Luxury Airport Pickup Vancouver

Luxury Airport Pickup Vancouver

Luxury Limousine Rental

To ensure these moments stick with you, take plenty of photos and videos.

Limousine Rental

  1. Luxury Limousine Rental
  2. Luxury Airport Pickup
  3. Luxury Ride Share
  4. Executive Car Service
  5. High-End Chauffeur
  6. Luxury Corporate Travel
  7. Limousine Rental
  8. Private Airport Transfer
  9. Luxury Car Hire
  10. Executive Chauffeur
  11. Luxury Transportation Company
  12. Private Event Transportation
  13. VIP Airport Pickup
  14. Executive Transportation
  15. Private Luxury Car
  16. Luxury Travel Transportation
  17. Luxury Car Service
  18. Luxury Transfer Service
  19. Luxury Limousine
  20. Private SUV Transportation
Booking your luxury private transportation with Banff Transport is a straightforward process, ensuring you'll smoothly transition from planning to traveling. Every vehicle is maintained to the highest standards, ensuring that it arrives in pristine condition, ready to whisk you away without a hitch. So, for those looking for a travel experience that combines luxury with reliability, Banff Transport is the clear choice. Learn more about Luxury Airport Pickup Vancouver here You'll find plush, reclining seats that offer the perfect balance of support and comfort, allowing you to relax or nap as the landscape rolls by.
Don't hesitate to specify any special requests you might've at this stage.

High-End Chauffeur

  1. Private SUV Transportation
  2. Luxury Van Service
  3. Luxury Event Transportation
  4. Luxury Sedan Service
  5. Private Car Service
  6. Business Executive Shuttle
  7. Luxury Fleet
  8. Private Chauffeured Van
  9. Luxury Hotel Shuttle
  10. Luxury Chauffeur Service
  11. Luxury Prom Limo
  12. Luxury Airport Shuttle
  13. Corporate Shuttle
  14. Luxury Party Bus
  15. VIP Travel Service
After submitting your details, you'll receive a confirmation of your booking. Banff Transport offers convenient downtown pickup points, ensuring you're never far from starting your luxury journey. Luxury Car Service With a keen eye for detail, these chauffeurs ensure every aspect of your ride is tailored to your preferences, from the temperature inside the vehicle to the route taken.

Luxury Ride Share

  • Luxury City Tour
  • Luxury Ground Transportation
  • Private VIP Car Service
  • Luxury SUV Rental
  • Premium Limo Service
  • Luxury Hotel Transfer
  • Private Limo
  • Private Chauffeur
  • Luxury Town Car
  • Airport Transfer
  • Private Event Transportation
  • VIP Airport Pickup
  • Executive Transportation
  • Private Luxury Car
  • Luxury Travel Transportation
  • Luxury Car Service
  • Luxury Transfer Service
  • Luxury Limousine
  • Private SUV Transportation
  • Luxury Van Service

Most luxury transportation services offer online booking platforms, allowing you to arrange your transfer from the comfort of your home. Think leather seats, climate control, ample space for luggage, and, most importantly, privacy. Now that you've experienced the unmatched comfort and elegance of our service, let's take your journey further by exploring Vancouver in style. To uncover how such a service can transform your trip from ordinary to extraordinary, let's explore the elements that make this journey worth considering further.
With an impressive fleet at your disposal and exclusive member benefits that enrich every trip, there's much to explore. For those who need to stay connected on the go, Wi-Fi and charging ports are at your fingertips. Opt for electric buses available for public transport within the park. Learn more about Banff Transport here. From the soft leather seats that hug your form to the climate control that ensures the atmosphere is just right, we've thought of everything to make your travel experience as pleasant as possible.

Whether you're seeking a one-time pickup for a special occasion or need regular transport services for business, there's a tailored option just for you.

VIP Airport Pickup

  • High-End Shuttle
  • Luxury City Tour
  • Luxury Ground Transportation
  • Private VIP Car Service
  • Luxury SUV Rental
  • Premium Limo Service
  • Luxury Hotel Transfer
  • Private Limo
  • Private Chauffeur
  • Luxury Town Car
  • Airport Transfer
  • Executive Car Service
  • High-End Chauffeur
  • Luxury Corporate Travel
  • Limousine Rental
  • Private Airport Transfer
  • Luxury Car Hire
With us, you're not just a passenger; you're a co-creator of your adventure. While the luxury of Banff Transport's vehicles sets a high bar, it's the professionalism and expertise of their chauffeurs that truly complete your premium travel experience. You'll find that our luxury private transportation service spans major cruise terminals and ferry ports across the globe, ensuring you're covered wherever your travels may take you.

