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Fuel cost increases are not just a 21st century phenomena. (http://www.detroitnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080726/AUTO01/807260328/1148)

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/1920_Ford_Model_T_Cartoon.jpgDetroit News - July 25, 2008

1920 Model T owner driving past a 20% + increase…

Although this ages me, I remember seeing $0.229 at a station in Florida in the late-60’s! -- Ed.

It seems pain at the pump is nothing new; it's just of matter of degree.

During the recent centennial celebrations for Ford's iconic Model T, Biz Insider was given a copy of a vintage Ford cartoon from a simpler time. It shows a pair of guys motoring past a garage where the price of gasoline has just been raised from 18 to 20 cents a gallon.

"A Ford don't need gasoline, it can run on its reputation," says the caption.

It's worth noting that the price of gas stayed at about 20 cents a gallon in many parts of the country until the 1950s, meaning it was a lot cheaper to fill up your 1949 Fordor sedan than your 1920 Model T.

Even 30 years ago, the average price of a gallon of unleaded in Michigan was still under a buck -- and that was for full-service… http://www.detroitnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080726/AUTO01/807260328/1148

I'm not as old as you but I remember when the price per gallon was virtually the same as it's octane rating. $0.87 regular, $0.92 premium, and $0.97 supreme. I also remember how frustrated I felt when it reached $1.25 a gallon. "Those were the daaayyssss"

I can clearly recall buying a lot gas for 20 cents a gallon when I was a kid
growing up in Del Rio Texas. Up until around 1960 when the price
started to go up and cut into my lawn mowing profits.

IIRC, it also cost 20 cents to see a movie, buy a loaf of bread or a cheeseburger.
A coke was 5 cents (plus 3 cents if you took the bottle) and so was a Baby Ruth.. :woot:

There were times, when I didn't want to walk all the way to the 66 station
and would just go to the truck stop station/repair shop and deal with the gruff old guy
who ran the place. He didn't like selling gas to a kid with a one gallon gas can..
But, his price was normally between 15 and 17 cents a gallon.. :D

Dang, I'm getting old!

cool, thanks for this post!!

I'm not as old as you but I remember when the price per gallon was virtually the same as it's octane rating. $0.87 regular, $0.92 premium, and $0.97 supreme. I also remember how frustrated I felt when it reached $1.25 a gallon. "Those were the daaayyssss"

I guess I'm older...I remember getting 2+ gallons for every dollar and stations everywhere without self-serv, and stamps. However I would start driving for another 8/10 years...unless you count driving the car on the interstate while sitting in my dad's knee....something that would probably get a parent arrested for child endangerment these days....sometimes you have to miss the good ol' days.

I miss the good ol' days when I could get some lead in my coffee and my gasoline!:rolleyes: