PARTICIPANTS
Experience an unforgettable exhibition of rare and classic motorcars at the inaugural Santa Barbara Invitational Concours, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Pacific Ocean.
The Santa Barbara Invitational Concours Selection Committee will carefully review all submitted applications and extend coveted invitations to a distinguished group of automobiles chosen to compete in the inaugural 2026 competition. Each invitation reflects the committee’s commitment to curating an exceptional field that celebrates automotive design, historical significance, and engineering excellence.
INVITATION PROCESS
Entry applications for twenty-one competitive classic car categories, along with special showcases for young first-time and established male and female collectors.
Selection Committee Review
Our Concours Selection Committee will extend coveted invitations to applicants for the inaugural 2026 competition.
ENTRANTS
The Entry Process for the Santa Barbara
Invitational Concours
After vetting these applications, the Concours Selection Committee will meet to determine which cars will receive a coveted invitation to the inaugural 2026 competition. In selecting entrants, cars not previously shown at the Santa Barbara Invitational Concours or another principal concours are given preference. Applicants will be notified of the committee’s decision.
EXCLUSIVE ENTRANT BENEFITS
As a participant, you’ll enjoy two Weekend VIP Tickets,
granting access to:
- The Santa Barbara Concours Tour: A Scenic Journey (Saturday, April 18, 2026): Continental breakfast, Shopping in Montecito and the famed La Arcada, exclusive wine tastings, art gallery visits, and the opportunity to explore luxury boutiques featuring bespoke jewelry, leather goods, and designer fashions.
- Sunset Soirée at The Concours (Saturday, April 18, 2026): Curated wine pairings, exceptional cuisine tastings, live entertainment, and seaside sophistication, highlighting the region’s rich culinary offerings.
- The Motor-Cave (Sunday, April 19, 2026): Massive, state-of-the-art LED screens, dynamic lounge, elevated sports bar fare with a gourmet twist, accompanied by premium libations and a lively, social atmosphere.
- Tea & Torque (Sunday, April 19, 2026): A beautifully curated space designed to celebrate the elegance, style, and passion of car collectors and their friends. Music, light indulgences, and meaningful connections, champagne, wine, or hand-blended teas from antique china cups, continental breakfast, lunch, hospitality bar, program, and commemorative gift bag.
- Discounted area hotel rooms
- Event and trailer parking
ENTRANTS
The Entry Process for the Santa Barbara
Invitational Concours
Our Concours Selection Committee will extend coveted invitations to applicants for the inaugural 2026 competition.
EXCLUSIVE CAR ENTRY BENEFITS
As a Car Entry Participant, you’ll enjoy two Weekend VIP Tickets, granting access to:
- The Santa Barbara Concours Tour: A Scenic Journey- Saturday, November 7th – An extraordinary Saturday morning adventure leading on a spectacular coastal tour along the legendary Pacific shoreline. Continental Breakfast and Lunch included.
- Two Passes to the Santa Barbara Invitational Concours Event – Sunday, November 8th
- Event and trailer parking
As a VIP Car Entry Participant, you’ll enjoy two Weekend VIP Tickets, granting access to:
- Two Passes to the Santa Barbara Invitational Concours Event – Sunday, November 8, 2026
- The Santa Barbara Concours Tour: A Scenic Journey- Saturday, November 7, 2026 – An extraordinary Saturday morning adventure leading on a spectacular coastal tour along the legendary Pacific shoreline. Continental Breakfast and Lunch included.
- Sunset Soirée- Saturday, November 7, 2026 – Curated wine pairings, exceptional cuisine tastings, live entertainment, and seaside sophistication, highlighting the region’s rich culinary offerings.
- Motor-Cave – Sunday, November 8, 2026 – Massive, state-of-the-art LED screens, dynamic lounge, elevated sports bar fare with a gourmet twist, accompanied by premium libations, curated cigars and a lively, social atmosphere.
- Tea, Torque & Tiaras – Sunday, November 8, 2026 – A beautifully curated space designed to celebrate the elegance, style, and passion of car collectors and their friends. Music, light indulgences, and meaningful connections, champagne, wine, or hand-blended teas from antique china cups, continental breakfast, lunch, hospitality bar, programs, and commemorative gift bags.
- Discounted area hotel rooms
- Event and trailer parking
- Valet Parking
JUDGING STANDARDS
Our expert judging panel will evaluate vehicles based on authenticity, originality, condition, cleanliness, and systems functionality.
Honors will be awarded for:
- 1st and 2nd place winners in each competitive class.
- Best in Show.
- Chairman’s Awards for young first-time and established female collectors.
JUDGING STANDARDS
Our expert judging panel will evaluate vehicles based on authenticity, originality, condition, cleanliness, and systems functionality.
Honors will be awarded for:
- 1st and 2nd place winners in each competitive class.
- Best in Show.
- Chairman’s Awards for young first-time and established collectors.
AWARDS & TROPHIES
In addition to class awards, Santa Barbara Invitational Concours entries are also eligible to receive one of the Special Awards and trophies, which recognize Youth First-time Collectors and Female Car Collectors along with other valued aspects of the car, such as the use of design, and technology, specific for the era in which it was built.
HOW TO APPLY
Entry applications are available now! Click on the link below.
aWARDS & TROPHIES
In addition to class awards, Santa Barbara Invitational Concours entries are also eligible to receive one of the Special Awards and trophies, which recognize Youth First-time Collectors, Male and Female Car Collectors along with other valued aspects of the car, such as the use of design, and technology, specific for the era in which it was built.
VOLUNTEERS
volunteer opportunities
Contribute to the future of car collecting by volunteering at the Santa Barbara Invitational Concours. We need volunteers before, during, and after the Sunday Concours event. Shifts are available in 4, 6, and 8-hour increments. All volunteers receive complimentary snacks and beverages. Please complete the Volunteer Form to indicate your availability and areas of interest.
VOLUNTEERS
volunteer opportunities
Contribute to the future of car collecting by volunteering at the Santa Barbara Invitational Concours. We need volunteers before, during, and after the Sunday Concours event. Shifts are available in 4, 6, and 8-hour increments. All volunteers receive complimentary snacks and beverages. Please complete the Volunteer Form to indicate your availability and areas of interest.
