Complete Guide to the 2025 Hilton Head Island Concours d’Elegance & Motoring Festival
Empowered elegance
STORY BY ALEA WILKINS + PHOTOS BY HILTON HEAD ISLAND CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE & MOTORING FESTIVAL
Start your engines, Hilton Head. The Lowcountry’s premier motoring festival is back, bringing three days of elegance, horsepower and history to our corner of the coast. From Friday, Oct. 31, through Sunday, Nov. 2, the 2025 Hilton Head Island Concours d’Elegance & Motoring Festival will once again transform the island into a showcase of innovation on wheels, in the air and on the water.
Wheels of Wonder: Every fall Hilton Head Island shifts into high gear for one of its biggest events of the year: The Hilton Head Island Concours d’Elegance & Motoring Festival. Drawing enthusiasts, collectors and curious onlookers from across the country, the show transforms the island into a showcase of beauty, innovation and history on wheels. Rare classics, sleek modern marvels and community traditions share the spotlight in a celebration that’s as much about people as it is about cars.
Pre-war prestige: This November one of the most celebrated icons in motoring history takes its place on the Concours show field: the 1926 Bentley 3-Liter 100 mph SuperSport. Among the rarest and fastest British sports cars of its era, only 18 were factory modified to reach the fabled 100 mph mark, a daring achievement in the 1920s and a benchmark still admired today.
This isn’t just another car show. It’s one of Hilton Head’s biggest annual gatherings, drawing more than 20,000 visitors from across the country to marvel at automobiles that shaped eras and captured imaginations. Picture brass-era icons, coach-built classics, post-war racers and modern marvels, each arriving under its own power across the Port Royal fairways. Add to that the drama of aircraft displays, gleaming boats, motorcycles and even a fashion award that tips a hat to style off the road, and you’ve got a festival that refuses to sit still. Every year brings something new, and 2025 is no exception. A Hot Rod Reunion will rev up the field, while the “Life in the ’80s and ’90s” exhibit promises a nostalgic trip for anyone who grew up in the age of cassette decks and boxy silhouettes. Families will appreciate the new Child Patrons Package, and many locals will enjoy hometown perks through the Locals Only Access Pass, which comes with closer parking, discounts and even a say in the first-ever Fan Favorite Boat Award.
Behind the scenes there’s fresh leadership too. Executive Director Rick Sabol is steering the festival into the future, while Chief Judge Lilly Pray brings decades of expertise to the Concours stage. And the artistry isn’t only on the field. This year’s official poster, created by internationally acclaimed designer Cesar Pieri, captures the soul of automotive motion in bold strokes and vivid color. Of course, it’s not only about the spectacle. Proceeds benefit local charities and provide scholarships for students pursuing careers in automotive and mobility industries. So while you’re soaking in the elegance, you’re also supporting the next generation of innovators. Think of it as a weekend where chrome meets culture, where the sound of engines mingles with the rustle of live oaks and where history and community move together. Whether you come for the rare Bentleys, the Art Deco streamliners, the hot rods or just the joy of walking a sunlit fairway lined with legends, the Hilton Head Island Concours d’Elegance & Motoring Festival promises a show that’s as much about people as it is about machines.So bring the kids, grab a friend, and treat yourself to a locals-only perk. This fall, the island belongs to elegance in motion, and it’s an event you’ll want a front-row seat for.
Rolling through history: A caravan of classics cruises beneath the oaks, proving the best way to see Hilton Head Island is one scenic mile at a time.
2025 Events
Lowcountry Driving Tour
When: 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m., Friday, Oct. 31
Where: Concourse of Hilton Head storage facility
Details: Slide behind the wheel for a one-of-a-kind road trip across Hilton Head Island, where heritage and horsepower ride side by side. The Lowcountry Driving Tour isn’t about speed; it’s about savoring the island’s history, scenery and stories in the company of fellow car lovers. The day kicks off at The Concourse of Hilton Head’s Car Club & Storage Facility with coffee, a light breakfast and a chance to fuel up on conversation. From there it’s a scenic caravan through tree-canopied corridors and marsh-side stretches that show the island at its best. Stops along the way include Port Royal Plantation’s Fort Walker Park, where a historian will bring Civil War history into sharp focus, reminding us that these quiet roads once carried the weight of a divided nation. By midday the line of classics winds its way to Skull Creek Boathouse. Lunch here is more than a pit stop; it’s a chance to taste the coast, swap stories and take in views that make you grateful for the slow lane. This isn’t just a drive. It’s a rolling reminder of why we love this place: the history that grounds it, the waterways that frame it and the community that keeps it move.
