Island tour kicks off Hilton Head weekend

Intermittent sun and cool temperatures greeted the several dozen participants in the Hilton Head Island Motoring Festival and Concours d’Elegance “behind the gates” driving tour Friday, kicking off the concours weekend.

The 30-some mile tour wound in and out of several gated communities near Hilton Head Island, stopping at various points along the way for people to get a view of the cars.

The tour featured an eclectic mix of vehicles, something not always seen in events such as this. Seeing a 1964 Pontiac GTO convertible lined up next to a 1937 MG was terrific, as were a handful of BMWs, including a 1967 1600 GT.

Of course, there were several stunning classics among the entrants, including an elegant 1933 Rolls-Royce that could have won Best in Show for the tour. Although, one could make an argument for a 1932 Auburn 8-100 A Speedster, or the 1911 Cadillac that were also part of the event.

Like other concours featuring tours, cars participating get extra credit when it comes to scoring during the Sunday concours.

The Hilton Head Island Concours d’Elegance is slated to open at 9 a.m. Sunday.

By Roger Hart