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Originally Posted by mccombie_5 I didn't see this reply, but yes, he did. |
The issue of what "specific" model gets used for a limo conversion has nothing to do with what the customer wants unless he or she wants to go with what's basically considered a "bandit car".
Both Cadillac and Lincoln have specific programs that are committed to the professional vehicle market. To this end they both developed programs that were aimed at controlling what cars got converted by coachbuilders. The reason for doing this was mainly to be able to exercise at least SOME control over end product safety. Lincoln has the QVM (Qualified Vehicle Modifier)program, and Cadillac has the CMC (Cadillac Master Coachbuilder) program. These groups are made up of people who "specialize" in professional vehicles and have been charged with making sure that anyone who converts their respective base cars into limousines, does so along strict guidlines developed by the OEMs (in this case GM and FORD). In order to get the properly developed chassis, technical support and warranty coverage, coachbuilders must be certified by the OEMs. The OEM sends people out on a continuous basis to monitor the coachbuilders and make sure they maintain certain levels of quality control and overall build quality.
If for some reason, let's say a customer wants a certain vehicle stretched that is NOT offered by the OEM under their respective coachbuilder program. That customer will have to go to a coachbuilder that is NOT a certified one and risk having a car that is not only most likely unsafe but is without factory support of any kind. THESE are the "bandit cars". Personally, I wouldn't even get in a car built by a NON-certified coachbuilder. I've seen the differences up close and believe me they CAN be down right scary!