CarNewsChina.com has published photos of a rare first gen Hyundai Equus “limousine” spotted in Shanghai. This particular model was made from1999 – 2008, and features a wheelbase stretched 27 centimeters longer than the sedan. According to the site, only a very few of these Equus limousines were exported, and they were only sold in South Korea, which makes it an odd sight in China. In 2011, LCT spotted a stretched 2012 Hyundai Equus limousine built by LA Custom Coach; photos can be viewed here.
— Michael Campos, LCT associate editor
A 1964 Lincoln Continental converted by Chicago-based Lehmann-Peterson into a 21-foot long limousine is now on display at America's Car Museum in Tacoma, Wash., where it will call home for the next three months. This piece of limousine history is also part of Vatican history. Read more to learn why.
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OddityCentral.com has tracked down a very unique work of art, if you can call it that — a 7,500 pound, 29-foot limousine made entirely of junk scraps. Yes, junk scraps. The Finnijet, as it’s called, belongs to a 72 year-old chauffeur from Finland. He resides in Palm Beach, Fla., and built his limo over 10 years. He started with two Mercedes-Benz station wagons and parts from a 1962 Chrysler Imperial, adding various components from other vehicles over the years. Rakho listed the limo a few years ago on eBay and received a bid for $950,000. Read more by clicking here.
— Michael Campos, LCT associate editor
Charter operator Busozene, based in Lehigh Acres, Fla., has employed a unique design on its 45-passenger motorcoach: a white limousine painted on the side of the black coach.
This optical illusion not only calls attention to the coach, it requires a double, or triple take, which is great for the company’s branding.
Read more about the Busozene coach here: Double take: ‘Limo’ bus worth a second look
— Michael Campos, LCT associate editor
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— Michael Campos, LCT associate editor
This sand-covered Phantom limousine was spotted abandoned in Abu Dhabi, but some people doubt that it’s a real Rolls-Royce.
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The Sam’s Town 300 NASCAR race in Las Vegas earlier in March was the venue where a Dodge Viper convertible limousine made its debut chauffeuring Oscar Goodman, the host committee chairman for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority and grand marshal of the race around the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
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Chauffeured transportation at a young age can create future clients. Or future prima donnas.
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Made by Italian coachbuilder Castagna Milano and modeled after President Obama’s fortified Cadillac limousine, The Beast, the LimoCity Presidential limousine stretches to a whopping 17.45 feet and stands 158 cm tall. What did you expect for something based on the chassis of the subcompact classic Fiat 500C?
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Bright red 360 Modena stretch limousine can hit a top speed of 166mph. Read the full story to see a video of the vehicle.
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The double-decker mega-trailer pictured here is a 1,000-square-foot, 30-ton “mobile estate” for star actor Ashton Kutcher to use while filming on the set of the Emmy-winning TV show “Two and a Half Men.” It comes complete with seven 60-inch 3-D plasma TVs, a conference area, two bathrooms and a full kitchen.
Legendary NFL coach and sportscaster John Madden travels around in “The Madden Cruiser IV”, an MCI E4500 sporting three plasma televisions, a queen-sized bed, steam shower, sauna, high-speed Internet access and a generator big enough to power a 5,000-square-foot house.
Other celebrities who enjoy their own big luxury buses are Justin Bieber, Whoopi Goldberg, rap artist T.I., Dolly Parton, and of course, President Obama, whose all-black $1.1 million motorcoach likely has state-of-the art amenities that we aren’t even allowed to imagine because they’re classified (and taxpayer-funded).
-- Michael Campos, LCT assistant editor
This Double-R flagship vehicle's armor can withstand grenade attacks and is dipped in $7 million worth of solid gold.
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Picture a scene of teenage girls in make-up and fancy dresses standing in the rain waiting for their limousine. They learn the stretch won’t be showing up, and all the other services are booked. Suddenly, a black limousine used for funerals appears, and the door opens. Do they get in? Is it a trap? Do scary boyfriends lurk within?
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Developed by former Dutch astronaut Wubbo Ockels and former BMW-Williams Formula 1 team aerodynamics expert Antonia Terzi, the Superbus is constructed with ultra-light carbon fiber material and is powered by an electric motor backed up by lithium polymer batteries. The project began in 2004 and has thus far cost around $19 million. The interior features television, internet access, and air bags fitted for each passenger.
