The curtain fell on the 22nd Hilton Head Island Concours d’Elegance at South Carolina’s Port Royal Golf Club on November 3, 2024. The three-day motoring extravaganza was attended by more than 22,000 enthusiasts, and showcased over 500 world-class motor cars from across the globe.
Setting this year’s edition apart was a special 25-car exhibit dedicated to Bentley and Rolls-Royce, which were chosen as this year’s Honored Marques.
Highlights included the 1925 Silver Ghost Piccadilly Roadster that was commissioned by film producer and aviator Howard Hughes, as well as a 1929 Rolls-Royce Derby Tourer that was an engagement gift to movie star Clara Bow.
Special classes dedicated to the British marques were Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost, Rolls-Royce Phantom and Small HP, Bentley Pre-War, and Rolls-Royce and Bentley Post-War. The winners included that Howard Hughes’ Silver Ghost Piccadilly Roadster, a 1932 Rolls-Royce 20/25, a 1928 Bentley Le Mans Tourer and a 1963 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III HJ Mulliner DHC, respectively.
The Rolls-Royce and Bentley classes were complemented by a category celebrating the 125th anniversary of US pre-war luxury marque Packard, which was won by Philip Richter’s 1933 1005 Convertible Victoria.
The Best of Show Concours d’Elegance prize went to the 1911 Oldsmobile Limited Touring Car fielded by David and Patricia Peeler. Fresh from restoration, the rare Brass Era machine also won the Greenbrier Concours d’Elegance earlier this year. It is one of just two examples in this bodystyle.
Frederick Fischer’s similarly spectacular 1957 Ferrari 250 GT TdF won the Best of Show Concours de Sport award. The car was campaigned at the 1957 Tour de France Automobile by Maurice Trintignant, and appeared at the Audrain Concours d’Elegance in 2021.
Nicolas Smith’s 1965 Shelby Mustang GT350, noted for its embodiment of both innovation and heritage, was awarded the prestigious Paul Doerring Founder’s Award. It also claimed the Celebrating 60 Years of the Mustang class.
Another American car, Devon Cole’s unrestored 1929 Ford Model A Roadster, bagged the People’s Choice Award after missing out on the Barn Finds class prize to the 1911 Ford T Touring of Chris Collins.
The Hilton Head Concours d’Elegance is scheduled to return to South Carolina on October 21-November 2, 2025. Cadillac will feature as next year’s Honored Marque, and the event will also mark the 100th anniversary of Chrysler.
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