance.
This November, the 21st annual Hilton Head Concours d'Elegance and Motoring Festival was a spectacular affair, bringing together some of the rarest and most exquisite automobiles from various eras. Over two picture-perfect days, the rare and fantastic descended on to the Port Royal Golf and Raquet Club, an amazing backdrop for this event. Billed as “low country lifestyle, elevated”, it was. Saturday’s Car Club Showcase featured cars from across the country, with a fair number of British beauties dotting the show field, which covered two fairways and the driving range. Saturday also included an after party at the golf club entrance with local distilleries providing delightful tastings.
Now under the helm of newly installed President, Amelia Island’s Chris Brewer, Sunday’s Concours d'Elegance, lived up to its name, “a competition of elegance," This year, the vehicles were akin to an automotive art gallery. Each vehicle was judged by a panel of expert judges, who reviewed all aspects such as authenticity, restoration quality, historical significance, and design excellence.
Upon entering the field, Bobby Rahal’s Collection was perfectly presented on the putting green. Turning your head, you saw the Gilmore Museum collection, from Michigan, pulling out all the stops with a spectacular collection of pre-war vehicles. Jaguars had a significant presence on the field, covering several classes, such as English Sports Cars and Luxury Marques – The Drop Head Coupes. In keeping with a fresh take on the Concours, there were classes such as Rare English, Future Classics-Sports, Magnificent Orphans, and Micro Cars.
Some highlights included the strolling Dennis Gage from My Classic Cars who greeted participants and visitors. Winners from this year’s event included a double winner - Best Rolling Art and Best of Show to the spectacular 1935 Duesenberg SJ Convertible owned by Chip Cofer. Best Road and Track was won by the 1952 Allard J2X owned by Stan Cruz. People’s Choice was grabbed by the 1969 Chevrolet Corvette owned by Anne Marie Ihling.
If you ever get a chance to attend the Hilton Head Concours and Motoring Festival, do it. It’s low country lifestyle combined with high style elegance.