What’s the first thing you think of when you hear the word “limousine”? For most, the limo represents glamorous transportation that gets you to your destination in style. Once only used by the rich and famous, limousines in Baltimore County, MD are now a common option for airport rides, prom dates, partygoers and more.
Whether you ride in limos in Baltimore County, MD regularly or have never experienced their luxury, you may find the following facts enlightening and entertaining:
- The language: Have you ever wondered where the word “limousine originates”? It comes from the French region of Limousin. Why? The original limousine driver compartments resembled the hoods of the cloaks worn by shepherds in this area. As for the drivers, the word “chauffeur” comes from the French for “stoker,” which is the operator of a steam engine. Unless it has a chauffeur, a vehicle cannot be called a limousine.
- The original: Built in 1902, the first limousine featured a covered driver’s compartment on the outside of the vehicle. Early limousines only carried four passengers. Stretch limousines in Baltimore County, MD came along a little later, in 1928.
- The celebrities: Even the Pope enjoys a luxury ride in a limo now and then. Pope Pius XII owned a Ghia, and Pope Paul VI owned two Imperials, a 1965 and a 1966. The stretch model was more popular with Glenn Miller and his orchestra. Miller and his band traveled in stretch limousines, along with all their instruments.
- The size: The longest limousine in the world is 100 feet long. It has 26 wheels and a driver’s cabin at each end. The heaviest limo in the world weighs 50,560 pounds. Its horn plays the tune “Midnight Rider.” At 10 feet and eleven inches, a vintage white stretch sedan is the tallest limo in the world. It features two engines, and its eight monster truck tires raise it nearly a foot off the ground.
- The styles: Are you considering a limousine in Baltimore County, MD for your nuptials? The Lincoln Navigator is the most popular limo style hired for weddings. Other options include the Hummer limo, which appeared on the limousine market in the 1990s. The U.S. Army originally designed this style of vehicle for utility transport. SUV limousines are also on the market, in two sizes. The 140-inch model holds 14 passengers, while the 200-inch model holds 20.
- The flash: The fastest limousine in the world can reach 170 mph. It’s a Ferrari that can seat eight people. A modified 360 Modena, the vehicle has 400bhp and is 20 feet long. As flashy as it is, this Ferrari is not the most expensive limousine. A limo owned by the Sultan of Brunei holds that record. His vehicle cost $14 million. Used for his wedding day, the limo is 24 karat gold plated.
Now that you’re up to speed on the ultimate in limousine trivia, are you ready for a ride? The next time you need transportation, consider a limo in Baltimore County, MD. Your experience might not equal the Sultan’s, but you’re sure to enjoy it when you call American Sedan & Limo Service.