I bought this off Ebay, 5 bucks plus shipping. Has anyone seen one before. I am assuming it was a dealer item. No model number inside or out. On an antique radio site, one member says it was made by Lear. The knobs look like they are from a 1965/6 Dodge Polara radio. It's got to be one of the heaviest players ever made - 9 pounds.
11197
Wow that is sweet, I bet your headlights dim when you turn it on LOL
It was made by Lear, and is one of the first 8 tracks manufactured. There is a very interesting phone interview transcript here about the development of the first 8 track and of this player at this link. I think that this being one of the first 8 track players available, along with it being badged for Mopar, must make it a pretty rare item. After cleaning the controls and oiling the track change mechanism, it actually sounds darn good!
http://www.8trackheaven.com/archive/frankschmidt.html
I used to own one.....sold it many moons ago but they are very cool.
Playing Black Sabbath and many other Rock bands at max volume on an 8 track player in a Muscle car back in the 70's brings back a lot of great memories!
That player that you purchased is very cool indeed Mike! Now to find some 8 track tapes that still work!
Richard