Grand Motoring Film Festival
When: 5-9:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 31
Where: Arts Center of Coastal Carolina
Details: The Grand Motoring Film Festival, where the worlds of cars and cinema meet, is switching things up in 2025. Traditionally a Thursday night affair, the festival will now roll out on Friday, Oct. 31, as part of the festival. The new date gives organizers room to expand programming and create a more immersive evening for guests. The Friday move ties the festival directly into the weekend’s marquee events, welcoming a broader audience arriving for the Concours. It also opens the door for new features, including an expanded display of classic, exotic and rare cars outside the theater for filmgoers to enjoy before the lights go down. Now in its ninth year, the film festival has built a reputation for celebrating automotive culture on screen, curating a lineup that ranges from vintage reels to contemporary shorts, documentaries and feature films. The evening pairs red-carpet energy with car culture, attracting enthusiasts, filmmakers and collectors from across the country. Ticket:$65
Under the hood: Guests take a closer look at a classic roadster during last year’s Car Club Showcase at Port Royal Golf Club. The event transforms the fairways into a rolling gallery of rare and remarkable vehicles, with car clubs from across the region competing, connecting and celebrating the joy of motoring.
Car Club Showcase
When: 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 1
Where: Port Royal Golf Club
Details: Saturday’s marquee event brings automotive passion to the fairways of Port Royal Golf Club, turning the 1st and 18th holes of Planters Row into a rolling gallery of engineering and design. Clubs from across the region, including the Corvettes of Hilton Head and the Mercedes-Benz Club of America, will line up their best for competition, camaraderie and bragging rights. This year’s featured exhibit, Life in the ’80s & ’90s, celebrates two decades of bold design and pop-culture flair. Iconic cars, neon energy and nostalgic style meet in full throttle fashion. Joining the lineup is the Hot Rod Reunion, honoring the creativity and craftsmanship that have fueled generations of builders. The Car Club Showcase has the spirit of the finest cars-and-coffee, elevated by the prestige of a true concours. From rare vintage gems to contemporary performance machines, every car tells a story worth hearing, and every award reflects a passion worth celebrating. Admission also includes entry to the Aero Expo at Hilton Head Island Airport. Guests can take the complimentary shuttle to explore vintage aircraft and modern marvels from BMW, McLaren and Porsche before returning to the show field. It’s a full day where history, innovation and the joy of motoring take center stage. Ticket: $85
2025 INVITED AUTOMOTIVE CLUBS
- Antique Motorcycle Club of America
- Auto Island Car Club
- BMW Classic Car Club of America
- Carolina Dreamers Car Club of Bluffton
- Coastal Empire Region Porsche Club of America
- Corvettes of Hilton Head
- DriveHERS
- Ferrari Club of America
- Friends of the Showcase
- Grand Strand British Car Club
- Hampton Hall Car Club
- Jeep
- Latitude Margaritaville Hilton Head Car Club
- Lowcountry Muscle Car – Charleston Area
- Lowcountry Oyster & Motorcar Driving Society
- Mercedes-Benz Club of America
- Moss Creek Car Club
- Oglethorpe Driving Club
- Palmetto Drivers Syndicate
- Street Rods Unlimited
- Sun City Car Club
- The Classic Car & Truck Club of Beaufort
- Viper Owners Association
Speed meets sky: Christian Sasfai’s 2004 Elan Pro Formula Mazda sits poised beside a twin-engine Beechcraft King Air at last year’s Aero Expo. The pairing of race car and aircraft highlighted the engineering and artistry behind machines built to thrill on both pavement and in the skies.
Runway meets racetrack:
Kevin Buckler’s iconic Porsche, a Rolex 24 at Daytona winner, will be on display at this year’s Flights & Fancy. Set against the backdrop of private jets and Adobe Road Winery, the legendary racer embodies the festival’s blend of speed, style and Lowcountry luxury.
