How much was a car 1955?
In 1955, a new car typically cost a little over two thousand dollars; prices varied by model, options, and maker.
Pricing landscape in 1955
Postwar manufacturing and growing demand helped fuel a range of prices. Buyers could expect basic new cars to start near the $2,000 mark, with more fully equipped sedans and larger models climbing higher into the range above $2,500 and up to several thousand dollars for premium configurations.
Typical price ranges by car class
Here is a rough guide to what buyers paid in 1955, noting that actual prices varied by brand and trim:
- Entry-level/compact or economy cars: roughly $2,000 to $2,200
- Mid-range family sedans and popular models: roughly $2,200 to $2,800
- Full-size, luxury, or premium convertibles: roughly $3,000 to $4,000 or more
The price spread reflects differences in brand, body style, and optional equipment such as power steering, automatic transmission, and upgraded interiors. Regional dealer pricing and promotions also played a role.
Examples and context
For context, a buyer shopping for a new mid-range sedan could expect to pay in the $2,200–$2,800 bracket, while a premium convertible or luxury model would surpass $3,000, sometimes by a wide margin depending on options.
Prices were influenced by inflation, tariffs, and the competitive landscape of American automakers, with domestic brands dominating the market and a growing variety of body styles appealing to families and commuters alike.
Summary
In 1955, new-car prices generally ranged from about $2,000 for entry-level models to $4,000 or more for luxury configurations. Mid-range cars typically sat in the $2,200–$2,800 range. The exact price depended on the model, trim level, options, and region.
What was the average price of a car in the 50s?
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 car in 1955?
If you were shopping for a new car in 1955, that number was approximately $3000. It was around that dollar amount that the vehicles we might now describe as premium starting kicking in. For reference, the most expensive 1955 Chevrolet model, excluding the Corvette, the Beauville station wagon, started at $2282.
How much were groceries in 1955?
In 1955, grocery prices were significantly lower than today, with a gallon of milk costing around $0.86, a loaf of bread costing about $0.15, and a dozen eggs priced at approximately $0.65. Other examples include ground beef for about $0.39 per pound, and a 5 lb bag of flour for roughly $0.41.
Common grocery items in 1955
- Milk: $0.86 per gallon
- Eggs: $0.65 per dozen
- Bread: $0.15 for a 16 oz loaf
- Ground Beef: $0.39 per pound
- Flour: $0.41 for a 5 lb bag
- Coffee: $0.95 for a 1 lb bag
- Sugar: $0.52 for a 5 lb bag
- SPAM: $0.39 per can
How much was a house in 1955?
In 1955, a house cost approximately $8,000 to $12,000, depending on the source and whether it was an average or median price. This price point was part of a post-World War II housing boom driven by economic growth and an increase in middle-class homeownership.
- Average price: Approximately $12,000, according to CMS Mortgage Solutions Inc..
- Typical price: Around $8,000, as stated on Brainly.
- Median home value: Around $7,354 in 1950, which was the last full census data point before 1955. This can be adjusted for inflation to be about $89,300 in 2023, according to Mid-Century Mondays.
- Specific local examples: In 1955, the median home value in Rhode Island was about $11,000, and in Massachusetts it was about $11,400, according to WPRI.com.
