Real-World Inflation Illustration: Sports Cars

By Jeff Fenske

In 1971, the (Nissan) Datsun 240Z sold new for $3,500.
In 2005, the base-priced Nissan 350Z sells for $26,700.
This amounts to a 760% real-world inflation increase since 1971.

In 1971, the Chevrolet Corvette sold new for $5,000.
In 2005, the base-priced Corvette sells for $43,710.
This amounts to a 870% real-world inflation rate since 1971.

Another real-world inflation illustration:
The Ford Mustang

• Original sticker price of the 1964 Ford Mustang: $2,368

• 2005 sticker prices: $20,000 V6 – $27,000 GT

So real-world inflation since 1964 for the Mustang is approximately 1000%

1960’s & 1970’s Data from:
“Mustang and Corvette Reborn,” The Travel Channel
“Full Throttle: 1971 Datsun 240Z”—The History Channel