Early Stages
Since the 1700s
The concept of a chauffeured vehicle has been in around since the early 1700’s. Developed for the wealthy, they started as horse drawn carriages, pulled by only the finest of animals.
Where does the word limousine come from? The word limousine is the feminine adjective formed from the word “Limoges” which is the province in France. Yes, the FRENCH started it all!
The most important feature which separates a limousine or horse drawn carriage is that a the chauffeured compartment is separate from the passenger compartment.
The engine powered limo
In 1902 the first automobile limo was designed. The driver had to sit outside under a covered compartment. This covered compartment resembled the cloak hood worn by those that resided in French province of Limoges.
The first stretch limo
1929 Packard Limousine
The first manufactured stretch limousine was created in Arkansas in 1928. They were often called “big band buses” because they were used to transport famous big band leaders across the USA.
By the early 1920′s the limousine was asserting its position as one of the most luxurious modes of travel.
Luxury car builders such as, LeBaron, Fleetwood, Fisher, Vanden Plas, Judkins, Dietrich, Willoughby, Derham, Locke, and Brunn were receiving huge recognition for their new models of limos. Everyone knew these vehicles were in a class of their own.
Limo pioneer JP Carey noticed in New York, many people could not wait to take advantage of a chauffeured limo. Carey realized that visitors to this booming city wanted to travel in style. Carey used the most luxurious and expensive cars on the market at the time, Packards and Cadillacs to launch his multi-million dollar limousine empire still moving forward today.
Isotta Fraschini also recognized the growth of this industry and met that with the development of deluxe limousines. The Isotta Fraschini limousines were used by film stars such as Clara Bow and Rodolfo Valentino. His limousines were even featured in the famous 1950′s film, Sunset Boulevard.
By the 1920′s, the automobile limousine was an accepted mode of transport for all types of special events. This led to the development of a funeral car called the hearse. The styling of hearses were made to mimic the body of limousines of the time. This demonstrates that limousines were being adopted not only by the rich and famous as their transport, but were also being recognized for their stylish presence as versatile mode of travel.
Next: HISTORY OF LIMOS THROUGH THE 1930s
The limo is a modern day horse and cart for the elite, although now many limo hire services are very affordable for things like birthdays and special events.