H2 HUMMER

21st Century Limos…

Here we are in the 21^st Century.  Although we can’t simply say “Beam me up Scotty” or jump into a time machine to get around, the limo industry has made enormous advances in luxury and style.  We are lucky to be living in such a dynamic time in transportation and the mind can only imagine what the next revelation will be.

What would be amazing to those looking forward into the 21st century from a hundred years ago, would be the enormous changes made to current limos in comparison to limo of the 1900′s.  It’s not just cars  and SUVs that are being used as limousines, you will find fire engine limos, ambulance limos, plane limos and even train carriage limos!

When you think of modern limos, several super-stretch street beasts will typically come to mind.  The current H2 and H3 Hummer limos are most popular and fully equipped for a night out with a fully illuminated bar, spacious seating and even a disco dance floor. The Hummer limos even come with bullet proof glass upon request, making them popular with celebrities. If you want to make a statement, an SUV limo is the best choice.

There are however, still many traditional limousines being built today such as Lincoln, Cadillac, Mercedes-Benz and Rolls-Royce. Although they are not as trendy like in the past, they still serve their purpose as luxurious rides for the corporate traveler.

We can hardly wait to see what the upcoming years have in store for the limo industry…

Previous Posts

HISTORY OF LIMOS THROUGH THE 1920s

HISTORY OF LIMOS THROUGH THE 1930s

HISTORY OF LIMOS THROUGH THE 1940s

HISTORY OF LIMOS THROUGH THE 1950s

HISTORY OF LIMOS THROUGH THE 1960s

HISTORY OF LIMOS THROUGH THE 1970s

HISTORY OF LIMOS THROUGH THE 1980s

In the 1980s limousines were reaching a pinnacle stage of bigger is better.  The young and the restless sought after them as a status symbol.  If it wasn’t flashy, it wasn’t popular.

1980 Limousine

Cadillac entered the 1980′s with a new approach to the look of their vehicles. The 1980s Cadillac limousines had a large easily recognizable Cadillac grille, horizontal headlamps and a new rear bumper and deck face. This new sleek, stylish and modern look continued through the 1980′s Cadillac Fleetwoods.

The Fleetwoods were considered informal limousines as they did not have the glass passenger-driver divider and other specific details. They were luxurious limousines in every other way with all of the interior and exterior features expected to be equipped in a limousine.  The Fleetwood limousines were over 23 feet long and were generally used in

Towards the end of the 1970s, the LTD by Ford was made shorter; however, the interior was just as spacious. This reduction in size and bulk meant this luxury Ford was more fuel economic and handled much better, while the smoothness of the ride was considerably improved. These luxury Fords were offered in the early ‘80s with a bigger and more efficient engine.

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Now with the popularity of limousines at an all time high, the industry saw substantial increase in coachbuilders and demand from the everyday consumer.

An innovative New Yorker, David Klein saw a world which had embraced limousines as a regular mode of transportation to strut in style and therefore became a common sight around town.

1970 LIMO ADS

Klein received his big break into the luxury car hire industry during the taxi strike in New York in 1970.The strike was paralyzing for the local business people. The upper street side executives couldn’t get around which led to an amazing opportunity.

Mr. Klein took to the streets and began offering rides to these stranded executives and never stopped. His bold personality and knack for opportunity lead to the streets of NY filled with limousines.

Klein launched his business with a school friend with only one used Cadillac. By the 1980s his business was booming and was approached by another limousine operator Solombrino who had also started with one car, run from his parent’s garage. Solombrino approached Klein and was taken into the company. The business exploded with new clientele all over the city.

As you would expect out of the 1970s, limos grew in length, size and popularity. They came with extra TVs, drinks, bars, sound systems, lights and mirrors.  Limos grew to sizes that reached over 17 extra feet.  It was the disco era…you can only imagine what went on in the back of a limousine. Just ask the legandary Austin Powers.

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With the sexiness of the limousine becoming more and more popular and the increase usage by celebrities and world leaders, more and more limo coachbuilders began to emerge.

Limousines began to emerge anywhere and everywhere a celebrity appeared.  Even if it wasn’t always the best scenario…For example, Keith Moon, the drummer from The Who celebrated his birthday during the band’s tour of the US in 1967. After a night of partying, the police were dispatched to the hotel and Moon tried to escape in the band’s limousine. Moon jumped into the limo naked with no keys, took off the handbrake and rolled the limousine into the pool! Moon was charged with the damages to the vehicle.

