Comfort Meets Luxury: Inside a Limousine
Space, comfort, and luxury. Those might be the first words that come to mind when we think of limousines. We may as well try to imagine where the idea of this type of vehicle came from, including all the features that make a limousine so unique. Let’s take a stroll down memory lane and shed some light on the history of the most luxurious automobile.
When was the limousine created?
Comfort and style throughout the centuries
The word “limousine” is thought to have originated from the region of Limousin, a rural area in central France. If we think of the limousine simply as a chauffeured vehicle, we can date it back to the 1700s. Back then, the wealthy used richly decorated horse-drawn carriages to go from place to place.
In the 1800s, the well-to-do often used carriages called hackneys as taxis. These vehicles were an early form of hired transportation, long before the invention of the automobile. Cabriolets (cabs) appeared in England in the 1820s, coming from France. They quickly replaced hackney coaches.
Before automobiles were invented, the rich and their companions who traveled along in their carriages were accustomed to having a private closed compartment for their journey. The driver, or coachman, worked outside no matter the weather. After the arrival of automobiles, the wealthy looked for a similar arrangement for their chauffeurs.
Engine-powered luxury
The first automobile limousines originated in 1902. That was less than two decades after the invention of the first practical automobile. The driver sat in a separate, covered compartment in these early engine-powered limos. This compartment was said to resemble a cloak worn by the people of the French region Limousin.
Limousines in the United States
The comfort icon arrives at the New World
The US Society of Automobile Engineers defined the limousine in 1916 as “a closed car seating three to five inside, with driver’s seat outside”.
A limousine town car was the American name for what was called a limousine-de-Ville in Great Britain. The driver’s compartment was outside, with no protection from the elements. The United States car dealers also sold the limousine-landaulet variant. This model had a removable or folding roof piece over the rear passenger seat.
In 1916, there were two sub-categories of limousines sold in the United States. The berline borrowed its name from a description of a closed carriage with two passenger bench seats facing each other. The driver’s compartment was also enclosed. Within the same period, the brougham also roamed the streets of the country. It was defined as “a limousine with no roof over the driver’s seat. Both the berline and the brougham later evolved with the turning of the front seat face forward.
Up until today, limousines have retained the concept of having a driver separate from passengers. This partition allows for passenger privacy and comfort. Furthermore, it grants passengers the right to consume alcohol legally inside of the vehicle.
After this quick look into the history of limousines, we can undoubtedly infer that partying and enjoying the comforts of life are part of the essence of this car’s concept. Find out more about what party limos look like today here. These vehicles were designed not only to host many guests but to do it in style. This is especially true for a specific kind of limousine.
Comfort for many: the invention of stretch limousines
The early years
The “stretch limo” phenomenon started in the late 1920s. An Arkansas-based company called Armbruster created a longer version of the standard limo. These cars were originally designed to accommodate musicians and their equipment between concert locations.
Not long after the arrival of the first stretch limousines, around 1928, they incorporated Cadillac chassis. This advancement resulted in the rapid spread of longer limousines. Stretch limousines in the mid-20th century were the vehicle of choice for luxury hotels to transport their guests in style. Movie studios employed the long cars to stars could arrive triumphantly at a movie premiere.
Comfort meets Glamour
The 1960s and 1970s saw the debut of automobile giants like Mercedes, Rolls Royce, Chrysler, Lincoln and Cadillac into the limousine market. The vehicles were, of course, accessible mostly to the wealthy and powerful.
Nowadays, there are plenty of different models of stretch limos available in the market. The Giant Limo, the Super Stretch SUV Limo, and the Stretch Sedan Limo are just a few of the options. Amenities within these luxurious vehicles include:
- Leather Wrap around seatings: this fabric provides a great feel for maximum comfort
- Soft Ambient Lighting: maximize your other senses, listen to the music and the nice conversations during your ride
- Tinted Windows: all the privacy you need and deserve in your journey
- Mini-Bar: what’s not to love about having your favorite drink while riding smoothly around town or on the road
Luxury sedans are still the model of choice for certain audiences. However, the more recently introduced SUV-based models have been climbing their way up. With a more modern and sportier look, they have won the heart of younger customers.
Into the 21st century: SUV Limos
Main features of SUV Limos
SUVs and vans are champions in internal space and comfort. On the outside, their edgy look automatically says it’s time to party! Stretch SUV Limos are perfect for celebrations with a larger party of friends or family. This includes a birthday party, a bachelorette’s or bachelor’s party, or a great night out with friends.
Thinking of comfort, SUV Limos are especially interesting for events in which you plan to get in and out of the car several times. That is so because of the slightly larger internal space in comparison to classic Sedan Limos.
Young and Bold: the Hummer Limo
Hummer Limos are a category within SUV Limos. They are essentially Stretch SUV Limos. They are perfect for the really large parties to feel that extra comfort. Hummer Limos in different and bold colors like the Las Vegas Pink Hummer Limo is sure to make a statement.
Any celebration starts long before stepping into the party venue. Treat yourself to a seamless overall experience by booking luxury chauffeured transportation now with Vegas Vip Limo. Contact our office here for more information and quotes.