How Bentleys Work

n the automobile industry, there are certain companies with the reputation for creating the most luxurious cars in the world -- Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar, Lexus and BMW spring to mind. But it's a smaller circle of luxury automobile companies that set the benchmark for opulence -- like Maybach, Rolls-Royce, Aston Martin, Maserati and Bentley. In recent years, the Bentley in particular has emerged as a popular choice of car for the rich and famous.The Bentley Motor Company, like Aston Martin and Rolls-Royce, is a historic British car company. W.O. Bentley built the first Bentley automobile in 1919. He was a race car enthusiast and thrill-seeker who wished to design and produce the world's best race car. He called his first effort the EXP1, a prototype race car with a 3-liter engine. Racing enthusiasts took notice of the car's superior performance.
Bentley's designs were very successful -- a Bentley automobile dominated the Le Mans races from 1927 to 1930. Bentleys came in first place in races across Europe, and soon a collection of race-car drivers known as the Bentley Boys became famous for taking home trophies.
The Bentley line of cars had many rivals -- perhaps the most notable was Rolls-Royce. While Bentley automobiles were known for speed and performance, Rolls-Royce cars were famous for elegance and sophistication. Both lines pushed automobile advances in Europe. The rivalry might have lasted indefinitely had it not been for the Great Depression. Bentley Motors became financially unstable, and Rolls-Royce Limited purchased the company in 1931. Gradually, Bentley automobiles began to resemble the styles of the Rolls-Royce cars. Some models even used the same chassis -- the same base frame -- as the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud.

The Bentley EXP2

In 1998, Rolls-Royce sold Bentley Motors to Volkswagen (eventually BMW purchased Rolls-Royce, so two of England's beloved car lines are now owned by German companies). Production of the Bentley line remained in Crewe, England, where they've been building Bentleys since 1946. Today, Bentleys fill a niche between the Rolls-Royce cars, known for their style and elegance, and the Aston Martin cars, famous for their performance and speed.

Limousine Facts and Figures

A Mexican limousine company converted this 727 into a luxurious stretch limousine.

You might be surprised to find out that you may need a special license in order to operate a limousine or that manufacturers have to pay a "gas guzzler tax" --"intended to discourage the production and purchase of fuel-inefficient cars" [source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency].The facts and figures below can help sort out gas mileage, safety and costs associated with owning or renting a limo.

Licensing

There isn't a standardized licensing requirement for chauffeurs from one state to another. Some states require chauffeurs pass a specific test to become licensed, while others simply require the applicant to fill out a form. Many states don't require anything more than a standard license, though some might require that the chauffeur apply for a commercial license if the limousine is going to carry large numbers of passengers at one time.

Safety

Limousines have to meet the same safety standards as other vehicles. In theory, every conversion shop has to put every vehicle variation through a battery of tests, including crash tests, to ensure the safety of the driver and passengers. The government periodically inspects vehicles and requests proof from limousine companies that their vehicles have been tested.

Gas Mileage

In general, limousines get lousy gas mileage, though it varies from vehicle to vehicle (and even a Lincoln stretch limo from one company might get vastly different mileage from a different company's stretch Lincoln). Limousine companies have to pay a "gas guzzler tax" on each vehicle [source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency]. Essentially, this is compensation to the government for all the pollution the limousine will create over its life of service.

Cost

In a similar vein, the cost of limousines range from bargain buys to extravagant purchases. A custom-built Arnage limousine might be more than $300,000, while a used stretch Lincoln might go for less than $30,000. Conversions can range almost as much depending upon the base vehicle, the length you want to stretch it, and the amenities you choose to include.

Services and Dealers

There are hundreds of limousine services in the United States that rent limos and provide drivers to the general public. There are also hundreds of private operators who either hire themselves out to anyone or become a personal driver for a wealthy person. Before you rent a limo -- or purchase one for yourself -- it pays to do some research on the limousine company. Make sure the company tests its vehicles and, if possible, find out what the certification process is for its drivers. Reputation in the limousine industry is very important, so try to pick a company with a good one. That way, when you're riding in the back with several of your friends, all you'll have to worry about is what everyone wants to drink.

Limousine Amenities

Hugh Heffner and friends pose in the highly stylized Playboy limousine. A swank limo interior with neon lighting

Most limousine companies (and car manufacturers) feel that doubling the length of the original vehicle is about as long as you can go before a car is no longer able to pass the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS), though some push this a little further than others. In an industry where owners have to differentiate themselves from the competition, the only option, apart from going longer, is to make the interior as opulent, technologically advanced or outrageous as possible.
Practically every limousine has a bar or drinks cabinet containing enough alcohol to keep a rambunctious bachelor party going for hours. Some bars include fancy glasses made of crystal, polished counters lined with neon lights and even a sink with running water. Some limousine bars can give Las Vegas clubs a run for their money in terms of glitz and excess.
Another big focus in limousine amenities is the entertainment system. You can rent a limousine with plasma screen televisions, DVD players, surround-sound systems with theater-quality speakers, satellite radio and video game consoles. Some companies convert buses into limousines and even include a dance floor or karaoke system.

Hugh Heffner and friends pose in the highly stylized Playboy limousine. A swank limo interior with neon lighting

Other signs of excess in the limousine industry range from mirrored ceilings to crystal chandeliers. Some limo interiors are filled with blinking lights and neon tubing. Many have funky seats upholstered in leather or other expensive materials. Bentley's limousines contain handcrafted cabinet work, expensive veneers and expensive communications systems so that you can stay in touch with the office even as you ride in complete luxury.
Many limousines include intercom systems so that passengers can communicate with the limo driver without lowering a privacy barrier. Most limos also have telephones installed so that you can call your best friend and ask, "Guess where I'm calling you from?"