Aero Expo
When: 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 1
Where: Hilton Head Island Airport
Details:Past and present meet at the Aero Expo, where classic aircraft share the spotlight with modern marvels on four wheels. This walk-through showcase celebrates the innovation of decades past alongside today’s cutting-edge supercars, creating a rare chance to see history and technology side by side. Your Saturday Car Club Showcase ticket includes admission, along with a complimentary shuttle from the showfield to the airport. Once there, you’ll find yourself surrounded by gleaming vintage airplanes, ultramodern vehicles and the unmistakable thrill of speed and flight. It’s a high-flying highlight of the Concours weekend that blends the romance of aviation with the artistry of automotive design. Ticket: Included with Car Club Showcase ($88)
Flights & Fancy
When: 6-10 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 1
Where: Hilton Head Island Airport General Aviation
Details: Step onto the runway for an evening where elegance takes flight. Flights & Fancy returns with all the glamour of the jet age, blending mid-century flair with modern luxury in true Hilton Head style. Collector cars gleam beside sleek private jets, while the Bee Sharps, Savannah College of Art and Design’s premier vocal ensemble, provide the soundtrack. Guests can sip on pours from Adobe Road Winery, led by racing champion Kevin Buckler, and savor gourmet bites under the stars. This isn’t just a party; it’s an experience. Stroll the tarmac, slip inside a Northern Jet aircraft, or buckle up with BMW Performance Center for a pulse-quickening taxiway ride that adds a rush of adrenaline to the refined atmosphere. Buckler’s iconic Porsche will be among the evening’s showpieces, linking the thrill of racing with the sophistication of private aviation. Dress to impress, raise a glass and let the night sweep you away. At Flights & Fancy, speed meets style, and Hilton Head Island delivers a celebration you won’t forget. Ticket: $275
Racing royalty: This 1957 Ferrari 250 GT Tour de France, owned by Frederick Fischer, earned Best in Show Concours de Sport honors at the 2024 Hilton Head Island Concours d’Elegance & Motoring Festival. Named for the legendary endurance race, the Tour de France was built for speed and style, with fewer than 80 ever produced between 1956 and 1959.
Hilton Head Island Concours d’ Elegance
When: 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 2
Where: Port Royal Golf Club
Details: The crown jewel of the festival takes place Sunday on the fairways of Port Royal Golf Club’s Planter’s Row course, where the landscape transforms into an open-air museum of automotive excellence. More than 200 extraordinary vehicles, each preserved with original parts, will line the greens in pursuit of the coveted Best of Show award. This year’s Life Exhibit spotlights Life in the ’80s & ’90s, a colorful journey through two unforgettable decades when neon ruled, pop culture icons took center stage, and car design pushed bold new boundaries. Adding to the excitement, the Boattails and Fastbacks class will debut with rare, crowd-stopping silhouettes that celebrate both elegance and speed. With 75 respected judges from across North America scrutinizing every detail, this is more than a display; it’s a competition where history, artistry and engineering all count. Cadillac will be honored for its enduring mark on American luxury, while Chrysler takes a bow for its 100th anniversary, a century of innovation spanning everything from turbine experiments to championship race cars. For over two decades the Hilton Head Island Concours d’Elegance has drawn Ferraris, Jaguars, Mustangs, Porsches and countless rarities from around the globe to be admired, judged and celebrated. It’s a day that blends prestige with passion, reminding us why these machines matter; not only for how they look or drive, but for the stories they carry. Ticket:$99
2025 CONCOURS CLASS LIST
- Classic Era
- Packard: The Celebration Continues
- Brass Era
- American Sports Cars
- Muscle Cars
- The Spirit of Racing
- Boat Tail and Fastbacks
- Family & Flair: Convertibles
- Family & Flair: Wagons
- Rolling Melodies: Cars in Music
- British Open Road Icons, 1950s-1970s
- Coveted Creations: Rare English
- Early British Roadsters
- International Sports Cars
- Chrysler Through The Years
- Honored Marque: Cadillac Fabulous Fins 1948-1964
- Honored Marque: Standard of the World: Cadillac & LaSalle
- Half a Century of Precision: BMW 3 Series
- The Class of ’55: American Legends
- Supercars/ExoticsPre-War Motorcycles
- Post-War Motorcycles
Judges and special guests
Meet the faces behind the field
Each year the Hilton Head Island Concours d’Elegance draws some of the biggest names in the automotive world. Designers, collectors, storytellers and visionaries will join this year’s judging panels and celebrations, bringing decades of experience and plenty of passion to the Lowcountry. Here’s a look at some of the notable guests you’ll see on the field.
Ed Bolian: Founder of VIN wiki and a modern-day motoring storyteller, Ed Bolian first turned heads in 2013 by breaking the Cannonball Run record, driving from New York to Los Angeles in just 28 hours and 50 minutes. Today his crowd-sourced car history app has grown into the largest free automotive database, paired with a YouTube channel boasting nearly two million subscribers. Between his VIN wiki stories and his Car Trek series, Bolian has a knack for turning car culture into something everyone wants to talk about.
