Hilton Head Island Gears up for Concours d’Elegance & Motoring Festival

America's love affair with cars goes on full public display each fall at the Hilton Head Island Concours d'Elegance & Motoring Festival, a multi-day homage to the classics of the industry, from luxurious European grand touring autos to fast-and-fun roadsters.

Two decades since its inception, the festival has grown to include several exciting events, including a Satisfy Your Thirst After Party, Design Among the Stars dinner, and Flights & Fancy Aeroport Gala. Each day of the event features a different collections and different automotive art forms, representing motoring eras long remembered for their craftsmanship and classic beauty.

One of the largest and fastest-growing automotive and motor sports enthusiast events in the country, the festival continues to draw an evermore impressive group of collectors to Hilton Head Island to enjoy the Lowcountry's relaxed atmosphere and warm hospitality. Past attendees have included Peter and Merle Mullen, founders of the Mullin Automotive Museum in Oxnard, California, boasting one of the finest collections of French cars in the world.

The festival kicks off on Friday with the Flights & Fancy Aeroport Gala, one of two events held on the grounds of the Hilton Head Island Airport. Stunning aircraft fly in from across the country to be displayed alongside vintage cars and the latest offerings from aviation and automotive sponsors, Diinner and drinks are served under the stars.

The airport also will host Aero Expo, a first-class journey through the past, present and future of the auto and aviation industry. The display will run the gamut from beautifully restored vintage automobiles and aircraft to new and advanced planes and cars.  

The following day, the festivities move to the 1st and 18th fairways of Port Royal Golf Club's Planters Row golf course for the Club Car Showcase. In this collector car event, some 20 invited car clubs select members to represent them in a competition featuring nearly 200 cars. After the awards are handed out, the celebration continues with the Satisfy Your Thirst After Party. This fun event includes live music and tastings from South Carolina distilleries and breweries

The spectacle of motoring luxury and pleasure will be complemented by an additional display of vehicles and antique watercraft in Port Royal's short game practice area and driving range.

One of the most unique experiences at the Concours d'Elegance is the Design Among the Stars event, offering guests the opportunity to mingle and dine with some of the world's most notable automotive designers and watch them work live. The automotive art they create will be up for bid. The event is held at the The Sea Pines Resort's Harbour Town Clubhouse, one of the most iconic settings on the island.

Also on tap during the weekend of festivities are seminars, live demonstrations and walking tours.

The main event - the Concours d'Elegance - takes place on the final day of the festival at Port Royal Golf Club's Planter's Row Golf Course. More than 75 judges from across North America will select the winners in a wide array of classes. From that impressive group of motoring masterpieces, the judges will choose the Best of Show - the pinnacle honor of excellence.

Don't miss the opportunity to swoon over your favorite car classics and enjoy Hilton Head Island's fabulous fall weather. To purchase tickets for the Hilton Head Island Concours d'Elegance & Motoring Festival, click here.