First-Class Bus Rental Vancouver

First-Class Bus Rental Vancouver

Bus provider

Choosing our luxury bus rentals means prioritizing your comfort and space, transforming your group travel experience from merely functional to genuinely enjoyable. Learn more about First-Class Bus Rental Vancouver here She was thrilled with the attentive service, stating that the driver went above and beyond to ensure the bridal party felt comfortable and arrived on time. It's a feast for the senses, offering you a taste of Vancouver's diverse cultural fabric. Plus, with advanced climate control systems, you're guaranteed a comfortable environment, no matter the weather outside. Whether you're planning a corporate retreat, a lavish wedding, or a sophisticated winery tour, Star Coach ensures that every detail aligns with your vision.
You've got the freedom to design your itinerary, from the iconic Stanley Park to the historic Gastown, without worrying about schedules or stops. The luxury and reliability they offer are unmatched.'Mark, who booked a tour for his photography club, says, 'The panoramic windows and spacious seating on the bus made our photo journey through Vancouver incredibly enjoyable. Learn more about Star Coach here. You won't have to worry about hidden fees or unexpected charges. Picture a day spent hopping from one award-winning winery to another, savoring fine wines and local cuisine, without the hassle of driving.
The climate-controlled environment ensures comfort, regardless of the weather outside. Imagine reclining in your seat, with enough legroom to stretch out fully, something rare in typical bus travel. They're there to ensure your comfort, safety, and to enhance your travel experience with local insights and a friendly demeanor. Whether you're planning a corporate event, a school outing, or a private tour, they've got you covered.
You can choose from a wide range of high-end amenities, including premium seating, state-of-the-art entertainment systems, onboard Wi-Fi, and gourmet catering options. Travel coach Once your booking is confirmed, you'll receive a detailed itinerary and receipt via email, keeping you informed and organized. In essence, luxury bus rentals in Vancouver provide a smart, sophisticated solution to your corporate travel dilemmas.

Bus charter

  1. Vancouver BC
  2. Charter vehicle
  3. Licensed bus operators
  4. Charter shuttle service
  5. Vancouver city
  6. Transport services
  7. Bus driver service
  8. Minibus rental
  9. Private group transport
  10. Wedding bus rental
  11. Private bus rental
  12. Bus packages
  13. Long-distance bus
  14. Bus rental for tours
  15. Hourly bus rental
  16. Travel coach
  17. Passenger bus rental
  18. Shuttle service
  19. Custom bus rental
  20. School bus rental
And it doesn't stop after you've booked your bus.



Bus charter

  • Tour transportation
  • Vancouver
  • Downtown bus rental
  • British Columbia
  • Airport transfer
  • Sightseeing bus
  • Motor coach rental
  • Event shuttles
  • Casino shuttle
  • City tour bus
  • Party bus
  • Charter transportation
  • Mini coach rental
  • Convention transport
  • Transport charter
  • Greater Vancouver
  • Comfortable bus rental
  • Group transportation
  • Festival shuttle

For weddings, a luxury bus can transport your guests together, ensuring everyone arrives on time and in high spirits. Hourly bus rental Moreover, opting for bus rental for your event not only adds a touch of class but also ensures everyone's safety, as you won't have to fret about guests driving after celebrating.

School bus rental

  1. School bus rental
  2. Group tour bus
  3. Vancouver area
  4. Bus transportation
  5. Bus for hire
  6. Safe bus rental
  7. Metro Vancouver
  8. Lower Mainland BC
  9. Coach hire
  10. Bus line
  11. Tour transportation
  12. Vancouver
  13. Downtown bus rental
  14. British Columbia
  15. Airport transfer
  16. Sightseeing bus
  17. Motor coach rental
  18. Event shuttles
  19. Casino shuttle
  20. City tour bus
And don't worry about getting hungry or thirsty along the way; the onboard snack and beverage service has got you covered, offering a selection of refreshments to keep you satisfied. With a luxury bus, you're not bound by the typical constraints of public transport.

Want to make a last-minute stop or adjust your route? They've set the bar high, integrating advanced safety measures and rigorous maintenance protocols to give you peace of mind. Each seat is equipped with personal charging stations, ensuring your devices stay powered up while you're on the move.

