Bentley

Why Limousines Are A Status Symbol

Limousines, or limos for short, are unusual and unique long luxury cars, which traditionally sport black or white colors, and may sometimes have other colors, like pink, blue and grey. Limousines are generally driven by chauffeurs and are usually associated with the wealthy and privileged. Think of the impressions the word 'limousine' conjures up: Hollywood stars, tycoons, VIPs, and the bride and groom on wedding day. A limousine is an elegant add-on that enhances the festivity of the occasion.

Generally, the common use of limousines and chauffeured transportation include services such as VIP airport transportation, funerals, weddings, school proms, corporate parties, birthday events, tour services, shopping, nights-on-the town, clubbing, and transport to or from a resort and from crosstown.


While a large number of limousines are owned by wealthy individuals, many are also owned or operated by governments for transporting senior politicians and dignitaries, and by large corporations for transporting executives. Most limousines also operate as rental car types, upmarket competition to taxis.

The word limousine is derived from the name of the French region 'Limousin', and refers to the long cloaks once worn by the shepherds in the French countryside.
Historically, the limousine has been defined an extension of a large sedan. Longer frames and wheelbase allow the rear passenger compartment to contain the usual forward facing passenger seat, however with a substantial amount of foot room, which is more than actually needed. Usually then two jump seats are mounted, and face rearward behind the driver. These seats could be folded up when they are not in use.

Most luxury limousines could carry a capacity of seven passengers in addition to the driver. The newer limousines, such as the Maybac 62 , Audi A8L, Hummer H2, Lincoln Town Car; and the Cadillac DTS do not feature such seats since stretch limousines are generally used to transport more than three passengers, excluding the driver. These vehicles may contain expensive car audio players, video players, TV and bars, and often with refrigerators.

There are times, or occasions when a coach builder or vehicle designer will develop the "ultimate" stretch limo, adding such amenities that seem somewhat impractical but which make a stronger and more stylish design statement. One notable design feature includes double rear axles that support the weight of items such as an operational hot tub.

Limousine builders can also perform after market extensions on luxury sedans and SUVs. These extensive limousine conversions have notably been performed on several luxury brands including: Audi, Bentley, BMW, Cadillac, Chrysler, Ford, Holden, Hummer, Infiniti, Jaguar, Lexus, Lincoln, Mercedes-Benz, and Rolls Royce. In North America, the most popular vehicles for stretch limousines conversion are the Lincoln Town Car, Cadillac DTS, Hummer H2, and the Lincoln Navigator. There are even instances where corvettes and VW Bugs being stretched to accommodate more passengers.

While defining what constitutes a "luxury car" is quite subjective, specific guidelines such as price, design, comfort, and prestige are also used to help define the term. Luxury cars, such as limousines, offer a higher degree of comfort than their mainstream counterparts, as well as provide highly sumptuous interiors accented by unique designs and elegant interiors. Common features such as interior leather and polished wood grain-look dashboards are general amenities.

By Vanessa A. Doctor.

Fly With the Bentley

Have you ever seen the winged ÒBÓ badge of the Bentley and felt like flying? If yes, you are not the only one! People all around the world dream of owning a Bentley and why not, its stature is just too big not to be desired! Bentley Motors was established in England in January 1919. The founder was Walter Owen Bentley. Walter Owen was always fascinated by combustible engines and racing motorcycles, like most young boys are, and the Bentley was an outcome of this passion.

Bentley Motors has a history full of turns and twists and quite an interesting one too! Lets skim through its pages.

The manufacturing of the Bentley started with a 3-litre engine car which was very advanced for its times. It had four cylinders, single overhead camshaft, four valves per cylinder and twin-spark ignition via two magnetos. But it did make some noise. It is said, that this noise once irritated a nurse who was attending to a dying patient. To everyoneÕs surprise, a person present there had then said ÔA happy sound to die toÓ! Such was the beginning of the Bentley!

The Bentley was and is primarily known as a racing car. It has won many Le Mans trophies. The Le Mans is a 24-hour car endurance test held in France. It tests a car to it limits and those who can sustain the grill, command tremendous respect and awe in the automobile market. These races also provided a huge advertisement for the Bentley. The first Bentley,the 3-litre car, participated and came a very respectable 4th!

From then on, there was no looking back and Bentley motors went on to make some of the finest cars ever known. Sometimes the manufacturing was so slow that the cars were made just before delivery and at times even the demonstration cars had to be sold. But their popularity never ceased to soar. In reality fewer people bought them due to their high prices but still everyone secretly thought of taking control of one of these. After a few years, it was announced that Bentley Motors would retire from racing as they were falling short of money. As well as this, all the rash race driving was giving the common man a very bad impression about the car. Some people were wary of buying the car, as they saw it as a symbol of rough driving. Somewhat in order to break this image, Bentley Motors manufactured a bewitching limousine passenger car. But by this time, the great depression had taken its toll on Bentley Motors, leaving it in financial doldrums. Hence it was decided to sell the firm. Thus Rolls Royce took over Bentley Motors in a very dramatic manner in 1931. At that time Bentley was the most formidable rival of Rolls Royce and the world saw this as a mega deal for Rolls Royce. Actually it was good news for Bentley (in one way at least), that their baby would at least be in some experienced hands. Thus the Bentley was actually with Bentley Motors only till 1931.

The Volkswagen Group ,a German company, has been the owner of Bentley since 1998. The Bentleys are manufactured at the Crewe factory in England.

The various current and popular models of this car are Arnage, Azure, Continental GT, Continental Flying Spur and Continental GTC.

Luxury, elegance and comfort characterize all the Bentleys. Features like emergency fuel shut-off device, child safety door locks located on rear doors, engine immobilizer, front seatbelt height adjusters, fog lights, anti-theft protection, airbags with occupant sensors, computers keeping track of average speed, average fuel consumption, instantaneous fuel consumption and range for remaining fuel, keyless entry operated via key fob, tire pressure monitor, separate driver/front passenger climate controls, rear window defroster, heated washer system, bluetooth incorporated telephone system, electric foldable mirrors, ashtrays, full maps, remote controlled DVD, several speakers, headlight cleaners, leather seats, tinted glass ,a variety of interior lighting, etc. make the Bentley, a precious buy. The Azure also has a sunroof/moonroof and a removable/convertible top!

The Bentley cars are immediately recognizable by the huge headlights they flaunt. But unlike their easy to spot features, they are very difficult and intricate to make! The Bentley is known as a highly reliable, sturdy and versatile car. Versatile, as it combines uncompromising luxury with enviable performance and reliability.

By Lance Dixon.