It's not just travel; it's an indulgence in luxury and comfort, designed just for you. Choosing luxury travel, you're not just paying for comfort; you're investing in an unparalleled, stress-free experience from Vancouver to Banff. Building on the variety of our luxurious fleet, we also offer exclusive in-ride amenities designed to enhance your travel experience further.

You're free to customize your itinerary, choose your stops, and control the ambiance within the vehicle. VIP Airport Pickup Imagine pulling up to your event in a sleek, high-end vehicle that turns heads. Each vehicle is meticulously maintained, ensuring your safety and comfort are paramount.

Lastly, special requests and additional services like child seats, extra luggage space, or specific entertainment options are accommodated with clear, upfront costs. When you opt for a luxury private transportation service in Vancouver for your Sea to Sky travels, you're choosing a journey that promises not only exceptional comfort and privacy but also an experience tailored to your unique preferences. You're looking for a stress-free travel experience, and that's exactly what we deliver.

Citations and other links

Prom Limo Service Vancouver

Picture this: plush, reclining leather seats that cradle you as you traverse the scenic landscapes. Need to make multiple stops or have a flexible schedule? Your luxury private transportation service in Vancouver takes customization to the next level with tailored travel itineraries designed specifically for your interests and schedule. With Banff Transport, you're not just getting a luxury travel experience; you're also getting the assurance that every possible step has been taken to make your journey as safe as it can be. Choosing luxury travel offers an unparalleled level of comfort and convenience, ensuring your journey from Vancouver Airport to Banff is as smooth and stress-free as possible.

These vehicles come equipped with plush seating, climate control, and premium entertainment systems, ensuring a cozy ride for up to six passengers. You'll find the ambiance inside each vehicle carefully curated to create a soothing environment. Their commitment to flexibility means you can adjust your plans on the fly, making room for spontaneous adventures or unexpected changes in schedule. These exclusive discounts can significantly reduce your travel expenses, making luxury transport more accessible for your family or group outings.

It's this commitment to fleet excellence that sets them apart, making every trip with them a truly exceptional experience. If you're unsure about your itinerary or have specific requests, the service's customer support is ready to help, making personalized recommendations to enhance your travel experience. You're not just booking a ride; you're securing a gateway to unmatched comfort, elegance, and the freedom to explore Vancouver in unparalleled style. We've tailored our pricing to ensure it's transparent and competitive, providing you with value every step of the way. Private Luxury Car

It's this level of personalization and privacy that sets luxury private transportation apart, offering not just a journey, but a sanctuary on wheels. They're constantly monitoring health advisories and updating their procedures accordingly, ensuring they're always a step ahead in safeguarding your well-being. Luxury Car Hire Limousine Rental While it's important to document your trip, it's equally crucial to enjoy the moment. They undergo rigorous background checks and continuous training to navigate Vancouver's roads with ease, ensuring you arrive at your destination not only in style but also on time and safe.



Luxury Travel Transportation

  • Private Car Service
  • Business Executive Shuttle
  • Luxury Fleet
  • Private Chauffeured Van
  • Luxury Hotel Shuttle
  • Luxury Chauffeur Service
  • Luxury Prom Limo
  • Luxury Airport Shuttle
  • Corporate Shuttle
  • Luxury Party Bus
  • VIP Travel Service
  • Private Minivan Service
  • Corporate Car Service
  • Luxury Night Out Transport
  • Luxury Ride
  • Luxury Event Car Service
  • High-End Shuttle
Prom Limo Service Vancouver
Luxury Limousine Rental Vancouver

Luxury Limousine Rental Vancouver

They'll handle it. You'll find a variety of shops selling local crafts, cozy cafes, and restaurants that serve a range of delicious dishes, from hearty Canadian fare to international cuisine. Picture perfect journeys with plush interiors promise unparalleled comfort as you explore Vancouver's vistas with Banff Transport's luxury private transportation service. Every vehicle is equipped with climate control, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking, regardless of the weather outside.

