The average price of a new car in the 1960s was remarkably affordable by today's standards, typically ranging from $2,600 to $3,500. However, this base price was often just the starting point, with many desirable features costing extra. When adjusted for inflation, that $2,600 car would cost around $23,000 today, which is still below the current average new car price, highlighting a significant shift in the automotive market.
A key factor was the purchasing model. The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) was for a very basic vehicle, often referred to as a "stripper" model. Options like an automatic transmission, a V8 engine (instead of a standard inline-six), air conditioning, and even a radio were frequently add-ons that could increase the final price by hundreds of dollars.
To put this into perspective, here is a comparison of iconic models from the era with their approximate original prices and their inflation-adjusted value for 2024.
| Car Model (Year) | Approximate Original Price (USD) | Inflation-Adjusted Price (2024 USD) |
|---|
| Volkswagen Beetle (1960) | $1,565 | ~$16,300 |
| Ford Mustang (1965) | $2,368 | ~$23,200 |
| Chevrolet Impala (1965) | $2,600 | ~$25,500 |
| Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray (1963) | $4,037 | ~$40,100 |
| Ford Thunderbird (1960) | $3,966 | ~$41,300 |
The 1960s was a decade of intense competition among American automakers, which helped keep base prices competitive. A family sedan like the Chevrolet Bel Air or Ford Fairlane was accessible to a large portion of the middle class. Conversely, luxury vehicles and sports cars, like the Cadillac DeVille or the Corvette, commanded a premium, placing them in a different league altogether. Understanding these prices requires looking beyond the sticker and considering the economic context of the time.
