This Super Rare Apple 1 Computer In Working Condition Could Be Auctioned Off For Rs 2 Crore

The Apple 1 is an iconic piece of the company. The first desktop ever built by co-founders Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs in 1976 and 77, it¡¯s the prototype that eventually became the Apple Mac years later. And now, a working model could sell for over Rs 2 crore.

Images courtesy: RR Auction

Wozniak and Jobs only ever made 200 units of the machine, and just 60 of them are believed to still exist. They were sold at The Byte Shop in the 70s, another historical store in Mountain View, California. Only 175 were ever sold, but those 60 supposedly remain in circulation. This particular one going up for auction is even more precious, because it¡¯s been restored to working order.

¡°This Apple-1 computer was restored to its original, operational state in June 2018 by Apple-1 expert Corey Cohen, and a video of it running and functioning is available upon request,¡± the auction website claims. ¡°A comprehensive, technical condition report prepared by Cohen is available to qualified bidders; he evaluates the current condition of the unit as 8.5/10. The most remarkable aspect of this Apple-1 computer is that it is documented to be fully operational: the system was operated without fault for approximately eight hours in a comprehensive test.¡±

As the site indicates, the computer is being auctioned with all the original items it came with - everything from the hardware to printed manuals.

- original Apple-1 board

- original Apple Cassette Interface (ACI)

- original Apple-1 Operation Manual

- two original Apple Cassette Interface manuals

- a period surplus ASCII keyboard

- a period ¡®open frame¡¯ Sanyo 4205 video monitor

- a new period-style power supply with original Apple-1 power cable and connector

- period cassette interface cables

Another point to note is that this particular piece was in the hands of someone who wanted to maintain a non-customized Apple 1, something computer enthusiasts in the early days were eager to do. It was only later that Apple made this one of their core beliefs in the 80s.

Bidding for this piece of history begins September 3, and will continue until the live auction on September 25. The very first Apple 1 was sold for about $666 or approximately Rs 46,700. That¡¯s $2,950 or Rs 2,06,950 after inflation. On the other hand, this one will cost you around Rs 2.1 crore if you want to lay hands on it.

iPhone X not looking so expensive now, eh?