The personalized attention begins the moment you book your trip. With a commitment to luxury and comfort, they're not just stretching the map; they're ensuring that wherever you're headed, you'll get there in unparalleled style.

Executive Transportation

  1. High-End Shuttle
  2. Luxury City Tour
  3. Luxury Ground Transportation
  4. Private VIP Car Service
  5. Luxury SUV Rental
  6. Premium Limo Service
  7. Luxury Hotel Transfer
  8. Private Limo
  9. Private Chauffeur
  10. Luxury Town Car
  11. Airport Transfer
  12. Private SUV Transportation
  13. Luxury Van Service
  14. Luxury Event Transportation
  15. Luxury Sedan Service
  16. Private Car Service
  17. Business Executive Shuttle
Imagine sliding into a vehicle where the leather seats embrace you, the climate control sets the perfect atmosphere, and the sound system transports you with crystal-clear music.

What sets Banff Transport's luxury private transportation service apart for families and groups seeking exceptional travel experiences?

Luxury Travel Transportation

  1. Luxury Fleet
  2. Private Chauffeured Van
  3. Luxury Hotel Shuttle
  4. Luxury Chauffeur Service
  5. Luxury Prom Limo
  6. Luxury Airport Shuttle
  7. Corporate Shuttle
  8. Luxury Party Bus
  9. VIP Travel Service
  10. Private Minivan Service
  11. Corporate Car Service
  12. Luxury Night Out Transport
  13. Luxury Ride
  14. Luxury Event Car Service
  15. High-End Shuttle
Moreover, this service isn't just about physical space; it's about creating an environment that respects your autonomy. Choosing Banff Transport means opting for reliability, luxury, and a personal touch that makes every journey special.

Before you even step foot in one of their luxury vehicles, it's been thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. Each chauffeur is meticulously selected and trained to provide you with an unparalleled level of service. The vehicles themselves are top-of-the-line, equipped with the latest technology and amenities to ensure your comfort and connectivity throughout the journey.

Private Airport Transfer

  1. Luxury Party Bus
  2. VIP Travel Service
  3. Private Minivan Service
  4. Corporate Car Service
  5. Luxury Night Out Transport
  6. Luxury Ride
  7. Luxury Event Car Service
  8. High-End Shuttle
  9. Luxury City Tour
  10. Luxury Ground Transportation
  11. Private VIP Car Service
  12. Luxury SUV Rental
  13. Premium Limo Service
  14. Luxury Hotel Transfer
  15. Private Limo
  16. Private Chauffeur
  17. Luxury Town Car




Luxury Travel Transportation

  • Executive Chauffeur
  • Luxury Transportation Company
  • Private Event Transportation
  • VIP Airport Pickup
  • Executive Transportation
  • Private Luxury Car
  • Luxury Travel Transportation
  • Luxury Car Service
  • Luxury Transfer Service
  • Luxury Limousine
  • Private SUV Transportation
  • Luxury Van Service
  • Luxury Event Transportation
  • Luxury Sedan Service
  • Private Car Service

Luxury Intercity Transportation Vancouver

These aren't just drivers; they're seasoned professionals who understand the importance of punctuality, discretion, and impeccable customer service. Instead, you're guided through a straightforward online reservation system that's accessible 24/7, ensuring you can book your luxury transportation at your convenience. These range from luxury sedans for smaller groups to spacious SUVs and vans for larger parties, all equipped with top-tier amenities to elevate your travel experience. High-End Chauffeur You won't have to wander far or wait long to begin your experience with Banff Transport's premium service.

From the moment you step inside our premium vehicles, you're enveloped in a world of comfort and luxury that's tailored just for you. You'll rest easy knowing that each vehicle in their fleet is rigorously inspected and maintained to meet the highest safety protocols. This package includes a luxury sedan that comfortably accommodates up to three passengers, perfect for individuals or small groups looking for a premium experience.

Emily R. couldn't stop praising the punctuality and comfort, sharing, 'They were right on time, and the ride was so smooth and comfortable. You'll appreciate the added legroom and the smooth ride as you take in the scenic views. And for those who prefer a more personalized experience, our in-ride amenities can be customized to meet your specific needs and preferences.

