Why The Limousine Is A Classic, Special Event Car
It's not every day that you get to ride in a limo, let alone have a limousine as your own! That's why it's important to know the history of these classic cars and why they're still so special today. So buckle up and prepare to learn more about the limousine!
A classic, black town car has been synonymous with luxury since the early 20th century. But while they may look similar on the outside, there are actually many different types of vehicles that fall under this category. And even if you’ve never ridden in one before, chances are you’ve seen one in Hollywood blockbuster or at prom.
Whether you’re interested in learning the history of limos or want to know what makes limousines so special, we’ve got you covered!
Where does the term "limousine" come from?
The term limousine comes from the name of a type of carriage that was popular in the 19th century. According to Merriam-Webster, the original definition was "a horse-drawn, electrically powered motor vehicle with a closed body and seats for four or more passengers." Today, however, it has evolved into a long black car that has capacity for six to eight passengers. It's also characterized by a lengthened wheel base and large roof.
In an article for the Early Modern History of Limousines, author Mark Essig states that the car creates an aura of luxury and power. He also suggests that this is somewhat ironic considering that a limo's origin is linked to a working class vehicle.
How did limos become popular?
The first use of a motorized limo was in 1902 when New York City engineer and auto maker, Frank Duryea developed what he called the "motor wagon." While it wasn't exactly sleek or glamorous, it was one of the first vehicles equipped with an engine that could be used as a limousine. It also marked the beginning of mass production as well as affordable cars to many Americans.
By 1910, more than 10,000 limos were on the road across the country. And while Alfred Sloan of General Motors made these cars available to America's wealthy elite, they soon became a popular form of transportation for everyone. In the 1920s, limousines became a mainstay of business and social life as well as formal carriages.
In 1930s and 1940s, car makers continued to create elegant cars to meet public demand. In addition to luxury cars like Cadillac’s Fleetwood and Lincoln’s Town Car , they also introduced more affordable models like what would later be known as the Crown Victoria or even with names like Imperial or Biscayne.
At a time when gas prices were high and the country was at war, fuel economy and practicality became important to buyers. While they may have been a little utilitarian, these cars helped make travel affordable for many Americans.
How is limousine different from a town car?
While there are similarities, there are also some key distinctions between a limo and a town car. For one thing, they're not exactly alike in size! The first term usually refers to vehicles that have seating capacity for eight people. That means that it will be up to about 6 feet (2 meters) longer than your average sedan.
It also differs in its engine. A limousine will often come equipped with a larger, more powerful engine and might even be built to meet different safety standards than a typical sedan.
While both are equipped with features like climate control, Ethernet ports and DVD players, limos are outfitted with more luxurious amenities. All of this adds up to one thing: cost! Both types of cars are quite expensive but limos rank as the most expensive class of vehicles on the road today.
Where are limos most commonly used?
The most popular use for limousines is in special events! From weddings to proms and even corporate events, these vehicles are the epitome of luxury for all occasions. As a matter of fact, about 25 percent of limousine rentals happen during these sorts of events.
Limos can also be used as a sensible alternative to high gas prices or public transportation if your group is too big to fit into a taxi or bus. Gatherings like that in New York City have prompted many limo companies to increase their vehicles' capacity. And while they resemble sports cars, the increase in seats for six passengers means they are eligible for use by the elderly and disabled.
What do limos do besides make people feel special?
Limos are also great for business and social occasions. For instance, you can use them as a sort of branded taxi service that you can rent out at extra cost to your customers. This model is especially popular in New York City because of its high cost of living and what some call "the deep freeze" winter season.
For your customers, limos can be a fun way of traveling to and from work or meeting. They're also great if you'd like to seat the most important people in your life together on special occasions.
And for many businesses like restaurants, limos can be a cost-effective method of transportation for large groups. It's an even better option, if you live in an area where cabs are rare or even non-existent!
Do limos come in different styles?
In addition to special events and business use, both firms and individuals can opt for limousines for everyday use too. This is often useful when there are high gas prices and employees have long commutes. For example, many New Yorkers work in the finance sector and rely on public transport to get around. By opting for a limo, they can save both time and money with luxury amenities.
The type of limos available vary by style and price. There are some models that will seat nine people or more while others have an extra partition or a small bar area. These options cost more than the standard version, but they're also often reserved for business and special occasions.
What features do limos have?
All limos come equipped with seatbelts and airbags as well as luxury seating like leather seats or power recliners.
Conclusion
If you're looking for the most luxurious ride around, consider a limousine service. If you need to accommodate a group of people, they can be an affordable option in some areas. And if your company offers special services like taxi service or food delivery, think about incorporating a limo into your fleet! They might not be for everyone but they do have their uses and are quite popular at all sorts of events.
Sources:
http://www.thecarconnection.com/limo-reviews/limousine-history-and-facts-about-luxury-sedans_VID582788_REV0_SID16558480/
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