Their user-friendly website allows you to select your preferred travel dates, bus size, and any additional amenities with just a few clicks. You'll discover hidden gems and iconic landmarks alike, all while enjoying amenities that cater to your every need. You'll notice the attention to detail, from the polished chrome accents to the tinted windows that offer both privacy and a touch of mystery.

Plus, if you have any questions or need to tailor your rental to specific requirements, Star Coach's customer support is just a call or an email away, ready to assist you with efficiency and friendliness. Long-distance bus She booked a trip for her wedding party and was moved by the extra touches our team added. 'They made us feel so special, adding to the joy of our big day,' she said. That's exactly what you get with the H3-45. Bus rental for tours

Vancouver Cruise Terminal Transportation

As of 2016, the Port of Vancouver is the fourth-largest port by tonnage in the Americas, the busiest and largest in Canada, and the most diversified port in North America. While forestry remains its largest industry, Vancouver is well known as an urban centre surrounded by nature, making tourism its second-largest industry. Major film production studios in Vancouver and nearby Burnaby have turned Greater Vancouver and nearby areas into one of the largest film production centres in North America, earning it the nickname "Hollywood North"

Citations and other links

Deluxe Group Transportation Vancouver

This means you can plan your expenses accurately, without any surprises down the line.

Vancouver area

  • Transport services
  • Bus driver service
  • Minibus rental
  • Private group transport
  • Wedding bus rental
  • Private bus rental
  • Bus packages
  • Custom bus rental
  • School bus rental
  • Group tour bus
  • Vancouver area
  • Bus transportation
  • Bus for hire
  • Safe bus rental
  • Metro Vancouver
  • Lower Mainland BC
  • Coach hire
  • Bus line
Corporate bus rental Choosing Star Coach means you're opting for not just a ride, but a premium service that elevates group travel to a new standard. By opting for Star Coach, you're choosing buses that are designed with the latest eco-friendly technologies. Once you've submitted the form, a Star Coach representative will get in touch with you to discuss your needs further.

Their commitment extends beyond the vehicles themselves to include the drivers. Picture this: you're gliding through the streets of Vancouver, ensconced in comfort that rivals a first-class flight. Plush seating, ambient lighting, and a spacious layout invite you to relax and enjoy the ride.

You'll find more legroom than you'd expect, allowing you to stretch out and enjoy the ride without feeling cramped.

Bus transportation

  • City tour bus
  • Party bus
  • Charter transportation
  • Mini coach rental
  • Convention transport
  • Transport charter
  • Greater Vancouver
  • Comfortable bus rental
  • Group transportation
  • Festival shuttle
  • Bus excursion
  • Executive bus charter
  • Vancouver region
  • Senior group travel
  • Community bus service
You'll find that the fleet is meticulously curated to suit various group sizes and preferences. Highly recommend Star Coach for any group looking to travel in comfort.'These testimonials highlight the satisfaction and high regard clients have for Star Coach.

Star Coach's system is designed to provide you with an instant quote, ensuring transparency and avoiding any unpleasant surprises. With this level of personalization, you're guaranteed an unparalleled travel experience in Vancouver. They know that budget plays a crucial role in planning any event or corporate travel.

Deluxe Group Transportation Vancouver
Deluxe Group Bus Transportation Vancouver

Deluxe Group Bus Transportation Vancouver

Then there's the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), which automatically adjusts your speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front, making highway travel both safer and more relaxing for you. With Star Coach Bus Rentals, you're not just booking a trip; you're crafting an experience tailored just for you and your group.

