HISTORY OF LIMOS THROUGH THE 1950s

1950s Limos…

Still in recovery mode from the Depression and the World War, limousines quickly emerged as the primary form of transportation for well known politicians and newly evolving Rock stars of the time.

Elvis Presley has been documented for his well known love of limousines and was also known to give away a Cadillac limo to people who left a positive impression on him after meeting them. In 1955, Presley gave a convertible to Sam Phillips, the Sun Records chief, now that’s a gift!

1950 LIMO AD

From 1925 into the late 1950s, The Dutch Royal family switched vehicle styles and utilized the Cadillac limousine as their primary mode of transportation.

With limousines being a new gift of the rich; Stalin gave Mao Zedong (5) bullet proof limousines in the q950′s. Zedong loved his new limos and used them often. This began jealousy in the other members of the Party and so 100 Chinese versions of the limousine were handmade for the entire country’s leadership.

Before his death, Mao Zedong designed the construction of a ten meter, six door, mega limousine which was to include a fridge, TV, phone, desk, double bed and sofa. Zedong wanted to promote the Chinese car industry but died before the car had a chance to be manufactured.

Limousines were becoming a regular mode of transport in the 1950′s: They developed the name, “LAND YACHT” due to their size and extensive features. Many limousine companies made their mark in the 1950′s.

1950s Limos Created…

Some of the most stylish limousines ever to be built came in the post war boom. Specialized models such as the Mercedes Benz could seat up to four passengers comfortably. Many of these Mercedes-Benz limousines were built for heads of state. These limousines had removable windows which were often utilized for weddings.

1950 LIMOUSINE AD

In the early 1950s, Daimler Chrysler produced a number of luxurious show cars commissioned by the then Chairman, Sir Bernard Docker. These vehicles assisted in establishing the companies profile.

The first show car was a luxurious touring limousine called the Golden Daimler created in 1952, followed by the 1953 Blue Clover coupe, the Silver Flash based on the three litre Regency chassis and the 1954 Stardust. Although the Daimler limos were favored by Royalty, the Rolls Royce soon surpassed them as the preferred vehicle choice.

Chrysler’s model the Imperial was keeping pace with Cadillac and Lincoln. In 1955 Chrysler unveiled its Forward Look Styling by Virgil Exner and it set the tone and style of the Imperials into the ‘60s. Redesigning it’s models every two to three years, assisted their name and reputation for always having the latest and most innovative vehicles.

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