Cal,
Some interesting numbers.
As for the cost of things, I usually think in terms of the typical family sedan. Mid sixties it was running $2000-2500, today it's about 10 times that, albeit features like A/C are just about standard now. Shelby's current offerings are about 20 times the REAL one's
original price . A good replica, 6 to 10 times that, depending. In the mid '60's you could have a 4 bedroom rambler custom built in the San Fernando valley for about $24,000. Today.............what? 20 to 30 times that?
For all that people whine about the price of gasoline, it's only a multiple of 5 or 6.
As for dealer participation, if I recall correctly, it was on a program somewhat like Saleen today. If the dealer demonstrated a "knowledge" of performance cars, and a market, they were "invited" into the program.