Moray Callum: Former Vice President of Design for Ford Motor Company, Moray Callum shaped everything from concept cars in Italy to the rebirth of Lincoln in China. His long career includes icons like the 50th Anniversary Mustang, the Ford GT and the Bronco. Now retired in Ann Arbor, he still spends his time with the cars he loves most.
Dennis Gage: With his trademark handlebar mustache and boundless enthusiasm, Dennis Gage is the longtime host of My Classic Car. For more than two decades he’s brought the world of vintage cars and their owners into living rooms everywhere. This year he’ll emcee the Car Club Showcase, where his knowledge and love for the hobby promise to keep the energy rolling.
Craig Metros: A former Ford design director, Craig Metros has put his hand to everything from the Escape to the F-Series trucks and the Ford GT. His career took him across the globe, with stints in Europe, Asia and Australia, but his passion for design was sparked much earlier, thanks to car-loving parents who made sure he grew up in the garage.
Kip Wasenko: A 40-year veteran of General Motors, Kip Wasenko served as chief designer and spent much of his free time behind the wheel as an amateur race-car driver. Today, he continues to judge concours events across the country, with a special fondness for Ferraris.
Michael Simcoe: As Global VP of Design for GM, Michael Simcoe leads the team behind the look of Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick and GMC. From his early days with Holden in Australia to his current role in Detroit, he’s been shaping the future of automotive design for more than four decades. Expect him to bring an eye for both heritage and innovation to the field.
Matt Farah: Best known as the voice behind The Smoking Tirepodcast, Matt Farah has reviewed more than 2,000 cars and built a career around his straight-talking love of driving. He’s also an editor-at-large for Road & Trackand runs Westside Collector Car Storage in California.
Cesar Pieri: An Italian-Brazilian designer and artist, Cesar Pieri has worked with brands from Jaguar Land Rover to Fiat, BMW and beyond. Now chair of industrial design at SCAD, Pieri is also known for his painted automotive hoods, which have been exhibited across the globe.
Dale Critz Jr.: This year’s Honored Collector, Savannah’s Dale Critz Jr., is the third-generation president and CEO of Critz Auto Group. His personal collection pays homage to Savannah’s early race cars, including a 1911 EMF that once competed in the Tiedeman Cup. Beyond cars, his civic leadership has made a lasting impact throughout the region.
Kelly Slank: Currently consulting for Harley-Davidson, Kelly Slank has spent 25 years forecasting design trends in automotive, footwear and interiors. Her specialty? The colors, finishes and textures that make a motorcycle or car stand out.
Chris Benjamin: Chief Design Officer for Scout Motors, Chris Benjamin has also shaped interiors for Jeep, Dodge, Chrysler and Ram and cut his teeth at Mercedes, BMW and Volvo. His focus is blending brand identity with user experience in bold new ways.
Tom Plucinsky: BMW’s North American historian, Tom Plucinsky leads the BMW Classic USA team and manages the company’s classic collection. He’s the only employee certified to drive all of BMW’s vintage race cars, a skill he’ll bring to this year’s judging table.
Lilly Pray: The Concours’ head judge, Lilly Pray, grew up immersed in the collector car world alongside her father, Malcolm Pray. She has judged at major concours across the country and still enjoys driving her own vintage convertibles. Outside the automotive field, she’s a registered nurse and community volunteer in Colorado.
Bill Rothermel: A familiar voice at concours events nationwide, Bill Rothermel returns as master of ceremonies. His encyclopedic knowledge, quick wit and storytelling ability keep crowds informed and entertained.
Nick Ellis: As executive director of the RPM Foundation, Nick Ellis works to ensure the next generation of craftsmen have the tools and training to keep classic cars and motorcycles on the road. His passion for restoration runs as deep as his love
Featured Exhibitor: Chuck Walcutt
Blind since age 26, this lifelong hot rod enthusiast, now 82, will showcase two cares he built entirely by feel and memory.
Charles Walcutt’s love affair with cars began when he was just 10 years old. His first creation was a plastic model inspired by glossy auto magazines, the kind of project that sparked a lifelong fascination inside his Ohio garage. From there, he dreamed big, saving every penny from delivering newspapers and cutting lawns to fund the car he hoped to own one day. As his passion grew, so did the scale of his projects.
Now, more than seven decades later, Walcutt will bring two of his prized hot rods to the Hilton Head Island Concours d’Elegance in November, each one crafted entirely by touch and memory. When asked how, Walcutt, known simply as “Chuck” to his friends, is matter-of-fact. “Well, I love cars,” he says.
