This past weekend, Hilton Head Island’s Port Royal Golf and Racquet Club became a vibrant hub of activity as hundreds of automobile enthusiasts flocked to its annual Concours d’Elegance and Motoring Festival. The cherished event, a staple in the community, offered a unique opportunity for attendees and vehicle owners to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of automotive history and innovation. From classic cars and motorcycles to boats—and soon to include airplanes in 2025—the festival is a celebration of vehicular artistry from past, present, and future.

For some visitors, this year’s festival marked their inaugural experience with the Concours d’Elegance, leaving them with memorable impressions. “I love cars,” shared Bill Fiorello, who attended with his wife, Marie. “We’ve explored events like Mecum and Barrett-Jackson, but attending a Concours d’Elegance was a bucket list item for me. Now, I’ve finally checked it off.”

The Fiorellos highlighted the distinct charm of the festival, noting how it differed from typical car shows. “I have a fondness for pre-war vehicles, and there were plenty on display here,” Bill remarked. “At most city car clubs, it’s rare to see pre-war vehicles; you usually find lots of hot rods. This event offered a wonderful variety, and it was exceptionally well-organized and pristine. It stands out as the best car show we’ve ever attended.”

I love cars,” Bill Fiorello told . “We’ve been to Mecum, we’ve been to Barrett-Jackson, but we’ve never been to a Concours d’Elegance.  It’s on my bucket list, and now I’ve done that.”

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.”