Classic Limousine Files for Chapter 11 Protection

Classic Limousine Inc., a major Fountain Valley-based manufacturer of custom and conventional limousines, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in what its attorney said was a bid to resolve a business dispute with a key supplier, Ford Motor Co.

The company uses Ford’s Lincoln Town Car as the base for many of its vehicles.

Classic founder Nicholas Giacobone blamed the company’s troubles on industrywide turmoil amid declining tourism after the terrorist attacks last year. He said, though, that an improving economy has helped the 17-year-old company recently return to profitability.