VIDEO: The first Mercedes monument in the world unveiled in Imotski

(Photo: EdoStuff Aviation/YouTube)

The first Mercedes monument in the world has been unveiled in the Croatian town of Imotski.

Thousands of people flocked to Imotski on Saturday to witness a historic day: the unveiling of the first Mercedes monument in the world.

And not just any monument, but a life-sized Mercedes 115, the popular “Minika,” which has become a status symbol for Imotski emigrants.

The monument is made from Imotski stone and is located on the Imotski Emigrants Square.

Imotski’s Mercedes connection

The Mercedes-Benz has become a defining symbol of Imotski in the Dalmatian Hinterland due to the high number of these vehicles seen on its streets.

Imotski boasts the highest density of Mercedes-Benz vehicles globally. Out of the 20,000 registered vehicles in Imotski in 2018, 13,000 were Mercedes. Even local driving schools in Imotski use Mercedes cars.

Why is this the case? It dates back to an agreement with Germany in the 1960s, when many residents of Imotski went to work in Germany and returned home with a Mercedes-Benz, a car perceived as a mark of success.

The idea for the monument came from a passionate enthusiast and collector, Ivan Topić Note, who aimed to immortalize the era of Imotski residents working abroad in Germany.

A large classic car show was also held on the weekend at the event, and you can see what the grand and historic celebration in Imotski looked like in the video below courtesy of EdoStuff Aviation.