Nine BMW models spanning more than five decades of the automaker’s history took part in the 35th Falkenhausen Classics, held July 25–26 in Lower Bavaria. The annual regularity rally featured 55 classic cars competing across scenic routes between Munich and the Bavarian Forest, with success determined by precision and navigation rather than outright speed.
BMW Lineup Spanned Five Decades
The oldest BMW entered in the event was the No. 2 1935 BMW 315/1, driven by Harald Springer and Elke Springer. The newest BMW was the No. 54 1985 BMW E30 325i Cabriolet, entered by Martin Deggelmann and Jeanette Deggelmann.
Between those models, the BMW field reflected both the company’s prewar and postwar heritage, including a BMW 327 Cabriolet, two BMW 502 Cabriolets, a BMW 503 Cabriolet, a BMW 2600 Luxus V8 known as the “Baroque Angel” for its rounded, ornate styling, a BMW-Glas V8 3000, and a BMW 2800 CS coupe.
Complete BMW Entry List
- No. 2 – 1935 BMW 315/1 – Harald Springer / Elke Springer
- No. 5 – 1937 BMW 327 Cabriolet – Francis Urzinger-Woon / Claudia Urzinger-Woon
- No. 10 – 1955 BMW 502 Cabriolet – Hermann Boniberger / Cedric Boniberger
- No. 17 – 1959 BMW 503 Cabriolet – Jochen Ortmann / Cornelia Ortmann
- No. 18 – 1959 BMW 2600 Luxus V8 (“Baroque Angel”) – Jocki Kiefer / Traudi Kiefer
- No. 21 – 1962 BMW 502 – Dieter Martin / Annemarie Martin
- No. 34 – 1967 BMW-Glas V8 3000 – Daniel Simmerl / Martin Fußeder
- No. 39 – 1970 BMW 2800 CS (E9) – Franz Josef Dallinger / Petra Hame
- No. 54 – 1985 BMW E30 325i Cabriolet – Martin Deggelmann / Jeanette Deggelmann
The oldest vehicle in the overall event was a 1933 Aston Martin Le Mans Short Chassis, making the BMW 315/1 just two years newer than the oldest car in the field.
Regularity Rally Focused on Precision
The Falkenhausen Classics is a regularity rally, meaning competitors are judged on precision rather than speed. Crews follow a detailed roadbook and must complete each section within a fixed time, receiving penalty points for arriving either early or late.
The overall winner is the crew with the fewest penalty points after all stages, placing equal importance on consistent pace, accurate navigation, and teamwork between driver and co-driver.
How the Weekend Unfolded
The event began with a one-hour prologue from Neufahrn Castle, giving competitors a scenic introduction to the surrounding countryside. Following a one-hour break, crews completed Regularity Stage 1 during warm sunshine on a route lasting approximately two hours and 15 minutes before finishing at Mengkofen Castle for an evening reception.
Sunday featured the remaining three competition stages. RS2 started at the Adlkofen Automobile Museum, home of organizing club Scuderia Isar e.V., chaired by Verena Proebst. The 30-minute stage concluded in Landshut’s historic center, where a Concours d’Elegance allowed spectators to view the cars and meet their owners.
RS3 covered approximately 90 minutes through Frontenhausen, including the roundabout made famous by the German Eberhofer crime film series. A brief rain shower occurred before competitors reached Tunzenberg Castle.
After a 90-minute lunch break, the final stage, RS4, lasted about two and a half hours and finished at Peuerbach Castle, where the weekend concluded with an evening celebration and the prize-giving ceremony.
Scenic Setting Framed the Competition
With its collection of historic automobiles, countryside routes, and spectator participation, the 35th Falkenhausen Classics continued its reputation as one of the more scenic regularity rallies on the German classic car calendar.