The developers said the Superbus is likely to go into service in the United Arab Emirates if it passes government inspections. -- Michael Campos, LCT assistant editor
WOULD IT ALSO BE "GREEN?" The concept of a chopper/motorcycle limousine is nothing new, but this vehicle makes the most of the chopper-sedan hybrid.
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SEEN BEFORE, BUT STILL AMUSING: Visit www.oddee.com for a compilation of 15 strange limousines. Some have been featured before on LC. Only question and comment I have: Is No. 2 photoshopped?
And No. 4 should evoke gales of laughter from the sidewalks as it shimmies by like a tooty-fruity, swivel-hipped, compact little bubble-butt on the road. -- M.R.
HELMETED LIVERY: A limousine for the extreme sporting clientele? Operators are constantly being told to not just provide a service, but an experience as well. These racing limos fit the bill. Although the web site Extremelimos.com is taken, the concept has potential. Thrill-seeker limos could be a welcome escape from recessionary stress. -- M.R.
WHILE WE'RE ON THE SUBJECT:
Of used limousines, this one definitely stands out as ancient -- unless you want to remake it into a classic.
But then, is 1979 a classic car year yet? We suppose you could promote the 79 Fleetwood stretchette as a limo for bad economic times, since 2009 will be the worst year economically since 1979.
A cheap limousine for cheapening times? How about, the green-killer? Jimmy Carter Claptrap?
ROLLING RICHES:
With chauffeured transportation so focused on being finicky and frugal, we believe the times are ripe for a backlash demand to emerge for blatant luxury and excess. It can be good for the financial soul in set doses.
This $600,000 Rolls-Royce stretch makes the ultimate statement on behalf of classy comfort and premium brands. We would marvel at any operator who can make this stretch a profit center unto itself.
But you may have to start out looking for clients in the global gold-spot of Dubai of Arabia, where wealth cannot be spread any further because everyone is neck-deep in it. -- M.R.
VOTE, VOTE!: Escort Limousine in Fairfax, Del., is doing all it can to support democracy. It's all above the board and non-partisan. And goofy.
SKINNY LIVERY: If indeed the U.S. is about to elect a slender president who champions shared sacrifices, then what better place to start than the White House and Congressional transportation fleets. This limo could set the tone for the next few years, as Americans must pay more for everything and governments set about to control more of our lives.
What better way to inspire Americans to new heights of frugality than to roll up in this minimalist stretch. If the governing coalition expects sacrifices and plans once-in-a-lifetime measures, then we want a once-in-a-century inauguration with the next President riding shotgun in this claptrap for the times. Other loony limos here. -- M.R.
PINK PLAYBOY: We haven't shown any lunatic limousines in a few months, so this compliation for your edification is long overdue.
Our favorite is the Pink Playboy limo, although we are bit puzzled as to which demographic exactly would go for this. But given that female clients are mostly driving the interest in party poles, the Pink Playboy may allow that brand to break through the typical Playboy demo of aging swingers and retro-hipsters.
The other limos span the elaborate, the dilapidated, the gaudy, the bizarre -- it's all here; a testament to the creativity and edginess that endears the party limousine business to America.
FORTIFIED CHAUFFEUR SERVICES: We didn't think we could find a limousine more massive or militaristic than a Hummer or a Craftsman, but there it is.
The
tank limo could have many uses beyond the usual bridal scene; birthday parties for boys, for one. In fact, there is a
whole market for tank-themed limos, which we never knew.
And this week and next, the DNC and RNC no doubt could recruit this tank limo for patriotic purposes. But the political parties need to be careful. They certainly wouldn't want to repeat
THIS. -- M.R.
Another story on a limo being used in a bank robbery, this time in the Pittsburgh area. This isn't the first time limos have been used in a crime. It's one of the weird parts of being in this industry, and it makes questions come up. Who owns this limo? Was the operator or chauffeur involved in the robbery? Will the police make this information public? Weird things definitely happen to transportation companies in this country, just ask somebody in the car rental industry.
