New '73 MGB Price in Today's Dollars

Will anyone calculate the price of a new '73 MGB in 2007 US dollars?

(Does anyone remember the U S price of one back then?)

In a 1974 Road & Track Buyer's Guide, the roadster list price was shown as $3925.

Based on the US consumer price index, something purchased in January 1973 would cost 4.88 times as much in August 2007 (the most recent date of the CPI).

So take the 1973 price and multiply it by 4.88 to get the rough idea.

$3925*4.88 = 19,154

What a bargain!!

http://www.westegg.com/inflation/

Wow....I doubt I would dole out $18K or so for an MGB, even if you just time warped it straight from the factory!

Others probably would, but not me.

The dealer invoice for my 1979 MGB LE with air was approximately $8300. The air was $600 and the LE package was $500. Seems like a lot of money for 1979 roadster and perhaps is one of the reasons for the demise of the marquee.

Bear in mind that the cost of manufacturing cars has dropped substantially since the 70's with the use of robots, modern processes, etc. So, who knows, maybe it would cost even less in today's money..

I think that $18K would be an unbelievable deal even in today's dollars. And, as Ahmed has noted, cars are much cheaper to manufacture now than they were. More precisely, you get a lot more for the same dollar (computer controlled ignition and fuel, air bags, ABS brakes, air conditioning).

However, I dispute the cost of living index used. In 1973 I was starting my first real job (at the A&W). I got paid $1.10/hour to start. Driving by a local Dairy Queen recently I saw a sign that said, Help Wanted - $11.00/hour to start. So, that is 10 times greater salary for essentially the same job.

Now which is better - to look at wages or look at costs? It is hard to say. The problem with the price indices is that some items have dropped dramatically in price (even in real dollars) - that hides the increases in other items.

ingoldsb Wrote:

Yes most place either want an 18yr old with 10 years experience, or a more experienced guy, who'll work for 18yrs old wages..

So what's a new Miata cost? That's probably the answer to the question since even if you could build a brand new B today, it would probably have to be much different to pass the Feds guidelines.

miata costs $20,585 - 27,620 according to "consume guide".
http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/2007-mazda-mx-5.htm

I'd like to see someone make an even simpler car though. Literally an MGB, with the electricals fixed, and the heater valve fixed. That's it. Or a frogeye or any really
simple fun to drive car.

The smart roadster, now ac ace may be able to pull it off. If they come
to north american I'll be outside the dealers doors on opening day for a test drive.

Yes, $18,000 or $19,000 is not a good deal at all, compared to the price of a Miata, which has much better quality in every detail.

But with the MGB's features, they ought to be able to sell it for <$16,000 today, with the same panel fit and electrical quality as the Miata.

I wonder what the market would be for a super-simple roadster in the LBC mold? Probably every classic car enthusaist would at least consider or lust after one if done right.


graflexmaster Wrote:

Only because in the HR dept that's doing the hiring people barely have HS diplomas.

Back in the 90's I regularly saw ads for java programmers requiring 10 years experience. At this point Java had only been around 4 years. Same with microsoft .net, right when it came out people were asking for 5 years experience.

1) HR departments are full of idiots. 2) Aim for the moon, settle for something just short.

Redtail Wrote:

You know, you may have something there (about everyone working for minimum wage). Minimum wage is better than it used to be - but all other wages are lower.

Still, I think you guys underestimate the similarities between the Miata and the MGB (we've got one of each). Most of the sophistication in the Miata is in the form of fuel injection and electronic ignition - both of which are required to pass modern emission specs. The car does have a 4 wheel independent suspension, but other than that it is basically an MGB. I agree with whoever said that the cost of the MGB today (if it met modern emission and safety standards) would be the same as the Miata. The panels would fit just as well since they would be put on by a robot.

I love the idea of a barebones roadster, but I don't see any indication that there is such a market, or at least none of the carmakers thinks there is. Even the lowliest car available these days is packed with gadgetry and luxuries.

There's always the "Locost" Lotus 7 replica kit cars, I think they price out at about $20,000 with some assembly required....

http://www.locostusa.com/



Skye