Looking what is the history of stretch limousine and how the stretch limousine has developed over the years, it is interesting to note the early models. The stretch limo can be described as more than just the right car to transport people from one place to another.
It is a status symbol of prestige and class. But how did this elongated vehicle, which now symbolizes comfort and luxury, originate?
Although the limousine today is associated with modernity, the origin of limousine was established in the 1700s, when the original old Limousines were basically horse-drawn carriages used by the upper class.
These early history of stretch limousine were luxurious carriages or vehicles that could be coated in gold, and the driver was separated from the passengers through a separate compartment.
Interestingly, the word limousine was derived from the word Limoges, a city in France well known for its fabulous work. The driver of the carriage was enclosed in a shelter that resembled the hood that shepherds of the Limoges used. This is where the term ‘limousine meaning’ evolved into what we today know.
The First Automobile Limousines
From horse-drawn carriages to limousine cars with engines, this came about in 1902 when the first automobile limousine was introduced. But, as you would expect, these early limousines retained the idea of separating the driver from the passengers in the vehicle.
Even after cars replaced horses, the definition of limo remained the same the driver’s compartment separated from the passenger cabin.
The Birth of the Stretch Limousine
The first stretch limousine was manufactured in Arkansas in 1928 and was given the specific purpose of transporting famous band leaders and their orchestras.
These vehicles were referred to as ‘big band buses’ basically because they offered an adequate amount of space to carry not only the musicians, but also their instruments throughout the United States.
Stretch limos are one of the few types of motor vehicles that can claim that the bandleader Benny Goodman was among the early adopters of this type of car, influencing the image of stretch limos in the entertainment industry.
History of Stretch Limousine in 1930s
The 1930s limousine was an important step forward. They used limousines to transport guests in and out of the airport as well as on sightseeing, which gave them the tag of the “Airporter Stretch Coach”.
Hollywood did not take long to notice this, and the 1930s limousine became associated with movie stars. It also helps that the cars have been in use in the shape and form of limousines for directors and producers while moving the film crews around the sets.
At this time, there were further developments in limousine types as the six-door limousine was used mainly as a funeral car. Based on the Cadillac chassis, these models were appreciated for carrying more passengers, with style and comfort.
Modern Stretch Limousines: Limousine vs Stretch Limousine
The main difference between a standard limousine vs stretch limousine is in the size and the number of people that can be accommodated in one limo.
Whereas standard limousines have a lavish look and feel, stretch limousines provide much more space and are ideal for large groups, weddings, parties, or any event where comfort and luxury matter.
How long are limousines today? The current stretch limos can range to certain lengths but standard stretch limos come between 30 and 40 feet to accommodate 8-20 passengers.
In the past few years, the interiors of the limousines have become far more luxurious and these are some of the features that have made their way into the cars; leather seats, plasma screens, strobe lights, fiber optic lighting systems, and sometimes bars.
The Rise of Stretch Limousines and Their Popularity
As for the history of stretch limousine, they became popular in the middle of the Twentieth century. In the 1960s and 1970s, it became more and more common to stretch old limos even more, up to 33 inches on average, to accommodate more people.
Limousines have become more technologically enhanced in the course of the eighties and nineties having customized gadgets that may include TVs and and easily moving floors for dancing.
Modern limousine cars are mostly used for corporate transport and as partying buses as well and are thus one of the longest-serving symbols of style.
The Legacy of Limousines Today
However, the transportation industry still relies on stretch limousines. The limousine’s meaning has changed over time, but the limousine has always been a symbol of luxury and exclusivity. Whereas today Limo Wikipedia entries are likely to indicate their use in modern times for glamorous weddings, corporate events, and prom nights.
Delta Worldwide Limo NYC also diversified into other classes of services including wine tours and night outs, that show the level of luxury and comfort of limousine.
Limousines are a status symbol from the origin of limousine as a horse-drawn carriage to the high-tech marvels we see today. This limousine background has aristocratic roots in French and Hollywood glamour, but it works for all industries.
The stretch limousine is widely regarded as the ultimate in luxury transportation and is used for Weddings a night out on the town, or to walk into a gala.
Conclude the History of Stretch Limousine
History of Stretch Limousine is a story of evolution, of change, from the humble horse-drawn carriage of the past to the high-tech vehicle of the elite.
No matter you are riding in a 1930s kind of limousine or in a modern stretch limo, it has always been equivalent to prestige, comfort, and style.
The limousine cars that are capturing our imagination are an important part of the evolving future of transportation.
FAQs: History of Stretch Limousine
What is the origin of the word ‘limousine’?
Limousine is an English word that has its origin from the French word meaning a luxury car, the word was derived from the city of Limoges in France. The chauffeur of the first horse-drawn carriages covered the upper part of the carriage, which resembled the shepherd hood in the Limoges area and thus was coined as the limousine.
What were the first limousines?
In the 1700s, the upper class used the first horse-drawn limousines. Today’s limousines still bear the marks of such design, that is the driver sat in a separate compartment.
What is the history of stretch limousine?
Stretch limousines can be traced back to 1928, in the state of Arkansas. Originally they were built for famous band leaders and their orchestras and were called big band buses because of their impressive size.
What is the difference between a standard limousine and a stretch limousine?
The most significant difference is based on size. In most cases, standard limousines are elegant, while stretched-out limousines provide a little more space due to their increased size and are suitable for one or several groups of people, like at weddings or parties.
How long are modern stretch limousines?
Stretch limousines vary in length from 30 to 40 feet and offer a seating capacity of 8-20 passengers.
