Retro Images of the Week: Zenith 500D Transistor Radio

Zenith 500D Transistor Radio

Here at Retroplanet.com we are surrounded by all things retro. Not only the things we sell but original items and collections that decorate our offices. We thought it might be interesting each week to bring you a photo and information of an interesting, and maybe unusual, retro item we have kicking around. Please note these items are not for sale.
This is a vintage Zenith transistor radio. This particular style, called the Model 500D was manufactured in 1959. The Model D was the third generation of the 500 model Zenith radios that were first introduced in 1958. This model was only available in two other colors: tan and maroon. Weighing about a pound, this radio, when new, would have sold for $75.00. These 8-transistor radios were powered by 4-AA batteries. Originally about 250,000 of them were produced. These have been nicknamed the “owl eye” radio by many collectors, because of the shape and placement of the dials.