The earliest cars that appeared on the market offered only the basics – a driver’s seat, a passenger seat, an engine, a body and wheels. The rest of what we often associate with cars – the stereo, those side lightning systems, those nifty cup holders – weren’t yet in existence in those days. However, as years of continued innovation persisted in the automotive industry, standard, mass-produced cars evolved and developed a variety of styles, looks and market values. After a considerable period of cars being the sole possession of the moneyed and the affluent, car ownership gradually became more affordable to a great many people. Companies began producing “people’s cars”. In the US, it was Ford. In Italy, Fiat. In France, Citroen was the brand name of these vehicles and in United Kingdom, it was Austin and Motors.
For instance, in the 1940’s, just before World War II broke out, one Adolf Hitler received the car designed by famed Erwin Komenda for his birthday in 1938 to be exact. It was the first German car ever to be made for the people and the model was a VW Cabriolet, with corresponding VW Cabriolet parts. However, as with all things during that period, production of this model stopped as energies and means–pertaining to the available VW Cabriolet parts and VW Cabriolet replacement parts–were directed to the creation of military cars.
In the 1950’s, the car customizing developed. Hot rodders and customized cars defined the street sensations of the day. The barges that Detroit allowed past its factory gates were immediately put under the blowtorch to be reinvented into new, exciting rides. Automotive design was hugely creative and individuality became the defining trait of the best customized models. Then the depression of the 1970’s occurred. After the arrival of the people’s cars, it was the sports cars of the late 20th century that gave premium expression to the new decade’s groove: ostentation had effectively taken the place of the highly unconventional and often flamboyant–to the point of being outrageous–creations of the 1950’s and 60’s.
In the 1980’s, the profit-conscious automotive companies found out that as long as they produced cars that were designed with an eye for luxury, the price tag would be irrelevant. Those who had the deep pockets to buy them would buy them, regardless of the cost. Hence, sports cars were born and a new industry opened up. This was especially thrilling for racing enthusiasts since many of the sports cars–known for their speed–traced their triumphs back to the racing circuit. In a similar vein, limited edition models of the rarest and most expensive cars appeared. They did so for no other reason than exclusivity. In the end, while prices doubled and redoubled, a greater gap between the wealthy and the common car consumer began to emerge.
Soon, inflation and other economic factors came into the picture until more and more people gradually had to settle for second hand cars–because of the rising car prices. Even the most affordable family sedan cost an arm and a leg and that was so much more than what a lot of consumers were willing to pay for. This, in the end, boosted the sales of second hand cars and car parts markets for such items as second hand VW Cabriolet parts and others of its like.
Up to this day, the disparity in prices still continues. And it may be a long time before something is done about it.