1960 LIMO AD

In 1960, Daimler Chrysler was acquired by Jaguar and the last run of the Daimler vehicles were still sold with the Daimler brand. One such Daimler vehicle was the DR450, a limo version of the Majestic Manor but with a larger chassis and a taller roof. Over 800 of these limousines were made until 1968 when production ceased. In 1968 the DS420 limousine was launched with Jaguars ensignia.

The Daimler Chrysler Imperial series became a more conservative model in the 1960′s compared to its earlier models in the ‘50s. In 1960 Daimler hired Elwood Engel to design their new lines of luxury vehicles. Elwood’s limousine designs of the 1960′s had more angular bodies but still maintained a more conservative style.

In 1967 a breakthrough in the Imperial body style was introduced which was different from all other cars in production at the time. These Imperials were a standout due to their smoothness, drivability, style and strength.

Next: HISTORY OF LIMOS THROUGH THE 1960s

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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The luxury car and limousine industry was at a stand still.  With a major recovery from the Depression and a World War at hand, only they extremely rich and famous could afford a stylish mode of travel.  The average household would just have to wait for their luxury ride.

These double blows to the industry meant that many limo manufacturers who had survived the Depression were put completely out of business by the war. Limo manufacturer Isotta Fraschini, who developed luxury limousines in the 1920s, only put out 5 units at the end of the war and was forced to cancel production.

1940 LIMO AD

Although times were tough, there was still activity around the world.  Detroit started to emerge as a force in the luxury car and limousine business.

Cadillac was also one of the stronger luxury car manufacturers to come out of the 1930′s and ‘40′s and their 1939 Cadillac 60 Special was a huge favorite of actress Betty Grable. Betty loved her Cadillac limousine to travel through the streets of Hollywood in the 1940′s as well as being chauffeured in it to her movie premieres.

The Cadillac Series seventy was in production from 1936 through to 1976 and was Cadillac’s only premier full sized V8-powered car from the 1930s to the ‘50s. The short wheelbase in the Series 70 was replaced in 1941 by the Series 62. The Series 75 made a comeback after the war and was Cadillac’s largest model.

In the 1940′s not only did everyone notice the limousines around town, they would also pay close attention to who was riding in them.  Even the chauffeurs got involved in the hoopla by designing specialized uniforms and strategic methods of entrance and exit.

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Growth of limos in the 30s

In the 1930’s Limousines started to become very popular. They were used for all types of special events and large group travel.  They also became popular with hotels and airport charters.

Thus, the name “Airporter Stretch Coach” was born. With the growing popularity of vehicles, the movie industry jumped on board the limo ride. During that time, limousines became a common accessory for movie actors, actresses and film crews. To increase your status of being “rich”, it became important for you to been seen in a limo.

1937 LIMOUSINE

1930′s Limos…

The 1930′s Depression was a rough time for the car and limo industry around the world.

Isotta Fraschini (a luxury car manufacturer) who made cars for the wealthy middle classes of America in the 1920′s was hit hard by the economic crisis of the 1930′s. The effects of World War II also contributed to the slowed and eventually stopped production of their luxury cars and limousines.

With any new development, there were a number of manufacturers who popped up and tried to create a bigger and better product. This was especially true for the limo industry during the 1930′s.  Several limo companies emerged but quickly closed or had to sell with the severe impact of the Depression. One of the few limo manufactures that survived, was Cadillac who went on to be the only regular domestic producer of limos.

Many of the limos created in the 1930s are now highly sought after as collectors’ items and wedding cars.

For example, the 1932 MAYBACH DS 8 Zeplins were one of the most luxurious vehicles around in the 1930′s. The steering was a bit tough and heavy but for the passengers, the ride was perfect.

The rear passenger compartment was fitted out with wood, chrome and leather. The wooden dashboard was still stylish but not too over the top.  This elegance is recognized today by car enthusiasts and admirers all over the world.

Cadillac also created some very stylish limos which have are still being used as wedding cars in today’s wedding industry. These CADILLAC LIMOUSINES include the 1939 Cadillac 60 Special which could chauffeur two passengers at a time. These cars were a popular choice due to the extra leg room and spacious interiors.

Despite the economic trouble in the 1930′s, the limousine industry continued on.  Although they were far fewer in numbers, the rich and celebrities still found away to ride around in luxury and style.

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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. 

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