LORD LIMO: Kings and presidents were the first public figures to be seen in limousines, along with kings of industry and capitalism. It wasn't until the 1980s that the general public started hiring limo rides on a regular basis. In between the royalty and the modern clientele, movie stars and rock legends helped build the image and sexiness of stepping out of a limo. Elvis Presley was an important figure in taking pop music to a different level and pretty much lived in a limo. You can listen to one of his hit songs, "Long Black Limousine," to hear what he thought about them.
Today, teenagers and young adults love limo rides for proms, weddings, party nights, and whatever else. Their parents and grandparents also had their own limo enthusiasm, and paid special attention to awards shows, celebrity magazines, movie premiers, and rock star sightings. Elvis had a lot to with it, even as he gained much weight and looked quite strange in his final days. He still stepped out of a limo, and his fans flipped out. Years later, Elvis impersonators do the same thing - don't be surprised if you see Elvis riding through your town in a long black limousine.
FREAKY LIMO FEAST:
Thanks to industry veteran and
operator Dean Schuler for relaying
this gallery of unique, classic, and sometimes loony limousines.
We would be hard-pressed to pick a favorite, but this gallery underscores the creativity and sense of humor of the chauffeured transportation industry.
MUDDING IN ELEGANCE: Today we explore the world of 4-Wheelin' livery and limousines, a market niche that appeals to a distinct, but
not discreet, clientele.
These monster truck stretches bring limo comforts to the offroad hinterlands.
This company already offers one in its fleet. We at LCT foresee some new opportunities.
For example, outdoors types can get to any remote campsite in chauffeured convenience.
Tired after hiking all day? Have the truck limo pick you up at the end of the mountain trail.
These mega 4-wheelers also could be preferred transportation for bachelor parties: Just take it out for some group
mudding before hitting the strip bar. Or the sports bar.
The monster limos would get instant credibility on any sports bar pub crawl. No patron would ever think it's too dainty or snobby. As to the wedding market? Somehow this one doesn't match most bridal dreams. -- M.R.
ELONGATED EXCESSES: Well are we supposed to be impressed or something? Generally, we don't like to trash limousines unless it's absolutely necessary. But these are a travesty:
world's longest limos. Freaky. While we support the advance of sleek livery machinery all over the world, these behemoths are a bit burdensome. A Hummer or a Craftsman is about as far as the industry should stretch it. -- M.R.
TOO MUCH STRETCHING: Some vehicles are just better left alone, as chauffeured sedans only. Not every vehicle is meant to be stretched.
The Audi makes for a fine chauffeured vehicle, especially in Europe, with its comforts and performance. Yet the visual of a
stretched Audi looks too rigged and out of place. It's like watching a 45-year-old man with bottle-blond hair, a hoodie, a backward cap, and pair of Vans skateboarding down the street (an all too common sight in California).
Vehicles, like people, should act their age, or in auto terms, match their purpose and image. Leave the stretching to the Big Three -- M.R.
VERY SCARY LIMO-SPICE: Scary Spice, one of the Spice Girls, maybe should be renamed Tawdry Spice, or Gaudy Spice. In an affront to livery practitioners worldwide, the recently resurrected starlet from the 90s hit group Spice Girls horrified onlookers recently with a limousine outfitted for Wild Kingdom. Who knows, maybe animal-themed limousines will become popular for children's birthday parties: a Shamu limo? a Barney limo? It's all too painful to contemplate.
LIMO TRAIN: If this super-stretch were one inch longer, it would not be legal, according to a story in a
Jefferson City, Mo. newspaper. It's also very popular. Which proves American still love their big, comfortable limousines. The only concern is maneuvering these livery mammoths through hilly neighborhoods. We would not want to see any more
limousine humiliations.
RETRO GREEN: This loony limo speaks for itself. If it were a work of art, we’d have to categorize it as "improvised minimalism."
A sliced Trabant with a horse likely emits fewer carbons than hybrids, biofueled vehicles, natural gas, propane, hydrogen, and fuel cell vehicles combined. (Well, that depends on the digestive regularity of the horse).
The Trabant, of course, was the socialist stalwart of East European motoring before the Berlin Wall got torn down. For a real livery version of the Trabant,
click here. (Hey, it's really green!)
