History of Limousines
In 1889, the first limousine car was introduced in Paris, France. The word "limousine" actually comes from the French word “limousin”, which was an ancient province full of farmland and shepherds.
Development of Limousines
The first automotive limousine was created in 1902, but it wasn’t until 1928 that the first "stretch limousine" was developed by a company called Armbruster from Arkansas. Their 12-passenger people movers were used by hotels, taxis, airlines, corporations, and tour companies.
Limousines Through the Ages
Limousines have been around since the 1700s when horse-drawn carriages transported the wealthy to and from their destinations. From the start, limousines have been directly tied to the rich and famous.
Origin of the Term
The word “limousine” comes from the French region Limousin. Local residents there wore very distinctive hoods and cloaks to protect them from the elements. When automakers created the limousine, intended to carry wealthy VIPs in luxury, only the passenger compartments were fully enclosed. Many remarked that the enclosures looked an awful lot like the Limousin cloak.