Welcome to the AFA Limo Blog! Your online resource for everything limousine related. Our goal is to educate you about limousines and limousine rental in general.
For the first blog post we decided to do a short write up about the history of limousines and just give you a general idea of what limousines are.
How are limousines made?
In the US, there are several companies specializing in limousine manufacturing (Crystal Coach, Moonlight, Executive Coach Builders, Royal, etc). Contrary to popular believe, limousines are not built by the automotive manufacturers (Ford, Lincoln, etc); instead, a limousine manufacturing company, purchases a brand new vehicle and then “stretches it”. The brand new vehicle is stripped to the frame, then literally is cut in half, pulled apart, frame inserted and welded back together.
Each limousine manufacturing company has an in-house specialist who designs the layout of the new limo. Some limousines feature J-seat, others feature parallel seat or single side seat. The number of the seats will dictate the vehicle capacity (based on average person weighting 250 lbs). Regardless of the seat layout or capacity, each limousine features a bar, CD player and TV. Although nobody really watches TV while riding in the limousine, every single vehicle is outfitted with one. Designers work hard on creating a spacious and luxuries setting, some install mirrored ceilings to give an appearance of larger space. The use of neon lighting creates the feel of a night club.
Most limousines are stretched 100” 120”, 180”, 200” or 220”; the larger the stretch the higher the capacity.
What is the most popular limousine?
The Lincoln Town Car has been the most popular base for the limousine industry. However, a variety of other vehicles have been converted into limousines such as the Cadillac DTS, Cadillac Escalade, Chrysler 300, Hummer H2, Ford Excursion, and the Lincoln Navigator. There are even instances of Corvettes, Ferraris, Mini Coopers and VW Beetles being stretched to accommodate up to 10 passengers. In the last 10 years, customers preferred SUV Limousines over regular Town Car stretch limousine. Over the last five years, more and more customers request limousine buses. Watch to see images of unusual limousines.
Written by the “Industry Veteran”
5 comments on “How are limousines made?”
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My 8 year old son was wondering during how long does it take roughly to make a limousine?
Dear Cassandra, thank you for writing. It takes at least 1 month for a team of welders, mechanics, upholsters and electricians to make a limousine. IT requires a lot of specialized equipment and every piece would have to be custom made. It might take longer for a more elaborately designed limousine. Hope this helps. AFA Team