How much did a new 1952 Ford cost?
In 1952, a new Ford carried a price tag roughly between $1,600 and $2,100, depending on model and options.
Prices varied by trim level and body style, with the base Mainline models at the lower end, midrange Customline in the middle, and Crestline at the top of Ford’s lineup. Optional equipment could nudge the total higher.
Model-by-model price ranges in 1952
The following ranges reflect typical Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for common bodystyles in Ford's 1952 lineup. Actual dealer prices could differ by region, discounts, and equipment installed.
- Mainline Tudor Sedan: about $1,600–$1,700
- Customline Tudor Sedan: about $1,800–$1,900
- Crestline Tudor Sedan or higher trim: about $2,000–$2,100
Keep in mind that special models, coupes, or convertibles within the Crestline or higher groups could reach toward the upper end of the range or beyond with factory options like radios, heaters, or power accessories.
Context: What influenced the price in 1952
The Ford lineup that year spanned basic, more comfortable, and premium trims. The price gaps reflected differences in trim, body style, and available options. Dealers sometimes added charges or promotional discounts, but the listed figures give a ballpark of the sticker price new buyers faced in the early postwar era.
Inflation-adjusted perspective
Viewed from today’s money, those figures translate roughly to about $17,000–$23,000, depending on model and configuration. The wide range reflects the same dynamic Ford faced then: more features meant a higher price.
Summary
In summary, a new 1952 Ford typically cost between about $1,600 and $2,100, with the lower end for base Mainline models and the upper end for Crestline-tier cars. In current dollars, that price would be roughly in the mid-teens to low-twenties of thousands, depending on the exact model and options. The range captures the buyer’s choice between economy and more upscale comfort for the era.
