When Pakistan was founded in 1947, owning a car was not just about transportation — it was a symbol of wealth, power, and high social status. At that time, car prices were in the range of Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 20,000, which may look small compared to today’s millions, but in reality, these amounts were considered huge fortunes.
Famous Cars in Early Pakistan
Even the Father of the Nation, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, used a luxury 1924 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost, reflecting how rare and prestigious cars were in those early years of independence. Most of the population could not even dream of owning a vehicle.
Estimated Car Prices in 1947
Here’s a quick look at the approximate prices of popular car models available in Pakistan during 1947:
| Car Brand | Model | Price in 1947 (PKR) |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Rs. 20,000+ (Luxury Class) |
💡 Note: At that time, Rs. 5,000 had the same purchasing power as lakhs of rupees today, due to the strong value of the Pakistani Rupee.
Who Owned Cars in 1947?
Cars were extremely rare and only a small elite class could afford them. The main owners were:
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British officers and colonial administrators
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Wealthy landlords and businessmen
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Senior government officials
For the ordinary citizen, cars were out of reach. People relied on tongas (horse carts), bicycles, or simply walking for their daily commute.
Why Were Cars So Expensive in 1947?
Several factors made cars costly and rare in Pakistan:
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Imported Only – No automobile factories existed in Pakistan; every car was imported from the UK, USA, or Europe.
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Import Duties & Shipping Costs – Taxes and transport charges significantly raised the prices.
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Limited Supply – Very few cars were available, keeping demand high and prices elevated.
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Strong Currency Value – The Pakistani Rupee was very powerful; Rs. 5,000 back then was equivalent to lakhs today.
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Infrastructure Challenges – Fuel was cheap, but petrol stations were rare and roads outside major cities were underdeveloped.
Final Thoughts
In 1947 Pakistan, having a car meant much more than mobility — it was a luxury reserved for the elite. While today cars cost millions, back then a few thousand rupees could buy a brand-new car. However, only the richest could afford such a privilege.
This historical glimpse shows how far Pakistan’s automobile industry and economy have evolved, turning what was once a luxury into a necessity for the modern lifestyle.