The History of the Limousine

Limousine, as a word, is derived from the French region of Limoges. The words "limousin and limousine" are the masculine and feminine adjectives to describe someone or something indigenous to that particular region. Because the early limousine drivers sat under a roof of sorts outside of the limousine, it is believed that people thought the cubbyhole looked like the hood of the cloak worn by habitants of Limoges, therefore using the adjective "limousine".

Early limousines that were not motorized luxury vehicles were actually fancy carriages, sometimes encrusted in gold, always with a driver in his own compartment, that carried the wealthy to and fro. The less opulent limos used by commoners were plain basic wagons. Once motorized limousines became available, the drivers still sat up front outside of the actual vehicle under a roof of his own.

Interestingly, the first stretch limo manufactured in the US was not necessarily a car of the rich. It served a vital purpose to orchestras and bands that traveled throughout the country playing in different cities. The limos were big enough to carry equipment, instruments and people. Further, the original US stretch limo, designed by an Arkansas company, in 1928, was referred to as a bus since it traveled long distances and carried cargo.

Throughout the 1930s, hotels began to order limos to transport their guests to and from the airport as well as on guided tours. Again, the limo was used as a type of bus, a practical purpose rather than wealth. Another use of the limousine that became popularized throughout North America was the use of the vehicles by funeral homes. The limousine provided a convenient way to transport the family of the deceased from the funeral home to the cemetery. One probably would not find any funeral home today which does not own at least one limo.

Film producing companies also saw the need for limos to carry their props and people from set to set. But quickly, movie stars found it glamorous to arrive at special functions in privately driven limousines. Once this happened, it became a sign of wealth and prestige to own a chauffeur-driven limousine. As result, the 1960s and 1970s saw an influx of companies manufacturing their own design of limousine.

Moreover, armored limousines became commonplace to ferry diplomats, dignitaries and heads of state. Although not as popular as they once were, convertible limousines were used as well. In place of the convertible styling, many limos now have sunroofs that can be opened as requested.

Indeed, limousines tended to be associated with the rich and famous. Celebrities and CEOs had private drivers that indicated their perceived upper class positions. Although people who own limousines still tend to be the rich who can afford the cars, limousines are used today by a variety of social classes for a multitude of reasons. More common examples are:

• groups who wish to avoid drinking and driving,
• wedding couples who must transport a large group of people,
• and young persons who are graduating and do not drive.