Another way to look at it. The median household/family annual income in 1945 (the year I can find data on) was a whopping $2379.
So that car was almost 35% (34.88%) of a household’s income.
In 2022 median household income was $76330. That same percent gives you $26623 to spend on a car.
It’s not the fanciest thing in the world but you can get a new Versa stick shift starting at $16390, that compared to the Pontiac in 1941 will be a million times more reliable, safer, easier to drive, easier to park, and more efficient. Plus it’s a 4-door. Not too mention AC, better radio, handsfree calling, etc.
The main area where that comparison falls apart is that these days most households need 2 cars.
Another way to look at it. The median household/family annual income in 1945 (the year I can find data on) was a whopping $2379.
So that car was almost 35% (34.88%) of a household’s income.
In 2022 median household income was $76330. That same percent gives you $26623 to spend on a car.
It’s not the fanciest thing in the world but you can get a new Versa stick shift starting at $16390, that compared to the Pontiac in 1941 will be a million times more reliable, safer, easier to drive, easier to park, and more efficient. Plus it’s a 4-door. Not too mention AC, better radio, handsfree calling, etc.
The main area where that comparison falls apart is that these days most households need 2 cars.