Founded in 1998, The Downeast Land Rover Club was the brainchild of John Cassidy, Bangor, ME, who sought to bring the state's Land Rover enthusiasts together in an informal organization.

An avid offroad driver, John organized rallys in the Costigan, ME region, taking enthusiasts to places few outside of the region had seen. Members came from Maine and other New England states, as well as New York and New Jersey.

John's energies later turned to his professional rally team, Last Ditch Racing. His legacy continued through his active support for Land Rover activities in Maine.

In 2009, Carey Knaus, an emigre from Pennsylvania and a technician at East Coast Rover, sought to energize the club scene again in Maine and led the revival of the Downeast Land Rover Club.