Constructive suggestion: Let us insist on a fleet of these rickety-clap-clop-clop contraptions for the next Academy Awards ceremony. Such a faux-stagecoach can recall the elegant livery of yesteryear while helping Hollywood herald a greener future. -- M.R.
GAUDY IS GOOD: Thank goodness for pink limos and Elvis impersonators. Where would this industry be without them?
Although Elvis and the pink Ford SUV stretch were shot at a limousine trade show in the U.K., American coachbuilders have set the gold standard for limousines with flash and flair.
As chauffeured transportation becomes more corporate and discreet, it is important for the industry to retain and promote its bolder, wilder side.
Tricked out limousines make life fun and shows the industry’s sense of humor. We at LCT would love to see more operators opt for the elaborate over the mere efficient. And how about that Elvis? The right mix of chauffeur training and acting classes could yield a growing class of livery employee: the character chauffeur. (Here is the Australian operator).
ROYAL FLEET: Queen Elizabeth II obviously benefits from the finest in everything, including limousines. You can learn more about her official 2002
Bentley State Limousine stretch and see a
photo gallery. We mean no disrespect to the Queen, who by all accounts is a sweet, gracious, pampered lady born and cultivated into circumstances well beyond her control. But the Bentley, despite its impeccable engineering and graceful body, seems a bit stuffy, even for the
immaculately coiffured matriarch upon the throne.
So we would like to envision the queen in something a bit more
sporty and flamboyant, but with a British heritage. While the Queen has never had to deal with the daily stresses of common folk, and likely has everything planned and scheduled for her, we would imagine that having to be attentive and endearing each day to everyone for an entire lifetime can be its own private hell. Therefore, we at LCT recommend a discreet royal limousine fleet that provides Her Majesty with
escapism,
adventure, and some
funky hip-hop action on wheels.
By the way, if Her Majesty ever gets crabby about the state of her royal livery, would that qualify her as a
bitchy queen?
YO GRANNY'S LIMO: Remember the Plymouth Grand Fury? For anyone born after San Francisco’s Summer of Love, the Fury sedan may be just a fleeting, youthful memory. So we admit to gasping upon seeing this “model” of a Plymouth Grand Fury VIP Stretch. It’s not an actual limousine, so to us it looks like another disturbing limo fantasy.
But we wonder, was there ever an actual Plymouth Fury Stretch, and what VIPs rode in them? Why would they want to? We can certainly understand the retro-cool of JFK-style limousines from that era, such as the Lincoln Continental stretch, but a Fury?! What amenities could a Fury possibly offer, other than bench-style seats and lap belts? And its carbon footprint probably would rival that of Sasquatch/Bigfoot. (Here’s another, more familiar Sasquatch, but we digress).
Fuel efficiency and aerodynamic styling obviously were not a priority four decades ago. We at LCT ask that if any of you have ever seen an actual Fury Stretch, or ridden in one, or even owned one as part of your fleet, please do not take offense. We’re only curious, and not here to make you, Furyious.
-- posted by Martin Romjue
PULLING PRIUS: So far, our Loony Limos gallery has focused on the here and now: Tangible limousines actually rolling down the road. Today and tomorrow, we will venture into the world of limo fantasies. We’ll let you decide whether they are appropriate or not.
This limo fantasy will no doubt agitate the industry’s Green Club, many of whom have gone ga-ga over the hybrid Toyota Prius. Although there aren’t any stretch Priuses on the road, the adjoining photo shows what one WOULD look like. You see, the stretch portion of the pictured Prius has been photo-shopped in. Meet the culprit here. Hence, a penny for your Prius limo “thoughts,” or fantasies of what one would look like. Because right now, a penny is about all such a concept is worth.
While thoughts of a Prius stretch may elicit all types of Prius-dreaming, we at LCT must caution about a Prius nightmare: An overly stretched Prius stuffed with executives trying to juggle laptops, cellphones, Blackberries, copies of the WSJ, and bottled waters, only to find out there is not enough room for such onboard activity as the soft Prius engine labors and hums up a graded freeway or carpool lane.
