The History of the Limousine: From Its Origins to Today
10 December 2018
Have you ever wondered about the history of the limousine? How did we go from simple personal carriages to the stretched limousines we see today? It’s something many of us take for granted, but limousines actually date back hundreds of years.
As you’ll see, the first limousines were quite different from the ones you’re used to now. From carrying just a few passengers to seating over a dozen, limousines have evolved in ways their original creators probably never imagined. The best part is they’ll continue to change and become even more luxurious in the years ahead.
As you’ll see, the first limousines were quite different from the ones you’re used to now. From carrying just a few passengers to seating over a dozen, limousines have evolved in ways their original creators probably never imagined. The best part is they’ll continue to change and become even more luxurious in the years ahead.
The Birth of a Name
If you’re like us, you’ve probably wondered where the word “limousine” comes from. After all, why not just call it a long car? The term actually comes from the French city of Limoges in the Limousin region. Locals there often wore hooded cloaks that resembled the covered structure of early limousines. It seems the limo took its name from a city full of cloak-wearers.
Limousines and Their Link to Wealth and Fame
Of course, there’s more to the story. Limousines date back to the 1700s, when horse-drawn carriages ferried the wealthy to and from their destinations. The driver was left outside the carriage, exposed to the elements, his only protection a cloak called a limousine.
From the very start, limousines were associated with the rich and famous. The expense of your own driver, horses, and covered carriage was a clear indicator of wealth—a status symbol that set one class apart from another. Limousines remain linked to luxury today, but they’re far more accessible than they were in the 1700s. After all, renting a limo wasn’t exactly an option back then.
From the very start, limousines were associated with the rich and famous. The expense of your own driver, horses, and covered carriage was a clear indicator of wealth—a status symbol that set one class apart from another. Limousines remain linked to luxury today, but they’re far more accessible than they were in the 1700s. After all, renting a limo wasn’t exactly an option back then.
The First Motorized Limousines
Even with the first motorized limousines, the driver still had to sit outside. In 1902, the practice continued: the vehicle featured two separate compartments, much like its horse-drawn predecessors. The driver’s compartment was open to the weather, while passengers enjoyed a fully enclosed cabin. This division marked the beginning of the classic limo layout, and drivers still faced the elements, making it a tough job.
Until the 1920s, limousines weren’t significantly larger than ordinary cars—the main distinction was the dual compartments. Then, in 1928, everything changed with the birth of the stretch limousine. Armbruster of Fort Smith, Arkansas, decided to lengthen a vehicle to better accommodate large bands and all their equipment, and the limo’s story was forever altered.
Who first owned this new version? Two bands set the standard: Glenn Miller and the Benny Goodman Orchestra. It wasn’t long before others followed. By the 1930s, people recognized how useful limousines were for shuttling guests between airports and hotels.
Until the 1920s, limousines weren’t significantly larger than ordinary cars—the main distinction was the dual compartments. Then, in 1928, everything changed with the birth of the stretch limousine. Armbruster of Fort Smith, Arkansas, decided to lengthen a vehicle to better accommodate large bands and all their equipment, and the limo’s story was forever altered.
Who first owned this new version? Two bands set the standard: Glenn Miller and the Benny Goodman Orchestra. It wasn’t long before others followed. By the 1930s, people recognized how useful limousines were for shuttling guests between airports and hotels.
Evolution of Luxury
Of course, limousines have grown since then. Their spacious interiors and luxury status made them favorites of musicians, actors, and the wealthy. In the ’60s and ’70s, they stretched even further—most famously with President John F. Kennedy’s 1961 Lincoln Continental. The ’80s and ’90s then rendered earlier limousine history almost trivial, as models ballooned in size and added the amenities we know today—audio systems, video, lighting, phones, and more. Incredible features like helipads and even swimming pools debuted with the American Dream limousine.
Continuing the Journey
The history of limousines advances with every new innovation. From horse-drawn carriages carrying three to five passengers to massive SUV limousines seating at least twenty, limousines have come a long way. As companies strive to create unique vehicles with breathtaking features, it seems history is made every year. That’s why it’s so important to customize your limos—to make passengers feel like they’re stepping into the future, not the past.
At Ghisu Car Rental, we understand this. We always offer our clients the latest technology and comforts to make your experience truly one-of-a-kind. Contact us for a personalized quote.
Continuing the Journey
The history of limousines advances with every new innovation. From horse-drawn carriages carrying three to five passengers to massive SUV limousines seating at least twenty, limousines have come a long way. As companies strive to create unique vehicles with breathtaking features, it seems history is made every year. That’s why it’s so important to customize your limos—to make passengers feel like they’re stepping into the future, not the past.
At Ghisu Car Rental, we understand this. We always offer our clients the latest technology and comforts to make your experience truly one-of-a-kind. Contact us for a personalized quote.
Car fleet
Choose the car you need for your event and book it instantly with one click
Ghisu Autonoleggio Luxury Rent
© 2025 Copyright Ghisu Autonoleggio
Discover the best car rental management software for your business.
Discover the best car rental management software for your business.
06.45.11.357
06.41.79.21.89
06.41.79.21.89
Via Filippo Meda, 183
00157 – Roma
Fermata Metro Monti Tiburtini
00157 – Roma
Fermata Metro Monti Tiburtini
Hours
Mon–Fri: 9:00-13:00/15:00-19:30
Saturday: 9:00/19:30
Sunday: 9:00/13:00
Mon–Fri: 9:00-13:00/15:00-19:30
Saturday: 9:00/19:30
Sunday: 9:00/13:00
Contacts
info@ghisu-autonoleggio.com
info@ghisu-autonoleggio.com
Phone