Corporate bus rental

  • Metro Vancouver
  • Lower Mainland BC
  • Coach hire
  • Bus line
  • Tour transportation
  • Vancouver
  • Downtown bus rental
  • British Columbia
  • Airport transfer
  • Sightseeing bus
  • Motor coach rental
  • Event shuttles
  • Casino shuttle
  • City tour bus
  • Party bus
  • Charter transportation
  • Mini coach rental
  • Convention transport
  • Transport charter
With our executive fleet, you have the flexibility to customize your travel itinerary. You'll find plush seating that ensures you're relaxed, whether you're on a short trip or a long haul across scenic routes.
From the moment you reach out for a booking, you're met with a team eager to tailor every detail to your preferences. They're constantly updating their practices to ensure they're as environmentally friendly as possible, from reducing paper use through digital bookings and communications to implementing efficient driving routes that cut down on fuel consumption. Star Coach maintains the highest standards of hygiene, with thorough cleaning and sanitization protocols in place before and after every trip.
While signature amenities enhance your journey, the comfort and space provided by our luxury buses ensure a truly relaxing travel experience. Read more about First-Class Bus Rental Vancouver here Whether you're traveling for business or pleasure, the spacious interiors of the Prevost H3-45 ensure that your journey is as comfortable as the destination itself. Passenger bus rental It's all about making your Vancouver adventure as memorable and personal as possible.
Imagine gliding through the bustling city streets or the serene landscapes surrounding this urban oasis, all while enveloped in the lap of luxury. They've also embraced renewable energy sources where possible, further reducing their ecological impact. And, let's not forget the climate control system, which maintains an ideal temperature, ensuring you're comfortable no matter the season.

Premium Tour Bus Vancouver

Clients often rave about the seamless booking process, highlighting how easy and stress-free it makes organizing group travel. Each bus in their fleet undergoes regular, comprehensive inspections and maintenance. Whether you're marveling at the panoramic views from the Vancouver Lookout or wandering through the vibrant markets of Granville Island, they're there to ensure you capture the essence of Vancouver. It's like stepping into a private retreat where the hustle and bustle of the outside world fades away. This is where Star Coach steps in, redefining bus rental in the city with its luxury Prevost H3-45 coaches.

Corporate bus rental

  • Downtown Vancouver
  • Vancouver BC
  • Charter vehicle
  • Licensed bus operators
  • Charter shuttle service
  • Vancouver city
  • Transport services
  • Bus driver service
  • Minibus rental
  • Private group transport
  • Wedding bus rental
  • Private bus rental
  • Bus packages
  • Bus for hire
  • Safe bus rental
  • Metro Vancouver
  • Lower Mainland BC
  • Coach hire


That's exactly where Star Coach shines. Moreover, we're constantly updating our safety measures in line with the latest health guidelines, including enhanced cleaning procedures to protect against Covid-19. Looking for a bespoke travel plan? We actively seek out your opinions and suggestions to continuously improve our services.

You'll find their staff to be not just responsive but proactive, anticipating your needs before they even arise. The result is a serene, almost Zen-like atmosphere, where you can read, sleep, or work in peace.

Corporate bus rental

  • Bus excursion
  • Executive bus charter
  • Vancouver region
  • Senior group travel
  • Community bus service
  • Downtown Vancouver
  • Vancouver BC
  • Charter vehicle
  • Licensed bus operators
  • Charter shuttle service
  • Vancouver city
  • Transport services
  • Bus driver service
  • Minibus rental
  • Private group transport
  • Wedding bus rental
  • Private bus rental
  • Bus packages
  • Group tour bus
Your satisfaction drives us. In Vancouver, where every moment counts, the Prevost H3-45 ensures luxury and convenience are always part of your journey.

As we unpack the strategic route planning, competitive pricing models, and their commitment to sustainable travel, you'll discover how Star Coach is reshaping luxury travel in Vancouver. Want to spend a little longer soaking in the sights at a particular spot? Bus charter This personalized approach guarantees that your Vancouver exploration is nothing short of extraordinary. From brakes to engines, nothing's left to chance.

Premium Tour Bus Vancouver
Elite Bus Hire Vancouver
Elite Bus Hire Vancouver

They understand that each wedding is unique and that's why they offer customizable options to fit your specific needs and theme. Star Coach's luxury fleet stands out in Vancouver, offering you unparalleled comfort and style for your travels. Imagine not worrying about navigating through traffic or finding parking in the bustling city. The climate control ensures the environment is always to your liking, whether you're cooling down on a hot summer day or warming up during the chill of winter.

Beyond ensuring your safety and comfort, Star Coach's commitment extends to providing unparalleled customer service, ensuring your experience is seamless from start to finish. We understand that every journey is unique, and that's why we tailor our services to meet your specific needs. Whether you're organizing a corporate event, planning a family reunion, or setting up a tour for a group of friends, they've got you covered.

