The Origin of the Limousine - More Than Just Good Beef or a Long Car

The word "limousine" sounds quite luxurious and extravagant and conjures up images of long cars and the rich and famous people who ride around in them. The reality is that the word "Limousine", or it's shortened form "Limo", had very humble beginnings. According to our research it appears that the Lemovices, who were a Gallic tribe that resided in the central part of France gave their name to the region resulting in the Limousine province of France. One of the main products of this region is Limousine beef cattle. Apparently the shepherds of this area wore distinctly styled long hooded cloaks to protect themselves from the rain.

Now fast forward to the 1700's where having horse drawn carriages driven by a dedicated driver, or Chauffeur, was a service to the wealthy. The poor were left to walk around as they could not afford drivers, horses, or carriages. This was a dark time for the limo!

The first motorized carriages started appearing in the 1900's with two separate compartments, one for the passengers that was covered, and one for the chauffeur which was usually uncovered. To protect himself from bad weather the chauffeur would sometimes wear the same hooded cloak the shepherds in the Limousine region of France would wear, ultimately resulting in the name that is now used today to describe a luxurious chauffeur driven vehicle, the Limousine!

The first limousine, or limo as we know it, was built in the 1920's in Arkansas. It was used to drive around big bands and their equipment. Eventually these long extravagant vehicles caught the attention of many celebrities of the time, who decided that they must have one to limo them and their friends around.

Finally, it took about 50 years but eventually these luxurious limousines, with their extravagant interiors containing stereos, TVs, bars, and fiber optic light shows became accessible to the pampered public.

Here at LimoLimo.ca, we no longer wear the hooded cloaks of our forefathers (limousine fashion is so fickle), but we still believe in taking a long car to eat a good piece of beef, Gotham steakhouse anyone?