This is a seriously rare, very early Blaupunkt Frankfurt FM/AM model dating from 1955 with an 'R-prefix' serial number. This is a genuine VW approved accessory offered by dealers back in the day.

So what makes this 55/56 model so special? Well firstly it has all of the early Blaupunkt features that were used in the 1952-56 period such as large, chunky pushbuttons with elongated U-L-M lettering. The metal chassis/casing is a squared-off design at the front, whereas later cases had a sloping front. More significantly, the front chrome bezel screws on to the case of the radio and has a tiny dial window with very small 'BLAUPUNKT' lettering embossed into the bezel.

These super-early Frankfurt models were more than often found in Oval Window Beetles, early Porsche 356A models and also commonly retro-fitted into pre-A 356 Porsches with an adaptor Bakelite face plate. You would have also found such a radio in an early Lowlight Karmann Ghia.

This particular radio was removed from a vehicle many years ago when the car was taken apart for spares. Cosmetically, it still looks fantastic with very clean pushbuttons and 356 Ivory knobs. It is mainly complete, but what you see in the pictures is what you get and is sold as non-working for restoration.

These very early Frankfurt FM models rarely ever come up for sale. Price is £260 (British Pounds)