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From Invention to Innovation of Limousines

As time passed, from wheels to carts to carriages came the astonishing era of automobiles.

By William SimonPublished 4 years ago 4 min read
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“Luxury is in each detail”

Hubert de Givenchy

The wheel, the ultimate invention of time, is now an evolved piece of engine shaped into airbus or even a screwdriver. How is it possible that most basic inventions can evolve precariously and unexpectedly? The brain is a genius organ (often misunderstood) that works wonders and has a curiosity for creativity.

As time passed, from wheels to carts to carriages came the astonishing era of automobiles. Time-lapse has shown amazing cars being invented but there was one the car that outdid every other design, a limousine. What started as a status symbol for the wealthy is now the ultimate way of transport for any occasion.

Back to where it all begins – The Origins

Did you ever wonder where the idea originated from? The very first limousine was far from the ideal stretch seats you see now. During the 1700s, back in the French town Limoges, this beautiful invention took birth in the Limousin region. The chauffeurs wore hooded cloaks who would take nobles and wealthy gentry to certain dinner nights and evenings. But the poor chauffeurs had no way to cover themselves if it was a stormy night. The only protection he got from the driven vehicle was the cloak, which now is widely known as a limousine.

And that’s how the story of limousine begins.

The innovation of traditional outlook

If you travel around you can see how it is far easier to book limos these days. For instance, in Canada, people now use limo service and other surrounding areas with ease. But how a luxury vehicle became so accessible?

You should be thanking Glen Miller and The Benny Goodman Orchestra for taking a step ahead with the idea of stretch limousine. With the industrial revolution, the automobile industry took a U-turn and it was a glorious time for bringing new designs. Limousine's new structure was highly accommodated for larger endorsements. And since then;

• A medium of luxury in the early years

With the growth in style and versatility of the limousines, it once again maintained the high platform for musicians, actors and the modern nobles. Sometimes limousines were specially designed to be larger for a high profile personality. For instance, the limousine was stretched 33 inches for President John F. Kennedy in 1961.

The spacious interior, with classy vibes, became a huge symbol for transportation. Later onwards people used it to represent their class and wealth on wedding occasions or professional events.

• Art of Creative technology installations

Did you ever think you could use a fax machine, paper shredder, TV, and a car phone in a vehicle? Well, Donald Trump thought otherwise, and these were the customized installments made for his Cadillac limousine.

Limousines like any other cars are redesigned with fresh technology gadgets. A mini-fridge, a minibar, impervious lights, stretch seats are accustomed to every model. The screener installed to separate the driver seat from the passenger's seat once a cool idea is now not so used by people.

Why? People like to communicate with the chauffeurs (if they have to) unlike snobbish royalties in the old days.

• Become an affordable luxury ride

With the advancement in technology at regular intervals, new updates replaced old technologies. Once everyone used to fancy a limousine for dinners and wealthy auctions, now you see limo service with various types of limousines you can choose for an affordable ride for travel purposes. The status quo maintained for so long broke a decade earlier with the thrill of sports cars like Ferrari and Bugatti etc.

With thrill to live, class assessment has diminished but a classy vibe is still there for those who choose to travel in it.

• A cool vibe for teenagers

Ready for a prom night or if you want to bring a date, the idea of using a limousine also innovated. When it was initially seen at school grounds, eyes bulge out and lots of pictures taken by teens, to remember that someone could actually afford to rent a limousine. Now it’s rather humorous. How quick time changed? Pretty much fast.

In the early 2000s, stretch limousines renting services gained a high demand in the market. Everyone wanted to sit on the plush seats and brag about riding in it. Who can blame teens when the trends were on the rise? The early urban years kicked off real quick.

It’s a cool chic novelty from its predecessor

Today, a limousine is not as unreachable as it used to be. With the addition of new technologies and services catering around, people find it a perfect choice now to move around. An almost a century later, the sign of progress is seen in moving streets on even on regular days. A promising future for limousines is ahead. Who knows if you might be the next best inventor and bring something new to add in the legacy of limousines!

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About the Creator

William Simon

I am William. I hail from Toronto, Canada. I am a travel enthusiast with an avid likeness towards expressing my travel experiences. I am an entrepreneur as a professional who'd like for people to benefit from my experiences

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