This means you're not only traveling in style but also contributing to a healthier planet. With Banff Transport's luxury private transportation service, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy a worry-free ride, knowing you're in the safest hands in Vancouver. These chauffeurs aren't just drivers; they're your personal guides, confidantes, and facilitators, ensuring your trip exceeds expectations.

Luxury Intercity Transportation Vancouver
Private Driver for Business Trips Vancouver
Private Driver for Business Trips Vancouver

After choosing your convenient downtown pickup point, you can further personalize your travel by customizing your experience with Banff Transport.

Limousine Rental

  1. Airport Transfer
  2. Luxury Car Service
  3. Luxury Transfer Service
  4. Luxury Limousine
  5. Private SUV Transportation
  6. Luxury Van Service
  7. Luxury Event Transportation
  8. Luxury Sedan Service
  9. Private Car Service
  10. Business Executive Shuttle
  11. Luxury Fleet
  12. Private Chauffeured Van
  13. Luxury Hotel Shuttle
  14. Luxury Chauffeur Service
  15. Luxury Prom Limo
  16. Luxury Airport Shuttle
  17. Corporate Shuttle
  18. Luxury Party Bus
  19. VIP Travel Service
  20. Private Minivan Service
This usually requires entering your contact information and making a secure online payment. As you contemplate the array of vehicle options and the bespoke services available, remember that this is more than a journey-it's a gateway to an unforgettable adventure. Then, there's the convenience of shuttle services. Private Event Transportation
They're not just chauffeurs but also your personal guides, ready to assist you with any request. Whether you're planning a grand wedding or a corporate event, Banff Transport offers tailored transportation solutions to meet your specific needs. Delving into the specifics, luxury private transportation offers a range of service features designed to ensure your journey is as comfortable as it's seamless.
Banff Transport is transparent with pricing, ensuring you know exactly what you're paying for upfront. One client shared, 'Banff Transport didn't just meet my expectations; they exceeded them. Furthermore, Banff Transport doesn't just stop at customizing your ride. Luxury Airport Pickup Read more about Luxury Airport Pickup Vancouver here
Instead, you can book your scenic Sea to Sky trip with just a few clicks online or with a short phone call. Their fleet of luxury vehicles can accommodate any group size, ensuring everyone travels together in comfort and style. You're not just getting a ride; you're crafting an experience tailored just for you.

Ferry Terminal Private Car Service Vancouver

They're friendly, knowledgeable, and ready to help you tailor your transportation to your exact needs.

Luxury Car Service

  1. Luxury Ground Transportation
  2. Private VIP Car Service
  3. Luxury SUV Rental
  4. Premium Limo Service
  5. Luxury Hotel Transfer
  6. Private Limo
  7. Private Chauffeur
  8. Luxury Town Car
  9. Airport Transfer
  10. Limousine Rental
  11. Private Airport Transfer
  12. Luxury Car Hire
  13. Executive Chauffeur
  14. Luxury Transportation Company
  15. Private Event Transportation
  16. VIP Airport Pickup
  17. Executive Transportation
  18. Private Luxury Car
  19. Luxury Travel Transportation
  20. Luxury Car Service
We understand the importance of staying refreshed, which is why we offer complimentary refreshments and snacks. We've equipped every vehicle with state-of-the-art features. While ensuring your safety is our top concern, we also specialize in providing exclusive airport transfers to elevate your travel experience further.
Banff Transport doesn't just offer a ride; it delivers an experience tailored to your preferences, ensuring comfort, privacy, and efficiency are at the heart of your journey. Our team works closely with you to understand your preferences, from the destinations you dream of visiting to the activities that excite you the most. Moreover, Banff Transport doesn't believe in hidden fees. Luxury Transfer Service
From the personalized music selection to the complimentary beverages, every aspect of your ride is designed to cater to your comfort and enjoyment. For mid-sized groups, Banff Transport steps up the game with their executive vans. Picture seamless, hassle-free journeys where everything you desire is just a tap away.
While it's the perfect time for outdoor activities, it's also when Banff is busiest. Building on their promise to ensure your group travels in utmost comfort and style, let's take a closer look at the diverse fleet Banff Transport offers. Climate control is at your fingertips, ensuring the cabin temperature is exactly how you like it, regardless of the weather outside.

