BACK

Hilton Head Concours d’Elegance Well Attended by NGJC
By Pat Harmon

I must admit that I have never attended a “world class” Concours before; i.e. Pebble Beach, Amelia Island and Hilton Head.  Now I know where the really deep pocket folks put their money.  This year’s event was held November 1-4 and Marv & Carolyn Sikes were kind enough to take us under wing on an exciting drive to the island from Gainesville.  NGJC attendees included Dave and Beverly Kirkman (Dave was one of the judges), Brian & Linda Hernan (entered their 72 XJ6 Series 1), Marv & Carloyn Sikes (entered their 61 Corvette) and Pat & Nancy Harmon (59 XK-150)

This was the 6th Concours d’Elegance at Hilton Head and this year’s featured marque was Cadillac/LaSalle.  Cars were divided into 16 classes and judged quite differently than JCNA Concours Rules.  Here they are looking for the entire picture…engineering, elegance, operation (including running the engine), and uniqueness.  Nancy and I never expected to win anything at this level so it wasn’t surprising when they parked me next to a 1949 alloy XK120.  This was not just any 120, it was McCollam’s three-time JCNA national champion.  Man, was it gorgeous.  Guess what?  He took second place along with at 1939 MG-TB trailer queen.  First place was a, right out of Goldfinger, 1961 Aston Martin DB4GT.

There were 150 cars entered in the Concours and each was by invitation only (Thanks Dave, the check is in the mail) and I need to tell you, any one of these cars would take “best of show” in any Concours I’ve ever attended. 

And then, there was the auction.  Very similar to Barratt Jackson but on a much smaller scale.  A 1953 Corvette went for $400K followed by a Porsche Speedster at $350K.  Of note was a 1974 E Type which sold for $48K (somebody got a bargain) and a 63 S Type for $34K.

Watch the calendar for next year’s event.  It is well worth the short drive to see some gorgeous cars.