The Twists and Turns of Limousine History
Limousines started as horse-drawn carriages in which the driver chauffeured its occupants to their destination. Unlike some other carriage configurations, these early versions of the limousine featured a driver’s compartment that was completely separated from that of the passengers. These early luxury vehicles started appearing around the 1700s, and often featured elaborate moldings and lots of gold accents. As the motorized vehicle was introduced and became more popular, the design of limousines changed and adapted.
The Move to Motorized Vehicles
Built in 1902, the first limousine automobile featured the notable design in which the driver sat separately from the passengers. He was protected by a covered compartment that was similar visually to the hooded cloaks worn by the shepherds of Limousin, an area in France. Alternatively, some drivers might have worn a cloak designed much like those of the shepherds in order to be protected from the weather. This association soon gave rise to the name of limousines for these vehicles.
Varied Limousines Designs and Phrases
The Society of Automobile Engineers sought to differentiate between those limousines whose driver compartments were covered and those which were open. In 1916, it declared that a brougham referred to a compartment that is open while a berline was defined as a limousine with a completely enclosed driver compartment. Traditionally, limousines featured two jump seats which were located behind the driver and faced the rear of the car. These seats — which accommodated up to five additional people — could be folded up out of the way when they were not being used. Today, in the United States and a number of German-speaking countries , a stretch limousine is typically thought of as a vehicle with an elongated wheelbase. It usually features at least two rows of seats that face each other in the passenger area and plenty of legroom.
Historically Reserved for VIPs
Throughout their history, the use of limousines has historically been reserved for VIPs. Armbruster, a coach company based in Fort Smith, Arkansas, manufactured the first stretch limo in 1928. These vehicles were often called “big band buses” because they were used to transport the leaders of big band music — such as Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller and their contemporaries — from their hotel rooms to their speaking engagements, interviews and gigs. In addition to these top names in the music field, limousines were used to deliver the band members as well as all their equipment, wherever they were needed. In the past, large corporations also maintained a fleet of limousines in which to ferry around their visiting dignitaries and important investors.
