Bob, the answer is simple.
Regardless of the currency. The $8k truck back then is equivalent to $40k today.
IF you could buy a new truck with the same pathetic (by today’s standards) power and features as that old truck, it would not cost a penny more than that. Maybe less.
But once you pay for the advancements and more power/ efficiency / greater reliability of even a stripped down truck that has more than the old one, you’re over the $40k by a little.
The rest is optional. What do you think a 400hp, 1000ft lb rated to tow 30klbs truck with all the current available amenities would have cost back then? Well it want actually available, but the cost of a decked out 1970s semi tractor would be about the closest comparison.
Statements like the OPs are timeless. I say the same thing. However it’s all relative.
No one is singing the praises of being able to buy a 60” flat screen for a fraction of what was comparable in the 70s. No one is in awe of how fuel prices generally haven’t out paced inflation. Or the fact that you can get handheld electronic anything for pennies on the dollar compared to the past.
Bottom line new trucks aren’t more expensive, new features, capability and luxuries are though. (Even though some of those things were forced on the industry and the consumers)