We should hope that if this Prius fantasy every comes to fruition, and not turn into a nightmare, that an actual Prius stretch be a bit wider, smoother, and stronger than the current offerings. Customers — especially those in excess of 6-feet in height — still want convenience and comfort, and will approve of hybrid stretches once they retain all the amenities of their fossil-fueled brethren.
-- posted by Martin Romjue
JIGGLING BARREL OF A LIMO: The chauffeured transportation industry is awash in ideas and suggestions on how to go green. Now we can add the Smart Car to the list. Popularized by the Europeans, the Smart Car is cheap and petite, and small enough to navigate just about any city sidewalk. This stretch version makes us curious; while it undoubtedly gets good gas mileage, does this really satisfy the lust for good livery? Would your clients want to be seen in this itty-bitty smarty-panty of a little limousine, other than those making an "ecological statement?" And how would it compare to a stretch Prius? At first glance, this Smart Car Limo reminds us of that Red Bull promotional vehicle; the Austin Mini with a huge Red Bull can on top. Or the Oscar Meyer Wiener mobile, the bright yellow and orange sausage on wheels.
We also need to bring up a sensitive subject here: weight and obesity. After dining at a steakhouse recently, I felt a bit heavy- laden with cooked cattle and liquor, so thank goodness our limousine was the trusted V-8 Town Car stretch. What if, say, multiple portly passengers roll into the belly of the
Smart Car Limo -- will the bumble bee of an engine be able to haul their largesse at freeway speeds? Would the wheels fly off? We at LCT are not convinced this Smart Car Limo is the path to a greener future. I think we'll still opt for the comforts of the Lincolns, Caddies, and Chryslers -- even at $4 a gallon.
-- posted by Martin Romjue
TASTELESS TRAVESTY: This Ukranian limousine reminds us of a 60-year-old actress with a mangled facelift. Or some scene in "Boogie Nights" where a rug-chested industry producer shows up at the pool party.
How would an operator even market this sleek hunk of skank: "A Tawdry Night with a Bawdy Driver?" "Archie Bunker's Everyday Limousine?" "Prom Dreams in Pyongyang?"
We must admit the lacy white curtains are a homey touch for those mobile peek-a-boo moments. Just draw open the curtains at sunrise and let the morning light shine on in! You'll be sure to outclass everyone when you pull up in this at a Motel 6.
Enjoy more information, photos, and commentary on the
stretch that makes you wretch.
posted by Martin Romjue
RETRO-CHIC CHEAP: For $25,000, you can get a 1981 Ferrari 400 limousine. It's definitely more unique than most other classic limousines. This elegant slice of Italian ingenuity will bring back an era when inflation was high, the 55 mph speed limit was too low, and the socially-conscious among us worried about global cooling and running out of heating oil.
And, yes, the V-12 likely gulps enough gas to get the same MPG as a Boeing 777, but then gas prices in 1981 were either at or slightly ahead of what they are now when adjusted for inflation. Yet everyone kept on driving and surviving.
There likely would be enough retro-hipsters in tuxes who would pay a fuel surcharge on this limo rental in order to experience an evening of James Bondian transportation. So this is an opportunity for an operator to stand out and be cool.
To learn more and see more pix,
click here.
-- posted by Martin Romjue
By Martin Romjue
The latest addition to our ongoing "Loony Limos" gallery could actually achieve a balance of sorts: beer for fuel; no carbon emissions; and perpetually happy passengers who can exercise during their mobile happy hour(s).
But we wonder if the beer burps and belches are, um, green-friendly? And could the chauffeur effectively double as a server-bartender? We've heard of drinking and driving, but does this limo introduce the challenge of "serving and driving?" Is that even against the law?
Maybe an enterprising entrepreneur could add the Pedal Pub to a vehicle fleet with a modified swivel seat for the chauffeur-kegmaster. This boozer of a limo would do especially well in beachfront communities, and may be a safer, less rowdy alternative to bachelor party pilgrimages in a conventional stretch. You may read more about this
Dutch innovation.
By Martin Romjue
. . . For a relaxing freeway breeze awaits. We LCTers have seen a lot of limos, but this one threw us a bit.
