Questions Answered: Meet Rick Sabol, the New Executive Director Steering the Future of the Hilton Head Island Concours d’Elegance & Motoring Festival
With a lifelong passion for automobiles and an impressive background in executive leadership across multiple industries, Rick Sabol is no stranger to strategy—or speed. A proud Hilton Head Island resident since 2022, Sabol has long admired the Concours from the sidelines, as both a car enthusiast and exhibitor. Now, he steps into the driver’s seat as Executive Director, ready to elevate one of the nation’s premier motoring festivals. In this personal Q&A, we sat down with Rick to talk about his journey, his vision, and the timeless love of cars that brought him here.
Q: You’ve had a diverse career across multiple industries. What inspired you to make the shift to the world of automotive events, and why specifically the Hilton Head Island Concours d’Elegance & Motoring Festival?
Sabol: This wasn’t a plan so much as it was destiny. I’ve been vacationing on Hilton Head since the ’80s. My wife Martha and I bought a house here in 2019, and after I retired in 2022, we made Hilton Head our full-time home. My dream has always been to have a garage and a car collection. I was fortunate to find a garage to rent and finally invest in the cars I’d always dreamed of owning. I joined the Lowcountry Oyster and Motorcar Driving Society (LOMDS), which turned out to be a perfect fit. After attending and displaying cars in the Saturday Car Club Showcase for three years, a friend from the club asked if I wanted to get more involved with the Concours. It felt like a natural progression—and I couldn’t be more honored to say yes.
Q: As a longtime resident of Hilton Head Island and an automotive enthusiast, what do you think makes this event so special for both local residents and visitors alike?
Sabol: We have it all—on and off the island. There’s a wide range of housing and hotel options for visitors, a beautiful golf course that makes for a stunning showcase setting, and an airport that welcomes aircraft from across the country. Add in our unbeatable November weather, and you’ve got a truly one-of-a-kind venue. Local residents are incredible supporters of the Concours. Many are volunteers, attendees, or even exhibitors themselves. It’s not just an event—it’s part of the fabric of the community.
Q: What are some of your key goals for the future of the Hilton Head Island Concours d’Elegance & Motoring Festival in your new role?
Sabol: I believe the show should evolve each year to keep things fresh and engaging for returning guests. My goal is to make Hilton Head synonymous with the Concours—where visitors mark their calendars and plan fall trips around it. The event extends the travel season and introduces our beautiful coastal destination to people who may have never visited. Car enthusiasts are everywhere. We want them here, in Hilton Head, each November.
Q: You’ve mentioned your love for classic cars. Could you tell us about one of your most cherished vehicles and the story behind it?
Sabol: I spent years restoring my 1955 Ford F-100 pickup truck. It’s one of those projects that’s never quite finished—but that’s part of the joy. I wish I still had my very first car, but I’ve made up for it with my current collection. My brother still owns his original 1969 Pontiac GTO, and I admire that dedication. There’s something deeply rewarding about bringing a car back to life, better than new.
Q: What role do you see the Concours playing in the local community beyond the event itself?
Sabol: The Concours is more than a celebration of cars—it’s a vehicle for giving back. Through our charitable fund, we support local organizations that directly improve the lives of families in our community. Most visitors stay for a full week, so the event becomes a part of a larger Hilton Head experience. They enjoy our beaches, restaurants, golf, and leave with plans to return—not just for the cars, but for everything the Lowcountry offers.
Q: As the automotive industry continues to evolve—from electric vehicles to new technologies—how do you see the Concours adapting?
Sabol: While the heart of the Concours will always be vintage and classic automobiles, we’re also beginning to highlight the future of motoring. New cars are being showcased in various areas, and we’re mindful of telling the full story—past, present, and future. The cars our children are growing up with today will become tomorrow’s classics, and we want to be a part of preserving that lineage.
Q: What’s one thing you hope every guest takes away from attending the Concours?
Sabol: I want people to come back. Whether it’s their first time or their tenth, I hope they leave feeling inspired to attend more events, start a collection of their own, or simply take more joy in automotive history. Maybe they’ll find that one car they always dreamed of—old or new—and feel the spark that drew so many of us to this hobby.
Q: If you could take any car—past or present—for a dream drive around Hilton Head Island, which one would it be and why?
Sabol: I’ve never owned one, but as a Midwesterner, I’d choose a 1929–1939 Packard convertible. It was built in Indiana and has such a stately presence. Cruising around the island in a car like that would definitely turn heads—and that’s part of the fun of it all.
Q: We know you’re a classic car enthusiast, but if you had to pick one car that isn’t a classic, what would your “guilty pleasure” car be?
Sabol: Cadillac’s V-series cars have been incredible over the past 20 years. I own two—a 2020 CT6-V and a 2024 CT4-V Blackwing with a manual transmission. They’re not classics yet, but they will be. I’m already eyeing a few more specific V-models to add to the collection. There’s something thrilling about driving something you know is already building its legacy.
Whether you’re a lifelong collector, a casual enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates the art of fine craftsmanship, the Hilton Head Island Concours d’Elegance & Motoring Festival offers something extraordinary. With Rick Sabol now at the helm, the road ahead promises to be as dynamic as the vehicles on display. Mark your calendars for October 30–November 2, 2025, and experience the magic for yourself. Learn more and plan your visit at hhiconcours.com.
