There is no investment without risk. And in fact, volatile times (as well as recessions) are some of the best times to invest. I wish I had had more liquidity in 2009.
And when comparing inflationary effects, I bet if you gave a true comparison between the quality of the cars available in 1972 and 2012, adjusted for inflation, that the 2012 cars would win out.
And when comparing inflationary effects, I bet if you gave a true comparison between the quality of the cars available in 1972 and 2012, adjusted for inflation, that the 2012 cars would win out.