From the Past to the Limousine
When it comes to present, the idea of a limousine generally invokes the images of extended vehicle such as a Lincoln Town Car or a luxury Cadillac. The limousine has become the sign of conspicuous consumption. Yet the concept of the limo isn’t a modern one. The truth is the origin of the limousine is quite ancient can be traced back in time to the reasoning of a noble requesting an escort. Ultimately this reasoning evolved into the transportation of the rich and famous. Awareness of the original idea motivating the limousine can assist in describing and explaining its constant appearance throughout history.
The earliest sort of a limousine was the “litter” a wheel-less, human-powered form of transport which had two designs: an open bench or a compact seat with shutters, both lifted and carried. Other ancient variations include: the “chariot” a light two-wheeled, two person, horse pulled vehicle and the four wheeled carriage. In ancient times the Egyptian Pharaohs were carried on a huge litters in processions through their people during special functions and likewise used the royal chariot. The Rulers of China used a analogous method even as lesser litters and versions of carriages turned out to be employed by their subjects, most notably by brides. The ancient Roman Imperial household likewise employed a litter referred to as a “lectica” or “sella” and in addition had an early sprung carriages. Other countries such as India, Japan, and Korea each employed a version of litter identified respectively as the “palanquin” , “kago” and “gama”. Western culture not only used the “sella” but also had the “sedan chair” which were quite notable and used originally by the nobleman but were subsequently adapted for open public use and remained popular until the invention of the “rickshaw” in the nineteenth century.
The “rickshaw” is an advancement of the litter to include two wheels but remaining powered by humans. They were found to be first seen in Japan but the design quickly propagated to the entire globe and in spite of everything it exists today in quite a few forms although generally as bicycle and motor rickshaws.
An captivating intermediary stage between rickshaws and motor vehicles is the carriage: a four wheeled vehicle, mostly horse powered, that have been completely tailored for private traveler use. While structurally akin to the contemporary wagon and buggy of its age, these carriages were symbols of luxury, wealth, prominence with the most luxurious being gilded with gold.
The rise of the motor vehicle in the late 19th and beginning twentieth centuries and substituted the carriages and virtually all forms of human-powered transportation. This would lead to the limousine, which can be recognized as a high end vehicle often with a lengthened or “stretched” chassis that are invariably driven by chauffeurs(professional drivers). Limousines, also known as limos, have developed from being “big band buses” to the exotic and novelty cars employed not just by high-ranking government or corporate individuals but additionally by the less wealthy for special activities such as weddings or proms. The word “limousine” comes from etymologies of the French area of Limousin due to the similar look the compartment cover separating the chauffeurs and passengers had to the cloak hood utilized by shepherds in the area.
Modern limousines are often at the leading edge of technological innovation and are notably different from their predecessors. Among the comforts of contemporary limousines are In-Car Wi-Fi, GPS Navigation, Vehicle Tracking Systems, XM Satellite Radio and vehicle features such as bottled water, newspapers and/or magazines. If that isn’t adequate most businesses possess custom services which are offered upon request to satisfy specific inclinations.
While the limo today is the symbol of prosperity and standing, the concept and design behind it has been around for nearly all of human civilization. Luckily nowadays they are significantly less exclusive while continuing to be just as if not more excessive. We can securely claim that limousines will continue to survive in one form or another.
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