Gardiner Coach

The Gardiner Coach represents carriage design in a transitional phase. Its silhouette resembles the early illustrations of coaches referred to as "Clarences" or "Sovereigns" which remained popular until c. 1870. The nomenclature for styles of enclosed vehicles such as coupes, broughams and clarences became ambiguous and contingent upon the choice of individual manufacturing establishments. This elegant example represents a type of vehicle that reflected the social standing of well-to-do owners. Such vehicles featured understated exteriors and extremely lavish interiors, providing a high degree of luxury, comfort, and privacy to the passengers.