Dashing, wealthy young men had them, in JA's books at least : Darcy had one in P+P, Henry Tilney had one in NA, Mr Rushworth in MP and ( boo, hiss) Willoughby in S+S. The thing about them is that they were smart, fashionable and the young man drove himself ....an opportunity to show the world that he knew how to do these things in style.

Sandy Lerner, the chatelaine of Chawton House and noted carriage owner/driver, wrote this interesting snippet about curricles in The Female Spectator Volume 4, Issue 1 (Winter 200):

The curricle was a conspicous display of wealth and fashion analogous to the ownership of a high-priced, 2 seater convertible sports car. It was an unnecessary and expensive addition to an establishment as one necessarily had at least one other traveling all-weather vehicle. Also called a "bankrupt cart" becasue in the words of a contemporary judge they were "frequently driven by those who could afford neither the Money to support them nor the Time spent in using them, the want of which in their Buiness, brought them to Bankrutpcy". It was a young person's vehicle noted for its lightness and speed, especially as it was drawn by two horses.

In Pride and Prejudice

"when the sound of a carriage drew them to a window, and they saw a gentleman and lady in a curricle driving up the street. Elizabeth, immediately recognising the livery, guessed what it meant, and imparted no small degree of surprise to her relations by acquainting them with the honour which she expected."

Mr Darcy is, in one word, portrayed as stylish wealthy and competent.

The curricle shown above was by William Felton

In his book he estimated the cost of a new currcile at between £58 : 9 shillings and 3 pence and £ 103:5 shillings depending on the finish and extras added to it.