Explore Luxury Airport Pickup Vancouver here
Ferry Terminal Private Car Service Vancouver
1908 Studebaker limousine with an open driver's compartment
1953 Rolls-Royce Phantom IV (coachwork by Hooper)

A limousine (/ˈlɪməzn/ or /lɪməˈzn/), or limo (/ˈlɪm/) for short,[1] is a large, chauffeur-driven luxury vehicle with a partition between the driver compartment and the passenger compartment which can be operated mechanically by hand or by a button electronically.[2] A luxury sedan with a very long wheelbase and driven by a professional driver is called a stretch limousine.[3]

In some countries, such as the United States, United Kingdom, Japan, Italy, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Canada, and Australia, a limousine service may be any pre-booked hire car with a driver, usually, but only sometimes a luxury car. In particular, airport shuttle services are often called "limousine services", though they often use minivans or light commercial vehicles.[2]

Etymology

[edit]
The type of limousine hood or roof described in the text (1912 Vauxhall)

The word limousine is derived from the name of the French region Limousin; however, how the area's name was transferred to the car is uncertain.

One possibility involves a particular type of carriage hood or roof that physically resembled the raised hood of the cloak worn by the shepherds there.[4][5]

An alternate etymology speculates that some early chauffeurs wore a Limousin-style cloak in the open driver's compartment for protection from the weather.[6] The name was then extended to this particular type of car with a permanent top projecting over the chauffeur.[4] This former type of automobile had an enclosed passenger compartment seating three to five persons, with only a roof projecting forward over the open driver's area in the front.[7]

History

[edit]

Wealthy owners of expensive carriages and their passengers were accustomed to their private compartments leaving their coachman or driver outside in all weathers. When automobiles arrived, the same people required a similar arrangement for their chauffeurs. As such, the 1916 definition of limousine by the US Society of Automobile Engineers is "a closed car seating three to five inside, with driver's seat outside".[8]

In Great Britain, the limousine de-ville was a version of the limousine town car where the driver's compartment was outside and had no weather protection.[9]: 103  The limousine-landaulet variant (also sold in the United States) had a removable or folding roof section over the rear passenger seat.[9]: 100 

In the United States, sub-categories of limousines in 1916 were the berline, defined as "a limousine having the driver's seat entirely enclosed", and the brougham, described as "a limousine with no roof over the driver's seat."[8]

The president of the United States has ridden in a variety of brands of state cars starting from 1899 when President William McKinley was the first to ride in a car, a steam Locomobile.[10][11][12]

U.S. limousine business declined in the 21st century due to the effects of the Great Recession, the subsequent rise of ride sharing apps, and an industry crisis precipitated by deadly stretch limousine crashes in 2015 and Schoharie, New York, in 2018. Moreover, during this time, people who would have once utilized limousines began opting to travel more discreetly in cars like black SUVs.[13]

Characteristics

[edit]

The limousine body style usually has a partition separating the driver from the rear passenger compartment.[6][9] This partition usually includes an openable glass section so passengers may see the road. Communication with the driver is possible either by opening the partition window or using an intercom system.

Limousines are often long-wheelbase vehicles to provide extra legroom in the passenger compartment. There will usually be occasional seats (in the U.S. called jump seats) at the front of the compartment (either forward-facing, rear-facing, or able to face either direction).

Many nations have official state cars designed to transport government officials. The top leaders have dedicated and specially equipped limousines. The United States Presidential State Car is the official car of the President of the United States.

Stretch limousines

[edit]
Lincoln Town Car stretch limousine

Stretch limousines are longer than regular limousines, usually to accommodate more passengers. Stretch limousines may have seating along the sides of the cabin.

