F*rd comin' back to the USA?

You got inflation going nuts.You got everybody's extra pocket money going to pay for gas.
I bought a loaded 1976 4X4 power wagon for 7K brand new. Even ordered it. In 79' I ordered a brand new loaded Pathfinder 4X4 van for 12K.A guy could actually work hard then, and pay cash, or at least pay it off pretty quick.
How much is a new 4X4 dodge truck now? 40-50K? Can a guy pay cash, or ever dream of paying something like that off in any realistic time frame?
Did wages go up that much from 76 to now?
I was always self employed.I couldn't imagine being in business now, with all the over head and rules.
I am not a doom and gloom guy, actually very positive.I see some things a little better, but it's going to be a while till we dig out this time.