During this time, wealthy individuals got around in covered horse-drawn carriages. The chauffeur was separated from the passengers, with only a hooded cloak to defend against the elements. The first automobile limousines originated in 1902, less than two decades after the invention of the first practical automobile.

How long have limos been around?

Limousines Have Been Around Since the 1700s

During the 1700s, if you were very rich, you could take a ride in a golden limousine pulled by the finest horses. Limoges, a province in France, is where the first engine-powered limousine was developed in 1902. “Limousine” comes from the word Limoges.

When did limos go out of style?

Cadillac and Lincoln produced limo versions of their big cars for decades, but were out of the business by 1983, choosing to rely on outsourcing. Aftermarket conversion companies sprung up as the custom limousine business began to take off in the late 1970s and exploded in the '80s.