A "stretch limousine" was created in Fort Smith, Arkansas, around 1928 by the Armbruster coach company. Their vehicles were primarily used to transport famous "big band" leaders, such as Glenn Miller and Benny Goodman, and their members and equipment. These early stretch limousines were often called "big band buses". Armbruster called their lengthened cars "extended-wheelbase multi-door auto-coaches". Their 12-passenger coaches were used by hotels, taxis, airlines, corporations, and tour companies.[14] Knock-down programs by automakers made coachbuilders stretch vehicles, but Armbruster also custom built limousines using unibody construction such as the 1969 AMC Ambassadors.[15]

As of 2023, stretch limousines comprise one percent of U.S. limousine company offerings. That total was down from about ten percent in 2013.[13]

Novelty limousines

[edit]

A variety of vehicles not designed as limousines have been converted into novelty limousines.[16] Another style of novelty limousine are those painted in bright colors, such as purple or pink.[17]

Vehicles converted into novelty stretch limousines include the East German Trabant, Volkswagen Beetle, Fiat Panda, and Citroën 2CV. There are instances of Corvettes, Ferraris, and Mini Coopers being stretched to accommodate up to 10 passengers.

[edit]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Garner, Bryan (July 28, 2009). Garner's Modern American Usage. Oxford University Press. ISBN 9780199874620. Archived from the original on July 7, 2023. Retrieved August 2, 2020.
  2. ^ a b "Definition of limousine". merriam-webster.com. October 28, 2019. Archived from the original on September 20, 2019. Retrieved November 6, 2019.
  3. ^ "Definition of Stretch Limo". merriam-webster.com. Archived from the original on July 2, 2020. Retrieved November 6, 2019.
  4. ^ a b Dyke, Andrew Lee (1920). Dyke's Automobile and Gasoline Engine Encyclopedia (Twelfth ed.). p. 582. Archived from the original on July 7, 2023. Retrieved June 27, 2015.
  5. ^ Ayto, John (2009). Word Origins. A&C Black Publishers. ISBN 978-1-4081-0160-5. Archived from the original on July 7, 2023. Retrieved June 27, 2015.
  6. ^ a b The Random House College Dictionary. Random House. 1975. p. 777. ISBN 0-394-43600-8. 1. an automobile having a permanently enclosed compartment for from three to five persons, the roof of which projects forward over the driver's seat in front...[< F, special use of limousine long cloak, so called because worn by the shepherds of Limousin, a former province in central France]
  7. ^ "Definition of limousine" (Complete & Unabridged Digital ed.). Collins English Dictionary. 2012. Archived from the original on April 17, 2019. Retrieved November 6, 2019.
  8. ^ a b "What's What in Automobile Bodies Officially Determined". The New York Times. August 20, 1916. Archived from the original on May 2, 2014. Retrieved June 27, 2015. Here it is, with other body types and distinctions, officially determined recently by the Nomenclature Division of the Society of Automobile Engineers
  9. ^ a b c Haajanen, Lennart W. (2003). Illustrated Dictionary of Automobile Body Styles. Jefferson, NC: McFarland. p. 96. ISBN 0-7864-1276-3. Archived from the original on July 7, 2023. Retrieved January 1, 2019.
  10. ^ Huffman, John Pearley (January 19, 2009). "The Top Presidential Limousines of All Time". Popular Mechanics. Retrieved December 6, 2023.
  11. ^ DeWitt, Nancy (September 4, 2012). "Presidential Wheels". Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum. Retrieved December 6, 2023.
  12. ^ "A Car Fit For A President". Grundy Insurance. February 25, 2017. Retrieved December 6, 2023.
  13. ^ a b Jiménez, Jesus (2023-04-28). "The Long Demise of the Stretch Limousine". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 2023-04-30. Retrieved 2023-04-30.
  14. ^ Theobald, Mark; DeWinter IV, Bernie (2004). "Armbruster & Company, Tom Armbruster, Ed Robben, Armbruster/Stageway, Fort Smith, Airport Limousine, Earnhart & Johansen". coachbuilt.com. Archived from the original on 26 March 2023. Retrieved 28 December 2022.
  15. ^ Strohl, Daniel (23 September 2018). "1969 AMC Ambassador Limousine". Hemmings. Archived from the original on 28 December 2022. Retrieved 28 December 2022.
  16. ^ "Dave's Classic Limousines Pictures: Novelty Limousines". Archived from the original on July 12, 2015. Retrieved June 27, 2015.
  17. ^ Naylor, Sharon (2004). 1000 Best Wedding Bargains. Sourcebooks. p. 198. ISBN 978-1-4022-0298-8. Retrieved June 27, 2015. novelty limousines.
[edit]
  • The dictionary definition of limousine at Wiktionary
  • Media related to Limousines at Wikimedia Commons

