Brougham (car body)

A Brougham is a type of closed car body style that originated in the 19th century as a horse-drawn carriage. The term was later applied to automobiles, evolving to represent a specific set of luxury features and design elements.

In its original horse-drawn form, a Brougham was a four-wheeled, enclosed carriage with an open driver's seat in front. This design allowed the passengers to be shielded from the elements while the driver remained exposed.

When the term was adopted for automobiles, the defining characteristics of a Brougham shifted. While early motorcar Broughams sometimes retained the open driver's seat concept, the term more broadly became associated with luxury vehicles featuring a formal appearance. Common features often included:

• A formal roofline, sometimes with a padded or landau-style vinyl roof.
• A division window separating the front and rear compartments (though this feature was not always present).
• Upscale interior appointments, such as plush upholstery, wood trim, and enhanced soundproofing.
• Extended rear passenger space.

By the mid-20th century, the Brougham name had largely become a marketing term applied to top-of-the-line trim levels of various car models, often signifying a focus on comfort, luxury, and traditional styling. The presence of a vinyl roof, opera windows (small rear side windows), and extensive chrome trim were frequently associated with the "Brougham" designation on American automobiles. The term gradually fell out of widespread use towards the end of the 20th century as automotive styling preferences changed.