THE HISTORY OF LIMOUSINES

 

Passing a stretch limo on the highway often involves quite a bit of staring. When its you in a limo, it is typically seen as taking an event to the next level. Clearly, there’s something special about these vehicles. However, few of us probably put much thought into how limousines reached the stage they’re in now. As crazy as it might sound, the concept behind limousines actually dates back several hundred years.

Today, we invite you to sit back, relax, and enjoy this brief history of limousines!

French Origins

The very first hint of the limousine concept dates back to the 1700s, though they aren’t at all like what many of us think of upon hearing the word “limo” today. During this time, wealthy individuals got around in covered horse-drawn carriages. Chauffeurs were separated from the passengers, with only a hooded cloak to defend against the elements.

The first automobile limousines originated in 1902, less than two decades after the invention of the first practical automobile. The separate, covered compartment of these early engine-powered limos that the driver sat in was said to resemble a cloak worn by the people of the French region Limousin, leading to the word “limousine.” To this day, we’ve retained the concept of a limousine involving a driver separate from passengers. This partition also allows for passengers partying in the back of limos to consume alcohol legally.

Stretching Out

It wasn’t until 1928 that the “stretch limo” phenomenon really began, when an Arkansas company constructed a longer version of a standard limo. Shortly thereafter, Cadillac chassis were implemented, resulting in a proliferation of longer limousines. These newfangled vehicles were initially known for ferrying musicians and their equipment from gig to gig, leading to the nickname “big band buses.”

As time went on, limousines began to develop more of a reputation for carrying the rich and famous, such as Hollywood stars and politicians. They were also used more frequently for transportation to and from hotels, and on sightseeing tours.

More Recent History

The 1970s saw the stretch limo amassing a reputation as a “funeral car” to transport mourners. This perception gradually shifted to more of the way we think of limousines today, as a means to get several people from place to place in a classy way.

Along with the increased uses for limos came a greater demand. Today, going somewhere in a limousine is far more accessible to the general public than it was in earlier decades. More recent years have seen companies trying to outdo one another by installing ever-more luxurious and outlandish features into their limos.

Lux Limo Fleet

After learning all about the history of limousines, now it’s time to go out and experience how fun they are! Lux Limo is the perfect company to help you turn an ordinary evening into an extraordinary memory. Check out our package tours and book the vehicle of your choice today!

Lux Limo Launches Lux Tours

Wine Tours, Brewery Tours, Distillery Tours

We are proud to announce we now offer daily tours priced per person to the Texas Hill Country. Our vision is to provide affordable ways to enjoy Texas Wine, Beer, and Whiskey in the comfort of a limousine. Many companies are providing shuttle service to these places. In contrast, Lux Tours is offering tours by limousine without having to rent the limo per hour!

Our knowledgeable drivers, combined with our luxurious, highest quality vehicles will make us the leader in Texas tours. Sit back and relax while sipping complimentary sparkling wine in one of our limousines with your closest friends or maybe some new ones. Allow our professional chauffeurs to take you to the areas top wineries. Get ready to experience an overall LUXurious hill country tour. For More info Click Here.

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Lux has a new website

Welcome to the new Lux Limo site. Lux Limo is Headquartered in beautiful Austin Texas and we provides services in Austin, Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Fort Worth, and Nashville Tennessee. Thanks to our extensive network of Lux Limo providers we can also offer transportation services in all 50 states and across the globe. Our site contains tons of helpful information to clue you in on the best kept secrets in choosing a limo service so check back often!

“Lux Limo is more than a car service; it is an extraordinary experience!”
– Shawn McAdams CEO Lux Limo