In 1952, the average price of a new car in the United States was around $1,800 - $2,000. This is equivalent to roughly $20,000 - $22,000 in 2023 dollars, adjusting for inflation.
Keep in mind:
* This is an average. Basic models from manufacturers like Henry J were considerably cheaper, while luxury cars from Cadillac or Packard were significantly more expensive.
* Options added substantially to the price. Power steering, automatic transmissions, and other features weren't standard and added hundreds of dollars to the cost.
* Dealer markups varied. Dealers had more leeway in setting prices than they do today.
To get a more precise idea of the price of a specific 1952 car, you'd need to specify the make and model. Resources like old car price guides or online automotive history databases might offer more detailed information.