I ran these numbers through the Bureau of Labor Statistics "Inflation
Calculator", which weighs a number of factors to bring dollar amounts
from years or decades past up to date in "today's money."

A 5'4" Knabe was $1295 ($17,683.49 today) and a 5'4" Knabe Ampico was
$2495 ($34,069.74 today).  To put this in perspective, today, for less
than the cost of a 5'4" Knabe, one can buy Scion iQ economy car at
$16,250.  For the cost of a 5'4" Knabe Ampico, one can buy Cadillac ATS
Sedan, at $33,095.

I don't know very many people willing to spend that kind of money, today,
on an entertainment item.  Perhaps I don't know the right people!

Bryan Cather