The "Hummer for Summer" was spotted March 22 on the Ventura Freeway in L.A.'s San Fernando Valley. We have heard of Hummer limos offering "VIP Rooms" in the rear compartment for those passengers too special to hang with the J-seaters, but a canopied outdoor compartment is a new one for us.
This may add a touch of mobile front-porch elegance in a relaxing ride through the country, but on an L.A. freeway, we can only imagine the noise, the fumes, the commuter glares. And we wonder whether you can remove the canopy to accommodate a BBQ grill? If any of you operate a canopied Hummer, we'd like to hear from you. Please post your comments here at LimoLicious, where chauffeured transportation always gets a bit stretched.
By Martin Romjue
As the price of gas barrels toward $4 a gallon, pundits and pseudo-scientists predict global warming catastrophe, and inflation and falling housing prices nibble away at consumers, we can't help but wonder where limousines are heading.
This photo shows what could become the logical destiny of the limousine industry. Years of high-gas prices, green hysteria, and tightened budgets could take their toll. Not to mention any increased regulation and traffic limits.
Gone would be the days of sleek, leather-bathed comfort, convenience, and speed -- all experienced behind the anonymity of black tinted glass. Say, it won't be so! How will Hollywood actresses bound for the Oscars and brides in billowing white navigate their draped finery amid the slavery of rotating sprockets? Will chauffeur qualifications include bench-pressing 400 pounds? Can you pedal effectively from a sideways J-seat? Oh, and all the sweat. . . would it be worse than the "alternative fuel" droppings from the horses n' stagecoach option?
Well, if the world of livery glides from eras of horse-n-buggy, to combustion engine, to pedaled vehicles -- the interactive cycling among chauffeur and passenger at least would help diminish the obesity crisis in America and lower related health care costs.
So if one of your clients insists on a "green" limo, have a little fun and show up with this. Then record the reaction.
Is it possible to achieve maximum horsepower without using gas? Can you transport clients while keeping things green? Here is one idea that accomplishes it all and could even enchant your clients with a sense of livery nostalgia. Please try not to whinnie about this.
Read full story
By Martin Romjue
There’s no delaying honeymoon plans with this limo. Just buckle up and you’ll pull up to the hotel in a screeching roar. While the Ferrari limo could at first bust your company’s fleet budget, there are likely enough betrothed hipsters to make it cost-effective for the long haul.
This rocket of a rickshaw would fit into any Extreme Wedding services palette. But caution: While the Ferrari limo may give new meaning to the terms “whirlwind romance” and “roller-coaster marriage,” the belted bucket seats likely will deter any post-nuptial amorous advances at 170 mph.
View the full
Ferrari limo gallery
For the controversy, click
here.
Some more facts about the fascinating Ferrari:
• The world’s fastest limousine can go from 0 to 60mph in less than six seconds
• It is made from a Ferrari 360 Modena chopped in half and stretched by 9.5ft with a section of hand-built carbon fiber
• It has a top speed of around 166mph - just 17mph less than the standard 183mph Modena
• The 20ft long car - which only seats eight people - is set to claim two Guinness World Records as the fastest limousine and the longest Ferrari
By Martin Romjue
Learn all about retro-Communist limo chic by clicking on the link below. This loathsome piece of livery is guaranteed to leave you sprawled across the J-seat with laughter.
No matter how the economy may be challenging your operations, be thankful your fleet does not have one of these – unless of course you have clients who must get to the May Day parade in style.
This Stalinesque stalwart could make a comeback by rolling along with the upcoming spectacle of Fidel’s funeral procession. For added flair, the chauffeur can wear a get-up resembling a Kim Jong-Il drag queen.
See more of the retro nasty limo.
By Martin Romjue
This Austin-Mini stretch was spotted recently scurrying down a Los Angeles area freeway. We at LCT admit we've never seen nor heard of one, so this itsy-bitsy piece of livery remains a mystery. We can't help but wonder: Would the J-seat be an inflatable pool toy? Does it use a Little Igloo cooler for the mini-bar? Must passengers make do with Dixie cups? Are wedding rentals limited to petite couples?
We could have more fun-size amusement here, but we want to hear from you. Ever seen one? Would you add one to your fleet?