Hilton Head prepares for prestigious auto festival
The phrase “auto show” usually conjures up images of sports cars sitting in parking lots, with onlookers examining each model.
In Hilton Head, they take it to another level.
The 2010 Concours’ d’Elegance & Motoring Festival features vintage cars that are considered some of the finest in the world. All will be competing for the coveted “Best in Show.” Event organizer Carolyn Vanagel compared it to the Westminster Dog Show.
The dogs are out there competing for best of show. I mean, it’s interesting someone comparing to these cars and they’re all competing to get the Best of Show.
The festival has stringent rules for its entries. For instance, only a certain number of entrants are permitted, the cars must pre-date 1973, and must be in running condition. The entrants also keep the cars in pristine condition, which is why Vanagel says she views them as “works of art.”
You come in and you’re dazzled by these cars, I mean, we have cars… that are almost priceless. So, it’s really one of those once in a lifetime experiences to come and see the quality of the vehicles that come in on Sunday.
The events kick off Saturday at the Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn. First up will be the Car Club Jamboree, which features vintage cars from different clubs around the Southeast. Vanagel said the clubs are very competitive and organizers encourage them to have fun. There will be awards for clubs that dress in period costume and the club that shows the best spirit, among other contests.
Lasting all weekend will be Motor Midway, which features exhibitions from a variety of areas, such as museums, collectors, and even the industry itself. The Midway features both the old and the new, as some companies will be demonstrating new technology for cars.
But the highlight will undoubtedly be the Concours d’Elegance itself. Sunday’s event features more than 150 cars at Honey Horn. Judges will award prizes to cars in different classes, including the pre-1916 category. However, the coveted prize will be the “Best in Show” award, won last year by a 1933 Rolls-Royce owner.
The Festival will be at the Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn in Hilton Head. Tickets are $25 for Saturday, $30 for Sunday, or $50 for the weekend.
