Wrap vs. Livery

[SlammedNiss]

Can somebody please explain how the word 'livery' came into being instead of the word 'wrap'. Much like when I hear people described the window film on their car as 'tints', it makes me cringe every time.

[highplains]

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/livery

Second definition, specifically subheading "d"

I've always heard it used by Brits(or other Europeans) describing a vehicles (almost always a race car) paint reflecting a particular sponsor or team. Gulf Oil for instance, corporate colors/branding were blue and orange

They sponsored a number of successful race cars over the years that were painted in the same blue and orange paint scheme a.k.a. "Gulf Livery", I'm sure you'll recognize it as it's imitated by many still today.

As custom paint has given way in popularity to wraps I'm sure it's continued to be used in much the same manner. "Livery" should be in reference to the design/appearance of the wrap (corporate colors/branding/uniformity/etc.) than the wrap itself if that makes sense.