A Closer Look At Lexus LS400 – The Car That Criminal Stockbroker Harshad Mehta Once Owned [Video]
When it comes to luxury cars from the 1980s, one name that stands out the most is the Lexus LS400. This is the car that was known as the most luxurious car of its time, as it was way ahead of the Mercedes S-Class and the likes. What’s also more interesting is that this car once used to be the ride of prominent criminal stockbroker Harshad Mehta as well. Recently, a video review of this iconic luxury car from the Japanese luxury automaker Lexus has been shared online.
The video review of the Lexus LS400 has been shared on YouTube by Horsepower Cartel on their channel. It starts off with the presenter giving a brief introduction to this luxury sedan. He mentions that this car was the one that had Mercedes-Benz redesign its flagship sedan, the W140 S-Class. He added that this car was especially built for the United States of America, and Toyota Motor Corporation spent a huge amount of money on its development. Following this, the video shows the beauty shots of this sedan with the “Scam 1992” TV series theme song.
Lexus LS400: Details
The owner of the car shares a number of interesting facts about this car as to how it actually came about. He mentions that Toyota specifically sent a number of its employees to stay in California, USA, to understand the customers who buy and drive super expensive luxury vehicles. They were sent to understand the likes and dislikes of these premium customers, and following this, the development of the LS400 began. Next up, he states how the LS400 caused Mercedes-Benz to spend an extra $500 million on the development of its flagship sedan, the W140 S-Class.
Apart from this, the owner of the car then adds that this car was way ahead of its time. It had been given vast amounts of features in order to suit the taste of wealthy American car buyers. He shows a number of unique features like its powered steering wheel, heated and powered leather seats, its head unit, and a number of other things. The owner also mentions that the LS400 featured an extremely comfortable air suspension; however, his particular car has been fitted with coil overs which are still very comfortable.
Lexus LS400 Powertrain
Apart from being technologically advanced, the Lexus LS400 also boasted a massive engine. This super luxurious sedan came powered by a 4.0-litre, 1UZ-FE V8 engine. This engine featured an aluminum block and cylinder heads with four camshafts and 32 valves. The power output of this marvel of an engine was rated at 250 bhp and 352 Nm of torque. The sedan was tuned in a way to offer most of its power in lower rpms to increase the comfort level.
Criminal Stockbroker Harshad Mehta Owned One
The Lexus LS400 has always been a popular car despite being decades old. However, recently, this car once again rose back to fame in India as it was featured in the popular Indian thriller web series “Scam 1992.” The TV series was based on the infamous stockbroker Harshad Mehta, who was charged for misappropriating more than 2.8 million shares of 90 companies through forged share transfer forms.
As for the Lexus LS400, Harshad Mehta bought it from a dealership in Mumbai who privately imported it for another wealthy businessman of Mumbai. Harshad Mehta then asked the dealer for the car and was given a reply that it had already been sold. After hearing this, he paid more than the price it was sold and got this car. This car later highlighted him in front of news reporters who saw him outside SBI Bank on multiple occasions, and then an investigation was started as to how a stockbroker could afford this luxury car. Soon after this, Harshad Mehta found himself in hot waters and was then caught for various frauds and scams.