 

1908 Studebaker limousine with an open driver's compartment
1953 Rolls-Royce Phantom IV (coachwork by Hooper)

A limousine (/ˈlɪməzn/ or /lɪməˈzn/), or limo (/ˈlɪm/) for short,[1] is a large, chauffeur-driven luxury vehicle with a partition between the driver compartment and the passenger compartment which can be operated mechanically by hand or by a button electronically.[2] A luxury sedan with a very long wheelbase and driven by a professional driver is called a stretch limousine.[3]

In some countries, such as the United States, United Kingdom, Japan, Italy, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Canada, and Australia, a limousine service may be any pre-booked hire car with a driver, usually, but only sometimes a luxury car. In particular, airport shuttle services are often called "limousine services", though they often use minivans or light commercial vehicles.[2]

Etymology

[edit]
The type of limousine hood or roof described in the text (1912 Vauxhall)

The word limousine is derived from the name of the French region Limousin; however, how the area's name was transferred to the car is uncertain.

One possibility involves a particular type of carriage hood or roof that physically resembled the raised hood of the cloak worn by the shepherds there.[4][5]

An alternate etymology speculates that some early chauffeurs wore a Limousin-style cloak in the open driver's compartment for protection from the weather.[6] The name was then extended to this particular type of car with a permanent top projecting over the chauffeur.[4] This former type of automobile had an enclosed passenger compartment seating three to five persons, with only a roof projecting forward over the open driver's area in the front.[7]

History

[edit]

Wealthy owners of expensive carriages and their passengers were accustomed to their private compartments leaving their coachman or driver outside in all weathers. When automobiles arrived, the same people required a similar arrangement for their chauffeurs. As such, the 1916 definition of limousine by the US Society of Automobile Engineers is "a closed car seating three to five inside, with driver's seat outside".[8]

In Great Britain, the limousine de-ville was a version of the limousine town car where the driver's compartment was outside and had no weather protection.[9]: 103  The limousine-landaulet variant (also sold in the United States) had a removable or folding roof section over the rear passenger seat.[9]: 100 

In the United States, sub-categories of limousines in 1916 were the berline, defined as "a limousine having the driver's seat entirely enclosed", and the brougham, described as "a limousine with no roof over the driver's seat."[8]

The president of the United States has ridden in a variety of brands of state cars starting from 1899 when President William McKinley was the first to ride in a car, a steam Locomobile.[10][11][12]

U.S. limousine business declined in the 21st century due to the effects of the Great Recession, the subsequent rise of ride sharing apps, and an industry crisis precipitated by deadly stretch limousine crashes in 2015 and Schoharie, New York, in 2018. Moreover, during this time, people who would have once utilized limousines began opting to travel more discreetly in cars like black SUVs.[13]

Characteristics

[edit]

The limousine body style usually has a partition separating the driver from the rear passenger compartment.[6][9] This partition usually includes an openable glass section so passengers may see the road. Communication with the driver is possible either by opening the partition window or using an intercom system.

Limousines are often long-wheelbase vehicles to provide extra legroom in the passenger compartment. There will usually be occasional seats (in the U.S. called jump seats) at the front of the compartment (either forward-facing, rear-facing, or able to face either direction).

Many nations have official state cars designed to transport government officials. The top leaders have dedicated and specially equipped limousines. The United States Presidential State Car is the official car of the President of the United States.

Stretch limousines

[edit]
Lincoln Town Car stretch limousine

Stretch limousines are longer than regular limousines, usually to accommodate more passengers. Stretch limousines may have seating along the sides of the cabin.