That passion was tested early. At 26, Walcutt lost his sight in a violent street attack in Baltimore, leaving him permanently blind. He completed rehabilitation, earned a degree in English from the University of Maryland and went on to build a successful wood pallet recycling business that eventually produced more than 4,000 pallets a day. Yet even as his company flourished, something felt missing.
“When I lost my sight, I stopped doing anything with cars because it wasn’t practical,” he recalls. “After several years a couple of my friends got together and cornered me, and they said, ‘Look, you love cars. Let’s get you back into it.’”
That intervention changed everything. Working alongside friends, mechanics and fellow enthusiasts, Walcutt discovered he could still wrench, adjust and direct builds using his deep automotive knowledge and tactile sense of parts. “Obviously, I can’t weld, but the nuts and bolts? I can do that,” he says. Over the next 50 years the team completed more than 20 projects.
“I’ve said many times: ‘You’re a car person or you’re not,’” Walcutt adds. “If you’re not, you’ll never understand the passion of car people.”
His work hasn’t gone unnoticed. Walcutt’s ’34 Ford Woody Wagon swept awards at the 2024 Maryland State Fair’s East Coast Indoor Nationals, earning recognition for both its street-driven performance and creative display. Still, he keeps perspective. “I don’t want to deprive someone else of winning an award because I’m back there to win more,” he says. “You know, one is enough.”
Beyond the show field, Walcutt shares his story to inspire others, especially seniors facing vision loss. “I want to encourage others who are finding themselves facing disabilities, particularly losing their eyesight, which is common among the elderly, that they can still get a great deal of pleasure out of hobbies,” he said.
One highlight for him was visiting the J.K. Lilly III Automobile Gallery in Sandwich, Mass., where a curator handed him white cotton gloves and encouraged him to explore cars by touch. He now carries a pair wherever he goes. “Car owners may have a sign that says, ‘do not touch the car,’ but when they realize I can’t see, they change the rules.”
This November Walcutt will join his wife, children and a close friend at Port Royal Golf Club, displaying both his ’34 Ford Woody Wagon and ’32 Ford Roadster as part of the Concours d’Elegance. Personally invited by car club showcase manager Michael Dyrenfurth, he says, “I was thrilled and quite honored to be asked to do so.” He’s eager to learn from fellow exhibitors, hear stories about their cars, and maybe slip on those gloves again.
And Chuck isn’t done yet. With decades of builds behind him, he’s already looking to the future, restoring a ’32 Cadillac (model 370) V-12 convertible coupe and tackling a ’32 Chrysler Imperial Landau coupe. For Walcutt the road ahead remains clear. “It’s not the end of the world,” he says. “Yes, it creates obstacles, but it also creates opportunities.”
Field notes: Guests filled the fairways at Port Royal Golf Club, taking in hundreds of rare and historic vehicles during last year’s event. With so much to see, a little planning for parking, seating, dining and access goes a long way in making the most of the Lowcountry’s crown jewel automotive weekend.
Know before you go
Make the most of Concours weekend with a little planning ahead. Here’s what you need to know before heading to the show field.
Admission: Tickets are required for all events. Students can attend for free, and discounts are available for veterans and active-duty military personnel.
Parking: Main festivities take place at Port Royal Golf Club, where on-site parking is limited. Free parking is available at the Hilton Head Island Public School Complex (70 Wilborn Road), with a continuous, wheelchair-accessible shuttle service provided by Tanger Hilton Head. On-site parking is included with the Patrons Package or may be purchased separately. Guests of The Westin can also take advantage of a hotel shuttle running throughout the day.
Seating: Bleachers and lawn seating are available on the awards field, but space fills quickly. Bring your own chairs or blankets for comfort. Patrons Package holders enjoy guaranteed seating inside the VIP tent, which also includes food and a full bar.
Dining: Quick-service dining and full bars will be located on the course, with options from Port Royal Golf Club and Heritage Golf Collection partners. The Clubhouse will offer seated dining for those who prefer a more relaxed meal.
Exclusive packages: Elevate your experience with one of nine signature packages, offering perks such as reserved seating, VIP tent access and special keepsakes. New this year is a Locals Only experience just for Hilton Head, Bluffton and Beaufort County residents. Register by Oct. 15 at hhiconcours.com/locals to unlock exclusive perks: a VIP lanyard, $20 off VIP parking, 10% off merchandise and a vote in the locals-only Fan Favorite Boat Award. You’ll also get an “I Voted” sticker and fun giveaways from the LOCAL Life Jeep.
