What is a stretch limousine / chauffeur limousine?

Recently updated on April 2, 2021 at 10:20 am

Stretch limousines or chauffeur limousines gained worldwide popularity primarily through various US films and series. Nothing is more impressive than when stars and starlets get out of their classy XXL sledges in front of posh restaurants or luxurious hotels. In Europe, however, the trend is more towards the hour Rental the luxury cars including chauffeur. In this way, the stretch limo becomes the highlight of extraordinary events in this country, such as weddings, bachelorette parties or birthdays. But what is a stretch limousine, how was it created and how is it built?

Definition & history of the stretch limo

A stretch limousine, or stretch limo for short, is usually based on a conventional limousine, an SUV & Co. from at least the upper middle class category. However, it is not built that long as standard, but only afterwards extended. The first stretch limo was built in Arkansas (USA) in 1928. A well-known big band bought the limousine to have themselves and their instruments chauffeured in it. Since then, the stretch limo has become more and more important and has become a status symbol. The longest stretch limousine in the world currently measures an incredible 30,5 meters and has numerous extras such as one Swimmingpool and one Helipad. Can you believe it?

How is it built, which vehicles are suitable?

Vehicles from the are usually suitable for converting to a stretch limo upper middle class or luxury class from manufacturers such as Ford, General Motors, Rolls-Royce or Mercedes-Benz. The best-known stretch limousines include conversions based on Lincoln and Cadillac vehicles. In principle, however, other vehicle types can also be converted into a stretch limousine. The best example of this are the extended taxis in Cuba, for the construction of which a Lada model is being extended. Also an extended one Hummer H2, a Ferrari F40, a VW Jetta and even one XXL Smart we have already seen.

Details on building a chauffeur limousine!

To turn a conventional vehicle into a stretch limousine, it has to be cut behind the B-pillar. Then the so-called Intermediate section together with the new roof section, side walls, windows and floor section. In addition, some upgrades have to be made to the vehicle itself, such as the reinforcement of the roof and floor bars, and sometimes the engine and the axles. Without a more powerful engine, the significantly heavier vehicle cannot be pulled effectively. In addition to the necessary modifications, much more daring additions are now being made. Be happy additional axes, Doors or benches integrated into the vehicles. A stretch limousine with a built-in whirlpool has also been built. However, all of these additional extras add to the weight of the vehicle and affect maneuverability and fuel consumption. That is why many more things often have to - like the braking system - be reinforced. Here it always depends on the respective conversion and the area of ​​application.

Stretch limousines impress with their interior fittings

The oversized limousines impress not only from the outside, but also with their extravagant interior. Upholstered leather seats and bars as well as various multimedia equipment such as televisions or sound systems are almost standard. There are no limits to your own creativity. Almost anything you can think of is possible. Only the wallet can hold back.

What is the difference between a stretch limousine and the long limousines popular in Europe?

Outside the USA, numerous European car manufacturers such as Mercedes-Benz, VW or BMW offer so-called long limousines / long versions. However, these are only slightly longer than the manufacturer's "normal" models and therefore have nothing to do with a real stretch limousine. A long version, for example of a VW Phaeton, is approx. 15 cm longer than the standard vehicle. In principle, the conversion is comparable, since the additional space is only used here for the passengers in the rear behind the B-pillar, but there is no question of a stretch limousine.

We hope that you have received our information report on the topic / term Stretch limo (Further designations / keywords are: stretch limousine, chauffeur limousine, stretch limo, stretch car, stretch vehicle, stretch car, party bus) from the Autotuning category. Our goal is to have the largest German-speaking tuning lexicon (Tuning Wikipedia) and to explain tuning technical terms from A to Z easily and understandably. We are therefore expanding this lexicon almost daily and you can see how far we have already come HERE see. And soon the next one will be Tuning scene concept illuminated by us. There's a theme that not can be found in our Wikipedia? Then send us an email at kontakt@tuningblog.eu and gives us the term. We will write a suitable article as soon as possible. PS. By the way, you will be informed about new topics if you have ours Feed subscriber.

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