The History of Limousines: From Horse-Drawn Carriages to Luxury Cars

The concept of limousines dates back hundreds of years, but the first limousines for cars were created in 1902, shortly after the invention of the first practical car. Nowadays, “limousine” usually refers to an elastic limousine, which can accommodate several passengers in a large cabin at the back of the vehicle. This type of limousine was invented in Arkansas in 1928, but it was not associated with formal occasions as it is today. Instead, it was mainly used to transport famous leaders of big bands and orchestras to performances across the country. The name comes from the resemblance between the carriage driver's cover and the caped hoodies that shepherds in the former French province of Limoges used to wear.

SUVs and vans offer more space and comfort and can carry up to 20 people. In addition to adding more elements of technology, comfort depends on the number of people traveling in the limousine. The word limousine is the feminine adjective formed from the word Limoges, which is the province of France that started it all. While certain audiences prefer the luxury sedan, the SUV-based format has entered the limousine market in recent years. Whether you're planning a wedding or just want to enjoy a fun night out with friends without worrying about a designated driver, a limousine service is a timeless way to travel in style.

In the 1960s and 1970s, major brands such as Mercedes, Rolls Royce, Chrysler, Lincoln and Cadillac included the manufacture of limousines in their catalogs. From musical artists who come and go from their concert halls, actors attending a red carpet event or members of high society who go to dinner at a fancy restaurant, limousines are an integral part of the lifestyles of today's celebrities. The first limousines were much more compact than the stretchy limousine you were probably riding in for your prom. Modern limousines often include features such as minibars, sound systems, refrigerators and very comfortable seats. Later, Benny Goodman, the “king of swing”, performed at one of his concerts in a new elastic limousine, developed by the bodybuilder Ambruster that same year, in 1928. The last production limousine, from Cadillac, with forward-facing folding seats was in 1987 (with its Fleetwood 75 Series model), the last Packard in 1954 and the last Lincoln in 1939, although Lincoln has offered limousines through its dealers as special-order vehicles on occasion. Although limousines are most often associated with luxury, status and wealth, this is not always the case.

Thus, someone forgotten by history erected a partition between the driver and the nobleman, thus giving rise to the first horse-drawn limousine. The incorporation of new technologies and different types of vehicles available for stretching has led to an increase in “new style” limousines. As such, according to 1916 definition from Society of Automotive Engineers of United States, a limousine is an enclosed car with three to five seats inside and driver's seat outside. Limousines have come a long way since their inception. From horse-drawn carriages to luxury cars with modern amenities like minibars and sound systems, they have become an integral part of many people's lifestyles. Whether you're planning a wedding or just want to enjoy a night out with friends without worrying about a designated driver, a limousine service is a timeless way to travel in style.