The Hilton Head Homes Blog

Early in the twentieth century, when the automobile became a device within the reach of more and more Americans, it was referred to by those folks who had lived during an era when most transportation was provided by horses as ‘a motor.’ The word automobile was not part of the English language until 1895 and even then, only in limited use.

By 1997, when Paul Doerring established "The Cars at The Creek" in Moss Creek Plantation it was a show concentrated on the use of the ‘motor’ in automobiles. Paul Doerring’s dream brought together a few hundred auto aficionados that came to display their vintage automobiles and view those restored and displayed by their fellow enthusiasts.

The Cars at The Creek was the direct ancestor of Hilton Head Island Concours d'Elegance.

Concours d'Elegance

Where: Port Royal Golf Club
When: November 4th & 5th

Leap ahead twenty years to November 4th and 5th at the Port Royal Golf Club and you can be transported into a time travel adventure presenting the use of the motor in its most elegant applications.

Automobiles – The Car Club Showcase features clubs from not only the Southeast but from all over the United States. These clubs will showcase over one-hundred grand vehicles produced by both American and European manufacturers over the last one-hundred years.

Aviation – Aero Expo, a unique feature this year will match airplanes, or as they were referred to in their history with the adventurers in the sky, aeroplanes, side by side with comparable driving machines. This expanding feature of the annual show will exhibit vintage aircraft from the past as well as new and advanced aircraft.

Watercraft – On The Water, a grand display of the finest antique watercraft from throughout the United States. Luxury toys of the privileged of yesteryear. The feature for the watercraft segment of the show will be vintage racing boats of the past.

An Enduring Legacy

The late Paul Doerring would be both surprised and proud to see what his dream has evolved into.

Hilton Head Island Concours d'Elegance & Motoring Festival takes place this year November 4th and 5th at the Port Royal Golf Club.

This two-day event is truly an elegant competition of those who passionately restore the beautiful ’motors’ of the American past. As you stroll through the grounds of the Port Royal Golf Club you can feel not only the grace and beauty of a bygone era but the commitment to perfection and accuracy of the exhibitors is clearly visible at every turn.

Visit the Concours d'Elegance and get close to these restored masterpieces of American ingenuity, creativity and industrial excellence. Look inside a 1932 Packard, its passenger compartment, its engine compartment and its baggage compartment, then discuss all your observations and questions with the man or woman standing next to it, smiling proudly at the look on your face. That smiling owner brought this elegant motor to the condition it was on its initial sale to the lucky buyer in 1932.

The restorer will enjoy the questions and you will feel closer to the era of 1932 with every answer.

This is just one more fantastic annual event for the residents and tourists to participate in or just enjoy as a spectator.

Please contact us online or call 1-843-785-9500 to learn more about this and all the great activities and lifestyle available in the Hilton Head Island/Bluffton area.