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They are part of the essence of celebrity and when one drives by people wonder who is the rich or famous person that sits behind those tinted windows ignoring the world as it goes by. Everyone has wanted, at some point, to be the person that rides in the gilded carriage that is the limousine. Washington DC has its own share of limousines (or limos as they are also known) that ferry the important, the rich, or the famous wherever they want to go. This car comes in many forms from the simple and stately to the ludicrous stretch limo that is seen in movies and in the glittering lights of Las Vegas. The limousine has many forms and there are different versions of this stately car available in the world today.
At its beginnings, the limousine was essentially an extension of a large sedan with the car’s enlarged frame and wider wheelbase allowing the passengers to have more room than is strictly necessary. The seats in the back face forward as per usual but two ‘jumper seats’ behind the driver face backward. A limousine in Washington DC, for example, would not necessarily use these jumper seats since the limousine only has to ferry one or two people at a time. Private limousines may also include a whole range of other customizations to make the ride even more pleasurable. Examples include televisions, sound systems and bars complete with mini fridges. These models are obviously exclusive and cost a lot more than the standard limousine.
Many different car models have been adapted to become a limousine and these include, amongst others the Maybach 62, the Audi A8L, the Hummer H2, the Leland Miracle, the BMW 760li, and the Cadillac DTS. People who want their own private limousine often consider converting one of the models mentioned into a limousine. In Washington DC, on the other hand, the limousine has a much more simple necessity of only transport. Here they still prefer to use the Lincoln Town Car that has a separate load-bearing chassis. Stretch limousines are often adapted from the Lincoln Town Car though some of the other automobile companies have tried their hand at this market.
Most limousines have certain aspects in common. The driver is separated from the passengers by a divider that can either be solid or glass. The divider can be soundproofed and it is often possible to open the divider so the passengers can speak to the driver if necessary. As mentioned before some limousines also offer other entertainments but these are expensive additions. Some exotic limousines even feature a fully operational hot tub or Jacuzzi on the back along with a double rear-axle to support the weight, of course. Limousines in Washington DC hardly have need of such exotic flairs or additions and often stick to the divider window along with bulletproof glass in the case of very important passengers.
Limousines in Washington D.C. may have simple uses but others have many. Limousines are used for tours, road shows, weddings, parties, celebrations and many other events. They are often used to make an impression and, more often than not, they succeed.
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