In the mid-to-late 1970s, Sears sold portable 8-track tape players. There were three distinct models:

The red units just played tapes (no radio.) Regular price was $49.99.

The blue units included an AM/FM radio. Regular price was $59.99. Strangely enough, the FM section was NOT capable of receiving stereo broadcasts.

The white units were top-of-the-line. They featured an 8-track player plus AM/FM stereo radio. Regular price was $69.99.

In the spring of 1977, I found a white one at a Sears Surplus store for just $34.99. These were special stores that sold overstocks, discontinued merchandise, and items that had been returned to Sears regular retail stores. Of course, 12-year-old me just had to have it! It proved to be a solid, reliable unit with decent sound quality. My only complaints were that it did not have jacks for headphones or external DC power. Both would have come in handy during our frequent family car trips. Let’s just say that Dad’s musical preferences were not the same as mine! It would also have been nice to have a tone control and a longer antenna for better FM reception of distant stations. Even with these shortcomings, it was well worth the $35 that I paid. The leather handle with metal supports was much sturdier than the cheap plastic handles found on most portable tape players. It was also detachable in case you wanted to use it permanently in a bookshelf or desk setting. Model number 19276.

Did you have one of these Sears portable 8-track stereo tape players? If so, what are your thoughts?