Car Prices in Pakistan in 1947 : A Historical Look at Automobile Costs
When Pakistan came into being in 1947, owning a car was a sign of great wealth and status. The prices of cars were much lower in numbers compared to today, but at that time even Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 20,000 was considered a very large amount.
After independence, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah himself traveled in a 1924 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost, which showed how rare and special luxury cars were in those days.
Estimated Car Prices in 1947
| Car Brand | Model | Price in 1947 |
|---|---|---|
| Ford | Prefect | Rs. 4,000 – Rs. 5,000 |
| Morris | Minor | Rs. 3,000 – Rs. 4,500 |
| Chevrolet | Fleetmaster | Rs. 6,000 – Rs. 7,500 |
| Austin | A40 | Rs. 4,000 – Rs. 5,500 |
| Cadillac | Series 62 | Rs. 12,000 – Rs. 15,000+ |
| Rolls-Royce | Phantom Models | Rs. 20,000+ (Luxury) |
Who Owned Cars in 1947?
Cars were not common and only a very small part of the population had them. The main owners were:
- British officers
- Rich landlords and businessmen
- Senior government officials
For ordinary people, cars were out of reach. Most relied on tongas (horse carts), bicycles, or even walking for their daily travel.
Why Were Cars So Costly?
- Imported Only – Every car was brought from the UK, USA, or Europe as Pakistan had no automobile factories.
- Import Expenses – Shipping, duties, and taxes increased prices.
- Limited Numbers – Very few cars were available, keeping them rare and expensive.
- Currency Value – In 1947, the Pakistani Rupee was very strong. Even Rs. 5,000 had the value of lakhs in today’s money.
- Road & Fuel Issues – Petrol was cheap, but stations were very few. Roads outside big cities were also poorly developed.
Final Words
In 1947 Pakistan, having a car was not just about transport – it was a luxury and a status symbol. While today’s vehicles cost millions, back then just a few thousand rupees could buy a brand-new car, but only for the very rich .
