Limousines are a symbol of class and elegance, which is why they are in demand for weddings, proms, and anything else you get dressed up to the nines for. You can easily rent a CT limo for any occasion, and at quite reasonable rates. Here are some facts you might find interesting the next time you find yourself in a limo.
Limousine drivers had cloaks
Back in the day, limousine drivers were not as comfortable as they are today. When the first limousines came out in 1902, the driver sat out in the open. They only had a canopy protecting them from wind and rain. The word “limousine” comes from the Limousin region in France, where the shepherds used cloaks that looked like what limousine drivers had over their heads.
Chauffeurs were stokers
The first limousines were steam driven, just like trains. The chauffeur (which is the French word for “stoker”) had to keep the steam going to keep the limousine running. Now, Michaelslimo.com says limousines in CT have engines that are easier for drivers to manage.
First stretch limousine
Originally, the limousine was a regular sized car. There was a partition separating the driver from the passengers. The first stretch limousine came out in 1928 when the Armbruster Company decided to turn a bus into one. It was popular with musicians during tours because it was roomy, hence the term “band bus” for stretch limos.
Driving Miss Daisy
The limousines are a trademark in the movie Driving Miss Daisy, but the film used the 1949 Hudson Commodore, which is technically not a limousine because there’s no partition between the driver and the passenger.
First air-conditioned cars
It’s not surprising that limousines are the first cars to get air conditioning. Back in 1939, this was no mean feat, but the Packard Motor Car Company saw to it that their well-heeled customers would not sweat it out on their way to a soiree.
The longest limousine
The longest stretch limousine according to the Guinness Book of World Records is 100 feet long with 26 wheels. Owned by Jay Ohrberg of Burbank, California, it features a waterbed and a swimming pool with a diving board. It bends in the middle to make very wide turns.
Hiring a limo for special occasions is a worthy tradition. There’s nothing like it for getting there in style. With the changes over the years, limos are even more convenient these days.