Greetings from
Ingo Lehman,
Mayor of Landsberg am Lech

The first Herkomer Konkurrenz took place 100 years ago, conceived and organized by Sir Hubert von Herkomer, German-English artist and visionary. Herkomer’s goal in 1905 was to support development of touring cars, increasing their comfort, handling and dependability, rather than showplace racing vehicles. Together with Prof. Ludwig Pöhlman, president of the Bavarian Automobile Club (BAC), Herkomer developed the regulations for the Herkomer Konkurrenz, which was held in cooperation with the BAC in the years 1905, 1906 and 1907. The Herkomer Konkurrenz was the first touring car rallye ever organized – and is the world’s oldest old-timer rallye.

Who was Professor Sir Hubert von Herkomer? Today, we would call him a universal genius. Born in the county of Landsberg am Lech, he spent several years as a youth in the USA. In England, Herkomer soon established himself as a renowned artist, becoming famous for his popular portraits of the royal family. Herkomer grounded a successful school of art in Bushey, England. There, he exercised his multiple talents as composer, filmmaker, automobile pioneer and visionary. Herkomer returned to his birthplace to wed the sister of his deceased wife, impossible in England at that time. Here in Landsberg am Lech, he built a home for his parents which now houses the Herkomer Museum and next door, his famous atelier tower, known as the Mutterturm. Today, both are carefully cultivated landmarks in the town of Landsberg am Lech.

The 100th Jubilee of the Herkomer Konkurrenz as an triology-Jubilee promises to be The Event of the Year 2005, 2006 and 2007 in the town of it’s conception. Event-Manager Mrs. Corinna Illia and Old-timer enthusiast and sport journalist Ulf von Malberg heads the sport and technical organization as well as execution of the rallye. Landsberg am Lech is the natural showplace of this most spectacular of automobile events: only automobiles built before 1930 are allowed to participate! An extensive program and entertainment awaits you, harking back to the era initiated by Sir Hubert von Herkomer.

I wish all participants of the Herkomer Konkurrenz, whether as spectator or old-timer pilot, an enjoyable and memorable fest. A heart felt thanks to our sponsors and to all those who have contributed to making the 100th Jubilee a success.

Sincerely yours,

Ingo Lehmann