Limousine

The stretch limo shortened, also " stretch limo ", is a subsequently extended automobile. It is made with exceptions through a conversion belonging to the upper middle class sedan, rare cars also the superclass can be used.

History

The first stretch limousine was built around 1928 in Arkansas. They often received the designation: " Big Band Bus", because the members of a big band that conveyed together with their instruments.

Purpose

Not only in the U.S. and countries in the Arabian Peninsula are stretch limousines especially the comfort, as state coach and as a status symbol. In the civil service, particularly in the diplomatic service, but occasionally also as an airport shuttle and taxi as a luxury stretch limousines are as sophisticated variant, Van comparable used; For example, if several heads of state along with accompaniment are to be carried in the same wagon.

Older specimens can then be found in the Middle East, for example, the standard long versions of the Mercedes -Benz W 115 and W 123

Rebuilding

When remodeling the car is circumferentially severed behind the B-pillar and an intermediate section having side walls, windows, roof and floor share share inserted, usually combined with reinforcements in floor and roof rails. The suspension is enhanced because of the higher weight, sometimes uprated motors are built to operate better with the higher weight can.

For more complex conversions more doors are inserted for better access to another seat. These doors are typically manufactured from one-half the front and rear door by being welded together.

Lavish tags still larger extensions of the goal. These additional axes are inserted occasionally. Here, for example sedans arise with a swimming pool in the rear, either inside or in the manner of a bathing terrace with swimming pool. Such extremely long vehicles are then slow and difficult to maneuver, consume a lot of fuel and weigh as much as a truck

Vehicle types

The conversion takes place, for example from a Lincoln Ford Motor Company, or a Cadillac from General Motors. Even European cars to be rebuilt, as vehicles from Mercedes- Benz or Rolls -Royce. It at times also pickups from Chevrolet or Ford with double cabin and twin tires have been converted into stretch limousines.

In contrast, offer some European manufacturers of so-called long-wheelbase saloons from the factory, such as the long version of the Mercedes -Benz S-Class. This is not a real stretch limo, but one of only a few centimeters prolonged (for better legroom ) sedan, as they are offered as standard by Audi, BMW, Bentley and VW. Furthermore, Mercedes -Benz offers the S- and at times even the E-Class as a Pullman version from the factory. For a long time this was Mercedes - despite high demand - rejected: it was feared an image problem because American stretch limos that must be made no admission test, often by hanging several inches. Then the landing gear had to be completely redesigned for the Mercedes -Benz Pullman to ensure despite the altered geometry of the same vehicle safety in fast bends.

Fixtures

Limousines are usually luxurious. Components of the interior can be more benches, expensive electronic equipment such as computer, TV and video equipment, as well as sofa - bed and landscapes. Some manufacturers are even higher safety standards for special protection vehicles.

The longest known up to now sedan is about 30.5 feet long. It contains besides electronics also a swimming pool with diving board and a helipad. It is used mainly in Hollywood for filming.

Stretch limousines in the U.S.

The production of stretch limousines is not operated in the United States itself from the known automobile manufacturers. Specialized companies typically purchase suitable vehicles by Cadillac or Lincoln. These are then extended and refined. The most common automotive Time Stretch is the Lincoln Town Car. To ensure the quality of the vehicles Cadillac and Lincoln proceeded to, with a certain number of companies established to cooperate. In the case of Cadillac these are referred to as Cadillac Master Coach Builder. Lincoln chooses the name Lincoln QVM. Well-known specialist companies are Royale Limousine in Haverhill, Massachusetts, LCW Automotive in San Antonio, Texas. The vehicles retain the factory warranty. Lately SUVs are increasingly extended.

Special cases

Not only the upper class counting cars be extended, but may also medium-sized cars, such as many Lada taxis in Cuba.

Demarcation from the Pullman body

Stretch limousines are subsequently lengthened vehicles. In Pullman vehicles, the long version is already planned in product development. The vehicles are designed usually better for this reason, from engineering point of view. The main producer of Pullman cars of the present is Mercedes -Benz the Mercedes -Benz Pullman.