Chariots for Hire

A stretch limousine has long been a sign of celebrity, affluence and power for fat cats and hot dogs. But the growing number of limousine businesses has made the classy rides within reach for nearly everyone, including the pimpliest of prom dates. KLS Transportation Service in Beverly Hills, one of Southern California's largest limo companies, says clients are leaning away from stretch limos and toward less-conspicuous luxury SUVs or roomy sports sedans. What happens in a limo usually stays in a limo, but some KLS chauffeurs were willing to let us ride shotgun.

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Jack Manoukian

34, Glendale

Why are you a chauffeur?

I was a construction worker before. You meet a lot of high-profile people.

Give us some limo lingo.

"As directed" means you do whatever the client instructs.

Pros and cons of celeb clients?

The money is pretty good and you get to know a lot of the celebrities. The downside is, paparazzi will be all over you.

Longest trip?

I took someone to Phoenix by stretch. He didn't like to drive or fly. He had two puppies with him.

What was your biggest tip?

I was driving a royal family for one month, from morning to evening, daily. I got almost $6,000 for a tip.

What was your strangest client?

A client partied in the car and fell asleep. It was 3 in the morning, so I parked and slept until he woke up.

Most unusual request?

At 11:30 on a Sunday night a well-known client asked me to get him a chessboard. I got it in a half hour.

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Arthur Shamamyan

43, North Hollywood

Why are you a chauffeur?

After Sept. 11, I was working for a computer company and they started laying off everybody.

Strangest thing you've heard?

I was taking a guy to Long Beach and he wants to have sex with the girl. There was something wrong with the divider. He and I tried to fix it.

What has the job taught you?

When you work in Beverly Hills, life is good. When you come home, it's a different picture.

Most unusual request?

This man in Beverly Hills told me to drive around Santa Monica. He went up to the homeless and gave them $100 bills. He tipped me $350.

Tell us a celeb story.

This guy is bigger than Elton John. We talked from the hotel to Spago restaurant. He said, "I want you to have lunch with us." I took the limousine to valet parking. I said, "I don't want any scratches."

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Christian Grigore