North Korea’s Funeral for Kim Ki Nam Showcases Classic Mercedes

A funeral was held for North Korea’s former Labor Party secretary, Kim Ki Nam, who died at the age of 94. Kim Ki Nam has been carrying out false propaganda and instigation in the North Korean regime since the Kim Il Sung era. As he was active through three generations, Kim Il Sung, Kim Jong Il, and Kim Jong Un, and was considered the second most powerful person in North Korea, the funeral was held on a large scale.

Even North Korean citizens were mobilized and were seen bowing their heads in front of the funeral procession. Kim Jong Un also walked to the Patriotic Martyrs’ Cemetery in Shinmi-ri. He showed extreme care, even pouring dirt on the coffin with his hands and sprinkling it. There was one more unique thing about the grand funeral event.

Mercedes 600, first produced in 1963, spotted in North Korea

The first generation Mercedes-Benz 600 model, which began production in 1963, was captured at a funeral in North Korea. A portrait of Kim Ki Nam was placed on top of the vehicle. The Mercedes-Benz 600 was released as Mercedes-Benz’s flagship model at the time of production and was also famous for its nickname, Grand Mercedes. It was released in four types: sedan (saloon), limousine (Pullman), private train (Landaulet), and coupe, and the model captured at this funeral was the 4-door Landaulet.

Although the model was discontinued in 1981, it is still driven in North Korea 43 years later. The Mercedes-Benz 600 Landaulet was popular with the rich and heads of state at the time. Its long body, reaching 6,240 mm (245.7 inches), ensures indoor habitability and high usability as a ceremonial vehicle.

Despite its large size, it performed well, reaching 0-62 mph in just 9.7 seconds

The powertrain has a V8 naturally aspirated gasoline engine, delivering a maximum output of 250 horsepower and a maximum torque of 51kgf.m. It was an incredible performance at the time. Despite its large size, thanks to its high power performance, it only takes 9.7 seconds to reach 100 km/h (62 mph) from a standstill. The maximum speed is 200 km/h (124.3 mph).

More cases of old cars are being used at funerals in North Korea. A Lincoln Continental was also used as a transport vehicle during Kim Jong Il’s funeral in 2011. Some responded that it was ironic that North Korea, which was highly wary of the spread of Korean and American culture among its citizens, actually used luxury imported cars at funerals.

Luxury imported cars in North Korea
Kim Jong Un shows love for Maybach

In addition, it is known that there are currently many imported Japanese cars, such as Lexus, Nissan, and Mitsubishi, as well as luxury cars, such as Mercedes-Benz and Maybach, in North Korea. Kim Jong Un was also seen riding the Maybach 62S and S600 Pullman Guard until 2018, and following the new Maybach last year, he was seen getting in and out of the Maybach GLS 600, an SUV model.