2021 Hilton Head Island Concours d’Elegance & Motoring Festival Shines Despite Rainy Weather

Over the weekend I had the opportunity to take in the rain-soaked, intricate-sculpted, sheet metal of prestigious classics at the 2021 Hilton Head Island Concours d’Elegance & Motoring Festival. The weekend was an interesting one for having such a showcase of rare and intriguing automobiles from all ends of the world due to the forecasted rain.

Fortunately, for attendees and the brave vehicle owners, the show still went on while the rain came down to drench the lawn forcing show organizers to make executive decisions for moving part of the show field onto the pavement and reserve the areas that didn’t succumb to muddy puddles for the remainder of the vehicles. To my surprise, the show was still a delight to showcase some of the most elegant and eye-catching vehicles around. Moreover, the sun started to come out to cap off the event’s festivities nearing the introduction of the awards.

To quickly mention my favorite parts and vehicles, the Legends of the Autobahn display, featuring many rare and enthusiast-loved European vehicles, captivated my eyes from a unique lineup of clean E30 BMW M3s to a unique example of a 1991 Mercedes-Benz 190E 16V 2.5 Evolution. On the primary show field were several classic BMWs that serve as an inspiration for today’s controversial grille design on some modern BMW vehicles. There was also a fine example of a 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster, that I later found to win the viewer’s choice award. The show field was pure amazement even if the vehicles were covered with rainwater beaded to perfection from their obvious wax and paint sealer coatings.

I will be sure to mark my calendar next year for the next Hilton Head Island Concours d’Elegance & Motoring Festival with hopes of much better weather. Either way, it was one show not to miss. Enjoy the many quickly-captured images during and after the rain!

1932 Packard 903 Deluxe Victoria owned by Mr. & Mrs. Richard Lambert Port Orange, Florida HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C., NOVEMBER 7, 2021 –  South Carolina’s long-standing hallmark of automotive events has announced the 2021 ‘Best of Show’.  Top honors have been awarded to a 1932 Packard 903 Deluxe Victoria owned by Mr. & Mrs. Richard Lambert of Port Orange, Florida.  Despite a gray start, the show ended with large crowds and glorious sunshine.  The acclaimed ‘Best of Show’ was bestowed during the event’s finale held at the Port Royal Golf Club on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. The 2021 Best of Show recognizes the best-of-the-best in automotive alongside four additional categories who were also recognized for superior achievement. Best Rolling Art – 1932 Packard 903 Deluxe Victoria owned by Mr. & Mrs. Richard Lambert of Port Orange, Florida Paul Doerring Best Production/Performance – 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz owned by Phil Farese of Wake Forest, North Carolina Best Road & Track – 1951 Cooper MG Sports Racer owned by Howard Banaszak of Fernandina Beach, Florida Best Motorcycle – 1937 Sunbeam Light Solo Sports owned by Richard Daughenbaugh of Aiken, South Carolina In addition, guests of the event participated in the iconic tradition of casting their vote for the ‘People’s Choice’ award. Over the course of the Concours votes were cast with 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster owned by Ed Knoll of Saint Louis, Missouri  winning the fan favorite title ahead of the grand finale with attendees surrounding the ironically southern Port Royal Golf Club. “We are very proud of our 2021 return and the opportunity to celebrate the achievements, preservation and innovation of our exhibitors, who in all cases have become great friends of our event.” said Lindsey Harrell, President. “When our participants receive these awards, we know the recognition goes to heart and we are thrilled to know that others share in our respect for the hard work and dedication to all things mobility,” said the event’s Chairman, Merry Harlacher. 2021 marks the return of the Hilton Head Island Concours d’ Elegance and Motoring Festival after it’s cancelling due to the pandemic in 2020. Collectors, enthusiasts and visitors from across the country participated in the schedule of events. The 19th Annual Hilton Head Island Concours d’ Elegance represents national and international brands, organizations, small businesses, enthusiasts, as well as those who simply appreciate the historic nature of classic cars. This ever-growing event is one of the country’s most beloved automotive showcases with three days of inspiring design, technology, art, innovation and beauty of automobiles, boats and motorcycles. Notable attendees included: Moray Callum (Vice President, Design, Ford Motor Company, retired), Craig Metros (Design Director of North American Trucks and SUVs, Ford Motor Company, retired), Michael Simcoe (Vice President, Global Design, GM), Jay Ward (Creative Director of Franchise, Pixar Animation Studios) and Kip Wasenko (Director of Design, Special Vehicles, GM, retired). Renowned collector, restorer and President of the Classic Car Club of America Steve Babinsky and his wife Susan and long-time exhibitors at the Hilton Head Island Concours, Robert & Mitzi McNab, were recognized as the 2021 Pinnacle and Honored Collectors. Next year marks a historic milestone for The Hilton Head Island Concours d’Elegance Motoring Festival. The 20th Anniversary is scheduled for November 4 – 6, 2022.  For more information on the Hilton Head Island Concours d’Elegance & Motoring Festival, visit the official website at www.HHIConcours.com. ABOUT THE HILTON HEAD ISLAND CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE & MOTORING FESTIVAL: The Hilton Head Island Concours d’Elegance & Motoring Festival celebrated its 19th year in the fall of 2021. Hilton Head Island Concours d’Elegance, Inc., a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization, is a unique, multi-day “Lowcountry” motoring experience that entertains and educates the community while supporting youth programs. Whether four wheels or two, a propeller, a sail or a horseless carriage, the Motoring Festival offers the full gamut with over 700 vintage and specialty vehicles on display. The weekend celebration offers everything from an elegant hangar gala to a showcase of car clubs displaying their pride and joy to the culmination, the heart of the event, the Concours d’Elegance, all with a touch of Southern hospitality. Complete list of Sponsors for the 2021 Festival is available at https://www.hhiconcours.com/sponsors.html. SAVE THE DATE CELEBRATING 20 YEARS November 4 – 6, 2022