What Would the Characters of The Gilded Age Drive if They Could?
Since The Gilded Age is set in the 1880s, all the characters move around in horse-drawn carriages. If the central characters were transported to the modern age, what would they drive? Here's what we think.
In HBO’s The Gilded Age, much of the drama plays out in gorgeous mansions and glittering ballrooms. But on the streets of New York, carriages line up like a red-carpet procession. In the 1880s, your carriage wasn’t just transportation—it was a status symbol. The size of the horses, the shine of the paint, and even the number of lamps could reveal your social standing.
Fast-forward to today, and things aren’t all that different. Cars have taken the place of carriages as symbols of who we are. An electric car shows innovation and eco-consciousness, a big SUV signals power and influence, and a small hatchback or wagon suggests practicality and independence.
So, what if the cast of The Gilded Age lived in 2025? What would they drive down Fifth Avenue, and how would those choices reflect their wealth and personality? Let’s take a playful look inside the 2025 garages of New York’s most dynamic and dramatic characters.
This story is 100% human-researched and written based on actual first-person knowledge, extensive experience, and expertise on the subject of cars and trucks.
The Gilded Age’s Old Money: Elegance That Never Ages
Agnes is the queen of tradition. She does not choose the cars that run on electricity or are full of gadgets. When stepping out without a chauffeur, she’d drive one of the most prestigious and bespoke vehicles on the market: The 2025 Aston Martin Vanquish Volante. Its classic lines and understated luxury are exactly the sort of thing Agnes would insist “one must have” if one intends to maintain appearances.
Oscar has charm, ambition, and a flair for the dramatic. He’s the type to pick a car that turns heads first and fits his lifestyle second. His match? The 2025 Bentley Flying Spur. According to our recent review, “Bentley says there are ‘billions’ of colors available for owners to create their Bentley exactly the way they want it.”
This car is sporty, eye-catching, and a little bit vain—just like Oscar himself. It’s the kind of car that looks fantastic pulling up to a gala and is sure to receive praise from his other old-money chums.
The Russels Would Drive Cars That Are Bold and Unapologetic
George Russell thrives on innovation, competition, and dominance. He’s not here to blend in—he’s here to lead. That’s why he’d put his money on the Maserati MCPura, one of the fastest production cars in the world. Gorgeous, powerful, and undeniably attention-grabbing, it fits his relentless drive for progress. This speedy car matches George’s quick wit and sharp naysaying about his old-money rivals.
If George is all about speed, Bertha is about spectacle. She doesn’t just want a seat at the table; she wants the spotlight. Her modern-day carriage? The Rolls-Royce Cullinan SUV. Commanding, luxurious, and impossible to ignore, it’s the perfect chariot for the New York social climber. Imagine her rolling up to the Met Gala, couture gown trailing, as the Cullinan’s door swings open—everyone would know Bertha had arrived even before she stepped out.
Marian and Gladys Need Cars That Breeds Freedom and Style
Marian represents the balance between tradition and independence. She’s thoughtful, practical, but still open to progress. Her ideal car? The Audi A6 e-tron. This car is both stylish and versatile. It’s modern without being ostentatious, a perfect fit for someone trying to carve her own path while dealing with old-money expectations. Of course, Agnes would disapprovingly look down her nose, calling it “terribly modern.”
Gladys is eager to shake off her mother’s control and embrace her independence. She’d opt for something fun and spirited, like a Mini Cooper JWC Countryman in a bold lipstick red color. With the windows down, music blasting, and her best girlies along for the ride, this car is freedom on four wheels. Bertha, naturally, would find it “undignified,” but for Gladys, that’s the whole point.
Peggy, Ada, and Church Would Drive Something Ambitious, Practical, and Polished
Peggy is smart, ambitious, and determined to succeed on her own terms. She’d choose a car that reflects her professionalism and ambition, like a Toyota Camry. It’s charming without being ostentatious, it’s reliable, and polished—just like Peggy. It’s the kind of car that says, “I’m moving up, and I’m doing it with grace.”
Gentle, kind-hearted Ada isn’t here for status symbols. She’d prefer something practical, affordable, and eco-conscious, like the Kia K4. Agnes would call it unsightly, but Ada would just smile and point out how reliable it is. It’s a choice that perfectly reflects her modest, thoughtful nature.
Church, ever precise and detail-oriented, wouldn’t buy for himself—he’d choose the perfect car for the Russells. A Lincoln Navigator Black Label would be his pick, a luxurious SUV fit for chauffeuring Bertha and George to every society event. And you can bet he’d polish it twice a week, ensuring it gleamed as much as Bertha’s diamonds.
In the 1880s, carriages told the world who you were. In 2025, cars do the same. For The Gilded Age cast, their modern-day rides reveal just as much about their personalities as their sprawling mansions and extravagant balls once did.
The only thing left to wonder: who’s brave enough to teach Agnes Van Rhijn how to parallel park?
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