The Landau (from its origins in Landau, Germany) is a high status vehicle originally used by aristocratic families as their transport for special occasions.
The vehicle is a large, four- wheeled, open bodied design with hoods that close against inclement weather. It is intended to be driven by a coachman supported by a groom; the owner can relax in the spacious interior.
It has two main forms, the Canoe (or Sefton) Landau and the Shelborne Landau.
The Canoe Landau has a rounded underbody shape with sweeping curves and appears lightly built compared to the more angular Shelborne Landau in which the underbody mirrors the shape of the internal seating.
The Landau hoods are an important feature of the vehicle, thus ensuring protection from the elements should the vehicle be caught out in the rain.