How much did a truck cost in 1950?
New light-duty pickup trucks in 1950 typically ran about $1,500 to $2,000, depending on the brand, configuration, and options. That range reflects the common base prices of popular models from the era, with variations based on cab style, bed length, and added features. In today's dollars, those prices translate to roughly the high tens of thousands to around twenty thousand dollars, depending on the inflation measure used.
Prices by model and brand (typical base-price ranges)
These figures reflect base-price ranges for common 1950 pickups, before dealer discounts or optional equipment.
- Chevrolet 3100 pickup: roughly $1,500–$1,800
- Ford F-1 (the light-duty pickup in the Ford F-Series era): roughly $1,600–$1,900
- Dodge B-Series pickup: roughly $1,500–$1,800
- International Harvester pickups (various light-duty models): roughly $1,600–$2,000
Prices varied with cab style, bed length, engine choice, and optional equipment. The 1950 market also reflected postwar demand for versatile, affordable utility vehicles that could serve families and small businesses.
Context and factors that influenced price
Beyond base prices, regional dealer pricing, taxes, and financing terms could shift the out-the-door cost. Economic conditions in 1950, including inflation and material costs, played a role in pricing across manufacturers, but pickups remained one of the more accessible vehicle categories for Americans rebuilding after World War II.
Inflation context and historical backdrop
When converted to contemporary dollars, the 1950 price range commonly falls in the ballpark of roughly $15,000 to $25,000, depending on the inflation metric used. This framing helps readers understand how the cost of a truck then compares to modern prices, while acknowledging that modern trucks offer different technology and capabilities.
Summary
In 1950, a new light-duty truck typically cost about $1,500 to $2,000, with variations by brand and options. Those prices helped establish the pickup as a practical, widely accessible vehicle for families and small businesses in the postwar era.
How much did a car cost in 1940?
In 1940, the average cost of a new car was around $850, while specific models like the Plymouth 2-door sedan cost about $739 and a Ford DeLuxe Convertible Coupe was priced at $850. For context, this was a significant purchase, as the average annual income was $1,368.
- Average new car: Approximately $850.
- Example models:
- Plymouth 2-door sedan: Around $739.
- Ford DeLuxe Convertible Coupe: $850.
- Pontiac DeLuxe Torpedo Six: Approximately $828.
- Context: This price point represented a major investment, especially when compared to the average annual wage of $1,368 in 1940.
How much did a 1966 Ford F100 cost new?
A base model 1966 Ford F-100 started at around $1,950. With options like the Styleside bed, the price increased to about $2,085, and a basic truck with the Flareside bed cost approximately $2,069. Adding various options could significantly increase the price, with one example reaching over $3,250 when fully equipped, as noted on Curbside Classic.
- Base model: A basic F-100 started at approximately $1,950.
- Styleside model: The Styleside, with its integrated bed, was priced at about $2,085.
- Flareside model: The Flareside, with the fenders outside the bed, cost around $2,069.
- Fully-optioned model: With a V8 engine, automatic transmission, and other accessories, a fully-equipped model could cost over $3,250, as detailed on Curbside Classic.
What was the average price of a car in 1950?
In 1950, the average price of a new car was approximately $1,510. Prices for specific models varied, with some popular cars like the Chevrolet Styleline costing around $1,403 and others like the Ford Custom Deluxe costing about $1,511.
- Average price: Around $1,510
- Specific examples:
- 1950 Chevrolet Styleline/Special 2D sedan: $1,403
- 1950 Ford Deluxe Six/Mainline Six 2D sedan: $1,425
- 1950 Ford Custom Deluxe Six/Customline Six 2D sedan: $1,511
- 1950 Henry J: $1,299
How much was a new truck in 1970?
According to the National Auto Dealers Association's NADAguide, a basic Ford pickup sold for $2,599 in 1970. That year, a U.S. blue-collar worker's compensation rate (incl. wages and benefits) was $3.93 per hour.
