A Short Limousine History Part 2
The concept of a chauffeur driven vehicle has been around since the 1700s. Initially the limo-hire service that we know today was developed as a service for the wealthy starting as horse drawn carriages. The carriages of the day were gilded in gold.
The word limousine was developed from the feminine adjective of the French word Limoges which is the French province where chauffeur drive vehicles were first used.
Engine powered limousines
The first limousine vehicle as we know it today was developed in 1902 and was designed for a driver to sit outside the covered compartment in which the passenger sits.
1930s
Limousines started to grow in popularity and were now used to carry guests at hotels from the airport.
The name “Airporter Stretch Coach” became the new name for limousines. At this time the movie industry started using limo-hire on a wide level. Not only the movie stars themselves but the stage and film crew would be transported via limo-hire. Those who rode in limousines were considered to be part of the ‘it’ crowd.
Shortly after this six-door limousines were invented. Typically these were funeral cars at the time and built on Cadillac Chasis.
Recent limo trends
Today, the rich and famous still travel in limousines and the limousines of today are able to transport a larger number of people. A variety of limos were produced including stretch limousines which led to a rise in ‘new style’ limos. Limo-hire is more popular today than it has ever been and is used widely by many people for many occasions.
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