It’s always fun to look back and see what some of our favorite American cars sold for new, and what that same price would be in 2019 dollars. Actually, it might make you sick to see what some prized classic cars would cost today. Of course, new cars have electronics, much tighter tolerances, three-stage paint, many more components, and are just generally a lot more complicated. So we can’t really compare to those days when even expensive cars like Cadillacs were a lot simpler. But you can see how much those 1950s or 1960s dollars really cost in today’s terms.

1. 1953 Chevy Corvette

This was the first year the Corvette was produced. 

List Price: $3,490

Converted to 2019: $33,535

2. 1953 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible

A limited production factory custom: the first Eldorado. At the time, this was one of the most expensive American cars.

List Price: $7,750

Converted to 2019: $74,469

3. 1955 Ford Thunderbird

Ford’s first year for the two-seater, it is also considered the first personal luxury car.

List Price: $2,944

Converted to 2019: $28,183

4. 1957 Chevy Bel Air

One of the most iconic American cars from the 1950s, the Bel Air was top of the line.

List Price: $2,757

Converted to 2019: $25,172

5. 1957 Chevy Corvette, Fuel Injected

The first year for mechanical fuel injection, which there were several stages. For the 250 hp fuel injection option, we added $484.

List Price w/FI option: $3,660

Converted to 2019: $33,416

6. 1957 Chrysler 300 Convertible

All Chrysler 300s from this era were factory hot rods and limited production. 

List Price: $5,359

Converted to 2019: $48,929

7. 1963 Chevy Corvette Coupe

New for 1963 and only year for the “split window.”

List Price: $4,037

Converted to 2019: $33,847

8. 1964 ½ Ford Mustang Convertible

This was the first year for Mustang sold as a 1965 model.

List Price: $2,814

Converted to 2019: $22,878

9. 1964 Pontiac GTO

The GTO was the originator of the classic muscle car, and this was the first year.

List Price: $2,799

Converted to 2019: $23,165

10. 1968 Dodge Charger R/T w/Hemi Option

An all-new “Coke bottle” body for 1968 combined with the Hemi makes for one of the most potent muscle cars of the 1960s.

List Price w/Hemi option: $4,110

Converted to 2019: $30,300

11. 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 302

The limited-edition Boss 302 is one of the most iconic muscle cars.

List Price: $3,450

Converted to 2019: $23,692

12. 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429

Another limited production Mustang with the 429ci “semi Hemi” engine.

List Price: $4,798

Converted to 2019: $32,950

13. 1970 Chevy Corvette w/454 Big Block

This was the first year the 454ci Big Block was an option in Corvettes.

List Price: $6,773

Converted to 2019: $44,785

14. 1970 Plymouth Barracuda Convertible w/Hemi

One of the Holy Grails of muscle car collecting. 

List Price: $4,304 Converted to 2019: $28,459

Converted to 2019: $28,459

15. 1985 Ford Mustang SVO

We thought we would add a collectible from the 1980s for comparison.

List Price: $14,806

Converted to 2019: $34,680