Flyer showing how cheap cars were in Toronto 50 years ago spurs talk about cost of living

The cost of living has been the most popular topic in Toronto by far over the last few years given how unaffordable rent, real estate, groceries, eating out, and damn near everything has gotten in the city, and so quickly.

Whatever and whoever you want to blame for our sky-high prices, old flyers from the good ol' days keep popping up from people's basements and grandmas' storage bins to show us just how unaffordable life here is in 2024 compared to what it used to be.

The latest is a vintage 1970s ad for cars from Elmwood Ford, a Ford dealership in Mississauga.

"This indeed was the last chance to buy a new car for $4,600" a resident joked while sharing a photo of the handbill to Reddit on Wednesday. The prices depicted are indeed unbelievable considering the current rates for a new car in Ontario, with vehicles listed from just $3,494, and for as much as only $5,324.

One could nab a 1975 Pinto station wagon for the lesser price, or a LTD Country Squire wagon for the higher (but still shockingly low) figure. In between are a Torino for $4,594, a Gran Torino for $4,844, a Custom 500 Ranch Wagon for $4,874 and a Gran Torino Squire for $5,124.

"Gas was 14 cents a litre in 1975," one person also pointed out.

This indeed was the last chance to buy a new car for $4600
byu/AffectionateSong8 intoronto

Though station wagons may not be the most desirable wheels anymore, many feel the prices still show how much easier living in the area was for folks financially back then.

But, many are noting that when adjusted for inflation, the numbers aren't all that low — $26,032.67 for the Torino, for which one could still buy a small selection of new cars, and many used.

"Wait until you hear about inflation," one person quipped, suggesting the prices shown aren't all that great.

Others also brought up how much automobiles have improved since the '70s, with far better tech and other features.

"These rustcans did not have any fuel injection. They would also overheat in stalled traffic, and FM radio cost extra," said another.

Still, many seemed to agree on one thing: that cars (and many things) should be far cheaper than they presently are in Canada.