Here's one for the knowlegable.........

[Grit Kid]

I seek the prices on used car lot's, say in 1934, that dealers would be asking for a 1931 Ford coupe in good runnable condition with not too many miles. Need this info for research reasons.

Who can help???????????????????

[Gary D]

Hi, Easy solution...go to a public or college library and use their microfilm collection of local newspapers and look at their auto ads, a wealth of information. Large papers such as the NY Times or Chicago Tribune probably will not have used car info. I found tons of information regarding Model A Fords on microfilms of the 1927-31 era. Good luck!! By the way, I own a 1930 Model A Cabriolet, black with apple green wheels. Gary D. in upstate NY

[Mitch]

Welcome Gary

[Grit Kid]

Thanks for that info....I'll find some time and try my local library. Welcome to the forum and a member of the ruling class...Apple Green Wheels' Class!!!!

[Grit Kid]

OTAY!!!!! here's what I've come up with, all this is a close approximant:

A Cavalry 1SG back in 1933/34 with over 20 years service, single, no dependents received $157.50 a month (base) with a specialty pay of an extra $30.00. (a Pvt got $21.00 a month and no specialty pay). My base pay was $81.00 a month back when Christ was a corporal!!!!


A 1931 Model A Ford Coupe cost just over $460.00 new. A used one two years later would have been half that price used. I think a soldier with a take home pay of over $180.00 a month could have afforded a used 1931 Ford Coupe.

What do you think??????????????? He had no expenses, food and board provided, uniforms, boots, equipment, a horse, etc. Gambling, booze and babes would have been the expenses.....shit!!! now that I think about it, it hadn't change when I was in!!!!! FUN FUN FUN!!!!

[H. L. Chauvin]

After the 1929 Crash, just looking at a 1932 or so Sears Catalog with inexpensive listed prices for tires and car parts always appear educational and somewhat shocking when comparing same with today's prices.

As inexpensive as everything was back then, we always heard that so many had almost nothing of material value .... e.g., a 2 ft. x 3 ft. closet was very spacious and half full, (or half empty), for a family of 4.

[Dennis]

Where I grew up most houses built before 1929 had no closets as they were taxed extra for closet space.

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

Once we had a "woodgrain" cardboard closet---Most folks had 3 outfits & hung them on nails in the wall or in an old trunk.
Poor Dad

[Grit Kid]

After the 1929 Crash, just looking at a 1932 or so Sears Catalog with inexpensive listed prices for tires and car parts always appear educational and somewhat shocking when comparing same with today's prices.

As inexpensive as everything was back then, we always heard that so many had almost nothing of material value .... e.g., a 2 ft. x 3 ft. closet was very spacious and half full, (or half empty), for a family of 4.

Very true in the civilian world. There is always an influx of volunteers in the military during a low time in the economy, jobs availability mainly because the 'guvment' always pays, you have a bed and three square meals a day. Over $180. bucks a month (but not for a pvt) back during the Depression was damn good money but....it was hard earned, long hours and constant life threatening.

[CarlLaFong]

In, approx., 1938, my dad bought a 31 Sport coupe for 150 bucks. His friends though he was nuts. He told me that it was in near perfect condition, had side mounts, rumble seat, a quail and a few other nice goodies. He also told me that a good "A" was about a hundred bucks, or less.

[Grit Kid]

In, approx., 1938, my dad bought a 31 Sport coupe for 150 bucks. His friends though he was nuts. He told me that it was in near perfect condition, had side mounts, rumble seat, a quail and a few other nice goodies. He also told me that a good "A" was about a hundred bucks, or less.

That then would jive with my calculations since this was four years later so the sell price then had depreciated down to 100-150.

[9-20]

I have a Chilton used car price guide from 1937 that lists most cars, weights, original price, body style and used car prices for many years, like 1932-3-4 and so on. For example, in 1937 a 1932 Ford roadster was selling for $87.00.

[Grit Kid]

Hey, thanks......more backup info.

Welcome to the VFF.

[Mitch]

Welcome

[DaWizard]

Hey 9-20, WELCOME to the VFF!!

[Paul]

I seek the prices on used car lot's, say in 1934, that dealers would be asking for a 1931 Ford coupe in good runnable condition with not too many miles. Need this info for research reasons.

Who can help???????????????????

Not quite to your question, but from a period appraisal book for the months of December, January, February, 1929-30

[Grit Kid]

Are those resale prices or new prices? Seems high for used prices.

[Paul]

Left side is resale far right is original price and weight.

[Grit Kid]

Left side is resale far right is original price and weight.

Gotcha...I was a bit low but still within a decent price for 1SG pay. Thanks