Dive into multiplayer games that you can enjoy with fellow passengers, turning travel time into playtime. Beyond their driving capabilities, Star Coach's staff are well-versed in handling logistics and customer relations. It's this combination of diverse options and an accommodating approach that ensures Star Coach meets any requirement with unparalleled service.

Our experienced drivers and staff are attentive to your needs, ready to adjust routes for scenic detours or to accommodate last-minute changes. You'll notice that Star Coach's pricing model is transparent, with no hidden fees or unexpected charges.

Bus transportation

  • Bus provider
  • Event transportation
  • Corporate bus rental
  • Bus charter
  • Tour bus rental
  • Affordable bus rental
  • Team travel
  • Long-distance bus
  • Bus rental for tours
  • Hourly bus rental
  • Travel coach
  • Passenger bus rental
  • Shuttle service
  • Custom bus rental
  • School bus rental
  • Group tour bus
  • Vancouver area
  • Bus transportation
  • Bus for hire
  • Safe bus rental
With Star Coach, you're not just booking a luxury bus ride; you're choosing a safe, reliable, and worry-free travel experience.

Exclusive Group Transportation Vancouver

You're not just getting from point A to point B; you're part of a larger effort to protect the environment for future generations. Once you've designed your ideal travel package, booking your luxury bus experience in Vancouver is the next step to making it a reality. Building on their commitment to tailored travel experiences, Star Coach's exceptional customer service ensures your journey is seamless and personalized every step of the way. With a fleet of well-maintained and comfortable buses, they make sure that your journey is as smooth as possible.
You won't have to worry about the technicalities; they've got it covered with a team of expert mechanics and technicians dedicated to keeping the wheels smoothly turning and the ride safe. From the gleaming exteriors to the plush, well-appointed interiors, it's clear they've paid attention to every detail. Instead, you and your group can sit back, relax in plush seats, and soak in the scenic views of Vancouver's landscapes.
Each package is designed to offer flexibility, allowing you to adjust your itinerary based on what's most important to your group. It's truly luxury on wheels. In a world where the word 'luxury' is often thrown around like confetti at a parade, Star Coach has managed to genuinely elevate group travel across Vancouver, making the usual cramped, dreary bus rides a relic of the past.
We also understand that flexibility is key to a luxury travel experience.

Bus rental for tours

  • Bus line
  • Tour transportation
  • Vancouver
  • Downtown bus rental
  • British Columbia
  • Airport transfer
  • Sightseeing bus
  • Motor coach rental
  • Event shuttles
  • Casino shuttle
  • City tour bus
  • Party bus
  • Charter transportation
  • Mini coach rental
  • Convention transport
While you're customizing your luxury bus rental to perfectly match your group's needs, you'll also find that Star Coach offers competitive pricing that ensures you get exceptional value for your budget.

Event transportation

  1. Vancouver area
  2. Bus transportation
  3. Bus for hire
  4. Safe bus rental
  5. Metro Vancouver
  6. Lower Mainland BC
  7. Coach hire
  8. Bus line
  9. Tour transportation
  10. Vancouver
  11. Downtown bus rental
  12. British Columbia
  13. Airport transfer
  14. Sightseeing bus
  15. Motor coach rental
  16. Event shuttles
  17. Casino shuttle
You're not just picking a mode of transport; you're crafting an entire journey that's bespoke to your group's requirements.

Passenger bus rental

  1. Party bus
  2. Charter transportation
  3. Mini coach rental
  4. Convention transport
  5. Transport charter
  6. Greater Vancouver
  7. Comfortable bus rental
  8. Group transportation
  9. Festival shuttle
  10. Bus excursion
  11. Executive bus charter
  12. Vancouver region
  13. Senior group travel
  14. Community bus service
  15. Downtown Vancouver

Explore First-Class Bus Rental Vancouver here
Exclusive Group Transportation Vancouver
1908 Studebaker limousine with an open driver's compartment
1953 Rolls-Royce Phantom IV (coachwork by Hooper)

A limousine (/ˈlɪməziːn/ or /lɪməˈziːn/), or limo (/ˈlɪmoʊ/) 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, Germany, 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 (/ˈlɪməziːn/ or /lɪməˈziːn/), or limo (/ˈlɪmoʊ/) 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, Germany, 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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