Limousines are a luxurious and stylish mode of transportation that at one time could only be afforded by the likes of the rich and the famous. However nowadays limousine hire has become much more affordable and easier to find, due to the fact that more and more budding entrepreneurs are beginning to jump on the band wagon and take advantage of this popular and profitable business venture.
We would all recognise a limo when we see one and for most us we have had the pleasure of riding in one too, but did you know that the limousine has been around since the early 20th century?
Back in the day limousines were smaller, less luxurious carriages that were powered by horses or even steam engines and required the services of a professional driver (A Chauffeur) to drive their wealthy passengers safely to their destinations. The word "Limousine" originated from the Limousine region of France where shepherds would use an over-sized, hooded garment to protect themselves from the weather. The drivers of automobiles later used such a garment as they sat in the open and exposed cockpits, whilst their master and owner of the vehicle rode in luxury in the rear seats.
The first stretched limousine was created back in 1928, in Forth Smith, Arkansas in the United States by a coach company called Armbruster. It was primarily designed to carry famous "big band" leaders like Glenn Miller and Benny Goodman, and also transported orchestras and all their musical equipment across the US. As a result, the early stretch cars were referred to as "big band buses".
During the 1930s and 40s saw the arrival of the "Airporter Stretched Coaches" which were used all over America by hotels, airports and tour companies. By this time the stretch limousine was a "must have" by all Hollywood film stars and were also used to transport cast, film crew and stage personnel around studios to different sets.
In the 1960s and 70s limousines became an increasingly popular mode of transport for American presidents and movie stars. As a result of the increase in popularity, more and more companies began to build custom made Limousines to suit the demand.
Whether it's your birthday, wedding, anniversary or even a corporate event, today's Stretch Limousines can be used for any purpose to make any occasion or day one to remember. The skies really are the limit!