What was Bjorn Olpheus – one of the two B’s of the legendary pop group ABBA, and one of the world’s richest artists – thinking when he was behind the wheel of his new Lexus LS400 one September day in 1996?
Did it have 264 horsepower and the quiet running of a 32-valve V8? Did he think he would soon have to put on winter tires? Or were the thoughts revolving around the upcoming musical Mamma Mia, which will soon be shown in London? A musical as successful as the Lexus LS 400. At least.
Björn Ulvaeus of ABBA is the previous owner of the LS 400 since 1996. Photo: bilwebauctions.se
life style lesson
Toyota created Lexus as a luxury car brand in order to compete primarily with BMW and Mercedes in the large and important American market.
During the development of the LS 400, Toyota sent a large team of Japanese developers and designers to the United States to study the lifestyles of the respective customers.
The typical client was described as a 43-year-old male, with a good income. Specifically, at least $100,000 a year – then in 1987 the value. In other words – we’re talking about a status car!
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This is what a Lexus looks like from the inside in a sober Japanese style of the 90s. Photo by: bilwebauctions.se
Took BMW and Mercedes within a year
The Lexus LS 400 sets a new standard for technical quality and operational reliability. As is often the case before – when Japanese manufacturers decide and really look for something teeth and nails – they succeed.
Already a year after launch, they sold more than their German competitors in the United States. Respect is required! Since then, they have not looked back …
ABBA-Bjørn, now sold in Sweden Online car auctions It is the second generation of the Lexus LS. As we mentioned from 1996 and now with a mileage of just over 250,000.
Watch the full ad and all pictures of the car here:
The engine is a 4-liter eight-cylinder with four camshafts and 32 valves. Output 264 hp. Photo by: bilwebauctions.se
Reflects the lifestyle
The Lexus LS is basically a fairly secretive car. Ulvaeus also chose it in a fairly conservative color combination. It has a gray metallic paintwork and a black leather interior.
ABBA members, despite great success and fortune, have led a quiet life without much fanfare and big scandals. In that sense, perhaps Lexus reflects the Ulvaeus way of life in a good way.
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Mercedes and BMW were the fiercest competitors when the car was new. Photo by: bilwebauctions.se
Not too expensive
After the car’s long life, there may be some signs of use, but overall the car looks reasonably healthy and decent. But it is not entirely without some patina. It appears to be original and not restored. This is always a plus for older cars.
It’s still big, stylish, and luxurious – and the price can’t be put off by either. But expect it to be sold to a new owner for between 60,000 and 70,000 SEK. This corresponds to approximately 65,000-75,000 NOK. VAT is added to the purchase amount, if you want to transfer it to the state.
Ulvaeus owned the car for about two years before it found its way to new owners. Now you can be next. We say like ABBA: “Take a chance!”
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