Car Collecting in 1952 -- what I could buy for $3000!

Note: $3000 in 1952 is equivalent to 24,447.06 in 2010.

Hi folks -- lately I have been looking through 1952-3 issues of Motor Trend, for no particular reason. I was attracted to Robert J. Gottlieb's column on classic cars (for example, January 1953, "Why Drive a Classic?" What always intrigues me, even when I look at 1960s issues of R&T, are the ads in the back of the magazine. I know this is a was of time and an exercise in total futility. Here are a couple from January. 1953 from MT:

Sell -- '36 eight cylinder Pierce-Arrow five passenger wire wheel sedan. Very good throughout, Penna. inspected, second complete car for parts, is restorable, $600 for both.

Sell -- "15 Saxon roadster, four cylinder, 15,000 miles, new car condition throughout, complete, curtains to chains, exceptional car, $750.

Sell -- "36 Cadillac V-12, Fleetwood sedan, engine and clutch just rebuilt, body, upholstery, and finish extra good condition, radio, heater, $325.

Sell -- SS 100 Jaguar two-seater sports, near mint condition, spare parts stock, repair manual, $2250 or offer.