1935 Duesenberg SJ Convertible Victoria takes top honors at Hilton Head, new president named
1935 Duesenberg SJ Convertible Victoria takes ‘Best of Show’ honors as Chris Brewer named as new president of the Hilton Head Island Concours d’Elegance & Motoring Festival.
HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C – Hilton Head Island’s marquee event tagged the 1935 Duesenberg SJ Convertible Victoria, proudly owned by the Mr. Chip Cofer of Tucker, Georgia, as "Best of Show" winner. The enchanting grand finale unfolded at the Port Royal Golf Club, nestled in the Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.
Additional 2023 awards recognize the best-of-the-best in automotive alongside three additional categories who were also awarded the following:
- Best Rolling Art - 1935 Duesenberg SJ Convertible owned by Chip Cofer
- Best Road & Track - 1952 Allard J2X owned by Stan Cruz
- Best Production - 1956 Continental Mark II owned by John Keesee
- Best Motorcycle - 1938 Brough 50 with Alpine Grand Sport Petrol
- People’s Choice Award - 1969 Chevrolet Corvette owned by Anne Marie Ihling
This year’s robust schedule included transformative exhibits, seminars,
driving tours and designer events that revealed a compelling weekend for every generation in attendance. Nightly events and special programming allowed guests to appreciate the scope, vibrancy and heart of the event which supports many charity initiatives and scholarships each year.
“This year was a magnificent celebration that has left a lasting impact.” Noted Chris Brewer, the Festival’s newly appointed President. “After 21 remarkable years since its inception, we pause to appreciate the bold vision of our board and event team. Their initial spark blossomed into one of the most thrilling motoring events on the East Coast. This past weekend was a thrill-a-minute experience for everyone, from seasoned car enthusiasts to the countless newcomers who graced us with their presence. It is a moment to unravel the past, pique our curiosity about the future, and express our sincere gratitude to all who have made this show possible.”
As the new president, Chris Brewer is responsible for enhancing the vision of the concours lowcountry luxury event, creating captivating experiences for attendees and participants, and connecting the event with the local community, including its dedicated volunteer team.
Previously, Brewer held the position of senior director of concours at Hagerty, where he played a key role in organizing three acclaimed concours events: The Amelia, the Greenwich Concours d’Elegance, and the Detroit Concours d’Elegance (formerly known as Concours d’Elegance of America). Before that, Brewer worked as the director of communications and public relations for the highly regarded Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance. In this role, he managed media relations, oversaw the volunteer program, supported sponsorships, and collaborated with local non-profit organizations. Additionally, Brewer is the founder and president of First Coast Car Culture, organizing motoring events across the southeastern region.
“I have been a longtime spectator and close friend of the Hilton Head Island Concours, and I am constantly amazed by the warm hospitality, elegant automobiles, and stunning beauty of the island,” said Brewer. “I am both honored and thrilled to follow in the footsteps of the immensely talented leaders and collaborate with a skilled team to further elevate the Hilton Head Island Concours d’Elegance as a leading concours event, while also making a meaningful impact on the community.”
Next year’s event will be held November 1st through 3rd, 2024. The Hilton Head Island Concours d'Elegance & Motoring Festival will feature the iconic Rolls-Royce as it’s Honored Marque. We will also be celebrating remarkable milestones as Packard turns an impressive 125 years old, and the Ford Mustang hits an incredible 60-year mark. For a complete list of winners and updates for next year’s event visit our official website at
ABOUT THE HILTON HEAD ISLAND CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE & MOTORING FESTIVAL: The Hilton Head Island Concours d’Elegance & Motoring Festival’s 2024 event will be held November 1st through 3rd on Hilton Head Island. Hilton Head Island Concours d'Elegance, Inc., a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization, is a unique, multi-day "Lowcountry" motoring experience that entertains and educates the community while supporting youth programs. Whether four wheels or two, a propeller, a sail or a horseless carriage, the Motoring Festival offers the full gamut with over 700 vintage and specialty vehicles on display. The weekend celebration offers everything from an elegant hangar gala to a showcase of car clubs displaying their pride and joy to the culmination, the heart of the event, the Concours d'Elegance, all with a touch of Southern hospitality. For a complete list of events and to purchase tickets visit https://www.hhiconcours.com.
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