HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. — This past weekend, the Port Royal Golf and Racquet Club was bustling with excitement as it hosted the annual Hilton Head Island Concours d’Elegance and Motoring Festival. The gathering attracted hundreds of enthusiasts eager to explore a stunning array of cars, motorcycles, and boats. Looking ahead to 2025, airplanes will also be on display, adding another dimension to this already diverse event.

The festival offers a unique opportunity for both attendees and vehicle owners to delve into the rich history and innovative future of these machines, while also competing for prestigious awards across various categories.

For many visitors, this event marked their first experience of the Concours d’Elegance. “I love cars,” expressed Bill Fiorello, who attended with his wife, Marie. “We’ve been to Mecum and Barrett-Jackson, but we’ve never been to a Concours d’Elegance. It was on my bucket list, and now I’ve checked it off.”

Bill and Marie noted the distinct atmosphere at an event like this, highlighting the unique experiences and differences that set the Concours apart from other automotive gatherings.

Bill was joined by his wife, Marie, and they pointed out the differences attendees experience at an event like the Concours.

“I love pre-war (vehicles) and you had a lot of that,” he said. “Usually, you go to a city car club, you don’t see pre-war vehicles; You see all the hot rods. It just had a little bit of everything. It was done very well and very clean…this was the best car show we have ever been at.” 

For others, the event is an annual trip.

“I originally was involved with the Concours d’Elegance in the Philadelphia area,” Craig Kandravi said. “Then we moved down here permanently.  We’ve been coming to this annually just to stay involved with it. It’s such a wonderful, planned event.”

His wife, also named Marie, told the event allows for reunions and more.

“I would say (the best thing) is regrouping with our friends from up north and getting to see the latest cars from the major cities in the area. Car is our hobby. We appreciate quality.”