Heritage Meets Horizon: The 2nd Annual Santa Barbara Series Vintage Land Rover Event

Here at The Coolector, we have a deep-seated appreciation for things that last—iconic design, rugged craftsmanship, and a tangible story to tell. This past October 11th, all those elements converged against a backdrop of effortless coastal elegance for a gathering that speaks directly to our sensibilities.

The 2nd Annual Santa Barbara Series Vintage Land Rover Event unfolded as a masterful celebration of Britain’s most iconic off-road marque, a weekend where heritage and horizon met in perfect balance.

Produced by the discerning trio of Dylan Conway, Cooper Murray, and Scott Rouleau, the event drew collectors and enthusiasts from across the country, proving once again that a Land Rover is more than just a vehicle; it’s a passport to a life of adventure, wrapped in timeless style.

The festivities commenced on Friday evening with an intimate welcome reception at The Well in Summerland, graciously hosted by Shane Brown of Montecito.

This was the perfect tone-setter. Forget stuffy concours lawns; this was a gathering under the soft glow of string lights, where guests mingled over fine wine and seasonal hors d’oeuvres, all while surrounded by a curated display of vintage Land Rovers. The setting was the physical embodiment of the event’s spirit: rustic, coastal, and impeccably refined.

As co-producer Dylan Conway shared, “The idea was to create something that feels true to the Santa Barbara lifestyle. It’s not just about the vehicles—it’s about bringing together people who value design, craftsmanship, and adventure in equal measure.”

The following morning, participants assembled at The Post in Montecito for the main event. Conway led a scenic coastal drive, a rolling exhibition of automotive history that cruised past Butterfly Beach.

The sight of the morning light catching the polished curves and honourably patinaed panels of these British workhorses was a sight to behold.

The group’s arrival at Chase Palm Park marked the centrepiece of the weekend: a curated exhibition of over 50 vintage Land Rovers. This was a visual narrative of the brand’s storied evolution.

As co-organiser Cooper Murray noted, “The variety is part of what makes this so special. You’ll see a perfectly preserved Series truck parked beside a custom Defender built for modern exploration.”

This is where the event’s magic truly lies. You had original Series II and III models, veterans of decades of service, parked alongside expertly reimagined Defender 90s and 110s. “Every owner here has a story, and that diversity of passion is what makes this community thrive.”

As a testament to the event’s growing national draw, one standout entry was a Series III that had been driven all the way from South Carolina just for the gathering.

As midday arrived, the convoy transitioned from the park’s pristine lawns to Santa Barbara’s vibrant Funk Zone. Owners and admirers gathered at a local brewhouse to raise a glass, the air buzzing with the camaraderie of a shared passion—conversations of restoration journeys, upcoming projects, and, inevitably, plans for next year.

“The 2026 event is already in motion,” noted Scott Rouleau. “Each year, the energy grows.” As the afternoon sun dipped toward the Pacific, the Santa Barbara Series reaffirmed its place as one of the West Coast’s most distinctive automotive gatherings.

It’s a rare and special space where classic British craftsmanship meets sophisticated coastal living, and every Land Rover in attendance tells a story of authentic exploration.

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Images: Tucker Beatty