In 1969 minimum wage was $ 1.30 an hour, my mother worked for 2500. A year, and my brand new Mustang with a 3 speed stick shift costs 2800. Plus tax. People nowadays keep cars for 12 years. So if a car cost 50,000 that makes it about 4000 a year. Thankfully most people start at $15.00 an hour or more.