In 1942 the average new car cost $800, or 23 ounces of gold. Since average weekly income in 1942 was $40, it took just 20 weeks for the average worker to earn enough money to buy the average new car. Today the average new car cost $37,000, or 20 ounces of gold. So a 15% decline!

Since average workers now earn $700 per week, they must work an entire year to buy a new car. Inflation makes people feel richer despite being poorer. In terms of real money, capitalism has substantially improved the quality of new cars while simultaneously lowering the cost.

But thanks to inflation and productivity killing regulation, average workers are denied the full benefits of capitalism. Despite new cars being 15% cheaper, workers must toil 160% longer to afford to buy one. Actually much longer if higher payroll & income taxes are factored in!