A "stretch limousine" was created in Fort Smith, Arkansas, around 1928 by the Armbruster coach company. Their vehicles were primarily used to transport famous "big band" leaders, such as Glenn Miller and Benny Goodman, and their members and equipment. These early stretch limousines were often called "big band buses". Armbruster called their lengthened cars "extended-wheelbase multi-door auto-coaches". Their 12-passenger coaches were used by hotels, taxis, airlines, corporations, and tour companies.[14] Knock-down programs by automakers made coachbuilders stretch vehicles, but Armbruster also custom built limousines using unibody construction such as the 1969 AMC Ambassadors.[15]

As of 2023, stretch limousines comprise one percent of U.S. limousine company offerings. That total was down from about ten percent in 2013.[13]

Novelty limousines

[edit]

A variety of vehicles not designed as limousines have been converted into novelty limousines.[16] Another style of novelty limousine are those painted in bright colors, such as purple or pink.[17]

Vehicles converted into novelty stretch limousines include the East German Trabant, Volkswagen Beetle, Fiat Panda, and Citroën 2CV. There are instances of Corvettes, Ferraris, and Mini Coopers being stretched to accommodate up to 10 passengers.

[edit]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Garner, Bryan (July 28, 2009). Garner's Modern American Usage. Oxford University Press. ISBN 9780199874620. Archived from the original on July 7, 2023. Retrieved August 2, 2020.
  2. ^ a b "Definition of limousine". merriam-webster.com. October 28, 2019. Archived from the original on September 20, 2019. Retrieved November 6, 2019.
  3. ^ "Definition of Stretch Limo". merriam-webster.com. Archived from the original on July 2, 2020. Retrieved November 6, 2019.
  4. ^ a b Dyke, Andrew Lee (1920). Dyke's Automobile and Gasoline Engine Encyclopedia (Twelfth ed.). p. 582. Archived from the original on July 7, 2023. Retrieved June 27, 2015.
  5. ^ Ayto, John (2009). Word Origins. A&C Black Publishers. ISBN 978-1-4081-0160-5. Archived from the original on July 7, 2023. Retrieved June 27, 2015.
  6. ^ a b The Random House College Dictionary. Random House. 1975. p. 777. ISBN 0-394-43600-8. 1. an automobile having a permanently enclosed compartment for from three to five persons, the roof of which projects forward over the driver's seat in front...[< F, special use of limousine long cloak, so called because worn by the shepherds of Limousin, a former province in central France]
  7. ^ "Definition of limousine" (Complete & Unabridged Digital ed.). Collins English Dictionary. 2012. Archived from the original on April 17, 2019. Retrieved November 6, 2019.
  8. ^ a b "What's What in Automobile Bodies Officially Determined". The New York Times. August 20, 1916. Archived from the original on May 2, 2014. Retrieved June 27, 2015. Here it is, with other body types and distinctions, officially determined recently by the Nomenclature Division of the Society of Automobile Engineers
  9. ^ a b c Haajanen, Lennart W. (2003). Illustrated Dictionary of Automobile Body Styles. Jefferson, NC: McFarland. p. 96. ISBN 0-7864-1276-3. Archived from the original on July 7, 2023. Retrieved January 1, 2019.
  10. ^ Huffman, John Pearley (January 19, 2009). "The Top Presidential Limousines of All Time". Popular Mechanics. Retrieved December 6, 2023.
  11. ^ DeWitt, Nancy (September 4, 2012). "Presidential Wheels". Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum. Retrieved December 6, 2023.
  12. ^ "A Car Fit For A President". Grundy Insurance. February 25, 2017. Retrieved December 6, 2023.
  13. ^ a b Jiménez, Jesus (2023-04-28). "The Long Demise of the Stretch Limousine". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 2023-04-30. Retrieved 2023-04-30.
  14. ^ Theobald, Mark; DeWinter IV, Bernie (2004). "Armbruster & Company, Tom Armbruster, Ed Robben, Armbruster/Stageway, Fort Smith, Airport Limousine, Earnhart & Johansen". coachbuilt.com. Archived from the original on 26 March 2023. Retrieved 28 December 2022.
  15. ^ Strohl, Daniel (23 September 2018). "1969 AMC Ambassador Limousine". Hemmings. Archived from the original on 28 December 2022. Retrieved 28 December 2022.
  16. ^ "Dave's Classic Limousines Pictures: Novelty Limousines". Archived from the original on July 12, 2015. Retrieved June 27, 2015.
  17. ^ Naylor, Sharon (2004). 1000 Best Wedding Bargains. Sourcebooks. p. 198. ISBN 978-1-4022-0298-8. Retrieved June 27, 2015. novelty limousines.
[edit]
  • The dictionary definition of limousine at Wiktionary
  • Media related to Limousines at Wikimedia Commons

 

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