Description: This exceptionally rare radio was manufactured in 1957 and is the first Zephyr pocket radio model ever made… This Model Z radio features a “Z” emblem on its dial face plate, a translucent plastic case, and germanium transistors (which were effectively obsolete and completely supplanted by silicone transistors by 1958)… The piece is in fully original excellent cosmetic and operational condition, and while it's not a powerhouse receiver, it receives all my local stations with excellent clarity (virtually no static) and volume... There’s a small degree of uncertainty in one vintage radio circle as to the YOM for this model... Therein, and with regard to dating this model, the Model Z radio clearly preceded all other early Zephyr pocket radios made in 1958 like the ZR-150, GR-3T6, and AR-600… All of which featured more advanced silicone transistors, compact, innovative, and upscale design features when compared to this radio’s simple, boxy, roomy and most basic design characteristics, which comparatively demonstrate that this entry level radio was Zephyr’s (Aiwa’s) first transistor pocket radio offering, and places its model and production year firmly in 1957… Additionally, the fact that Aiwa/Zephyr introduced an upgraded Model 4T version of this radio in 1958 which featured a new 4T emblem (in lieu of the previous Z emblem seen on this piece), and cooling vents in its back cover (as documented in Eric Wrobbel’s, Great Little Radios From Global & Zephyr, Page 3) to correct an obvious thermal management issue with its germanium transistors, also strongly supports the 1957 model and production year for this radio, as Aiwa/Zephyr simply would have not have had enough time (when considering 1958 real-world radio manufacturing/marketing time requirements) to identify the problem, modify the design, retool their production lines, and re-market the new 4T version in less than a year… It's also noteworthy to point-out that the transition to the 4T with regard to the emblem change and addition of cooling vents was not perfectly aligned, which is why a small portion of 4T's have no cooling vents... While a highly questionable point has been argued for a possible YOM as late as 1958 for this model based upon one late 1958 local drug store ad (not a manufacturer’s ad) for this (now by 1958 lower-end) Model Z radio, the ad is merely a manifestation of the fact that their aforementioned more advanced, durable and reliable 1958 models simply made this model uncompetitive and obsolete, and therefore very difficult to liquidate… This fact combined with the poor reliability (thermal performance) of the Model Z’s germanium transistors (2S45, 2S52, 2S56, and 2S59) when compared to their superior silicon counterparts, is likely why they modified the Model Z in 1958, changing it to the Model 4T, and one reason why they’re so rare (especially in original working condition)… They obviously had a significant stock of NOS germanium transistors they needed to avoid losses on, so they offered the 4T in an effort to revitalize the platform and make use of their obsolete NOS stock, which is also likely the reason Aiwa/Zephyr also released the Columbia 400 series clones beginning in 1958... Another important fact to note here, is that the “PR-793” shown on the schematic label is just the schematic label number, as evidenced by the Columbia 400 labels, which show “PR-1018”… With regard to rarity estimates, only a handful of these Model Zs are web searchable, and there is no evidence the other pieces extant are serviceable… This indicates a rarity level comparable to pearlescent Regency TR-1s… Notice to potential buyers; I currently have one open non-eBay offer under consideration... So message me first to ensure this radio is still available... If you're making an offer and its already sold, I'll just decline your offer and reply therein... So, it's easier if you just make offers...
Price: 795 USD
Location: Apex, North Carolina
End Time: 2025-01-03T17:41:19.000Z
Shipping Cost: 0 USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
Restocking Fee: No
Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 30 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Brand: Zephyr
Country/Region of Manufacture: Unknown
