This selection of vintage radio sets are for people who want to have a go at a DIY restoration.  We check them all  for obvious faults, and completeness.  A full description is given for each set,  together with a difficulty rating, so you should have a good idea what is required before you purchase an item. Where we have the service data,  it is included with the radio free of charge.   If you would like more details about a set,  then please feel free to telephone or email us.

If there is a radio here that you would like,  but you feel that you would not be able to do some or all of the work required,  a price is quoted for us to do a full guaranteed overhaul.  If there is a specific part of the restoration that you would like us to do,  such as the electronics side of things,  this is fine also,  just email or telephone us to discuss your requirements.  We are very flexible and will work to your requirements.

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You should not expect the restoration projects to work correctly as purchased, repairs may be required before it is safe to connect them to the mains supply.

Surely there is room for just one more radio?





New Project items here soon…

Stock last updated on 16/6/09

New items added on 16/6/09

1969 Roberts R707  Mk1  (transistor) 
It is probably the best sounding of all the big Roberts radios,  but not one for the faint hearted.  Getting the modules to bits if needed to replace AF115 transistors is not fun at all.  You have been warned!    Good cosmetic condition,  needing nothing much more than a thorough clean. No scratches or battery leak problems.   It works well on VHF,  nothing much happening on AM or SW apart from audio hiss.  IF module!  All knobs, antennas and shiny bits accounted for.
Frequency Coverage LW, MW, SW  and VHF FM 
Antenna - internal ferrite etc with sockets.
Dimensions 13" wide 7" high, 4" deep
Batteries 2 6V lantern types.
Price £16   UK Delivery £11   Most of EU £20 GBP   

1975 Roberts R707  Mk2 (transistor) 
This is the later version of Roberts biggest transistor radio,  and is more or less identical bar trim changes to the Mk1. It suffers from the same old module problems.  Good news though,  this one is working very well on all bands and I have not managed to get a crackle out of the speaker even whist thumping the IF stage screen can with my screwdriver.  Which means one of two things,  it has already been repaired and has had the AF11X transistors replaced,  or they have not yet reached puberty and grown their whiskers!   So as it stands here is a really nice example of the R707,  fully working and in very good condition.   Worth taking a chance?
Frequency Coverage LW, MW, SW  and VHF FM 
Antenna - internal ferrite etc with sockets.
Dimensions 13" wide 7" high, 4" deep
Batteries 2 6V lantern types.
Price £28  UK Delivery £11   Most of EU £20 GBP   

1953  Pye P76F   (valve)
Top notch domestic receiver from Pye.  The engineers who designed this radio spent a lot of time messing about with the audio feedback circuitry,  which gave the end result of superb audio reproduction.  Get the capacitors sorted out and you will find a 76 hard to better.   All nice and original,  the only thing really to report here is the speaker cloth, which is a bit grubby.  Not too bad though!  The woodwork is very clean and tidy and needs nothing more than a good clean and polish.   Excellent project and one that you will want to listen to when complete.
Frequency Coverage :- LW / MW / SW
Antenna -  internal frame antenna with sockets for a wire
Restoration Difficulty   1.5  - intermediate.
Dimension 19" wide, 15" high, 7" deep.
Price  £34   (£125 overhauled and polished) 
UK Delivery £13   Most of EU £28 GBP   

1951 Philips 431A-15   (valve)
Basically this radio is the same as the classic, well known Philips 310A and shares the same illuminated front grille which is made from clear acrylic.  The cabinet is of course Bakelite and this one needs a though clean.  Go buy yourself a tin of Brasso and raid the house for a pack of dusters!  Couple of things to report here,  the gram knob which is a sort of flick thumb wheel (it sits behind the volume control knob) is missing.   The other thing is the badge on the front  -  this needs fixing in place properly (that piece of tape will not do!)  The chassis is complete,  no signs of messing and you will be very pleased to know that it does not need re-stringing.   Good project,  plenty of things to do but the raw materials are all there.   Cheap...
Frequency Coverage :- LW / MW / SW
Antenna -  simple wire needed or use internal plate foil aerial.
Restoration Difficulty   1.5  - intermediate.
Dimension 14" wide, 9" high, 6" deep.
Price  £20  (£call overhauled) 
UK Delivery £13   Most of EU £28 GBP   

1954 Murphy U198 (valve)
Most Murphy products were big heavy well made items.  Well they retained the well made bit for this design,  just squeezed it into a case about half the size of a Bush DAC90A.  This one works pretty well as is,  for one thing the UL41 is in good order.  Some work completed previously,  it has a little chip out of the front trim. 
Frequency Coverage :- LW / MW
Dimensions 9" wide, 7" high, 5" deep
Antenna -  simple wire needed.
Restoration Difficulty  1 easy
Price  £25  (£100 overhauled)   UK Delivery £11   Most of EU £26 GBP

1968 Roberts R600 (transistor)
This was Roberts first radio with VHF FM coverage and what a cracker it is too.  Certainly one of our favourite RR models and when working properly its sound quality is hard to beat.   This one is in good order with a complete telescopic antenna and handle.  Electrically the IF module can be a pain,  and getting to it is another story,  but it is possible.  it out to replace the faulty transistors.   This one is working on VHF again although the volume is way down.  Nothing much on AM apart from a crackle when you give it a rough shake  - that would indicate transistor failure in the AM IF stage.   Giving too many secrets away again...
Antenna - Internal ferrite rod / whip
Restoration Difficulty  2  -  moderate
Batteries  -  1 of PP9 9V
Dimensions 10" wide, 6" high, 4" deep
Frequency coverage   -  LW / MW / VHF FM
Price £12   UK Delivery £11   Most of EU £20 GBP   

1953 Pye P178   (valve)
This is lovely.  It needs a bit of work but worth the effort.  To sum up the dial pointer is missing  (now where did that go?)  and I have noticed a tiny crack on the front to fix.  Otherwise all good and shines like a new pin.    There is a compact AC only chassis inside this one,  much the same as the P75 but smaller.
Frequency Coverage :- MW / LW / SW
Restoration Difficulty  2  -  moderate
Antenna - internal ferrite with sockets for SW etc.
Dimensions  12" wide 9" high, 6" deep
Price  £20   UK Delivery £13   Most of EU £28 GBP   

1956 GEC BC5645  (valve)   
One of the better GEC radios with VHF for you to tackle.  We have "done" many just like this over the years and all performed well.   This one is in excellent condition bar a couple of stitches which are required to tidy up the speaker grille cloth.  Again all original, no damage and a nice glossy Bakelite case.   
Frequency Coverage :- MW / LW /  VHF FM
Dimensions 17" wide, 11" high, 8" deep
Antenna -   internal with sockets.
Restoration Difficulty 1.5 intermediate. 
Price £35   (£125 overhauled)    UK Delivery £13   Most of EU £28 GBP
Sorry this one is sold.

1941 Murphy A90   (valve)
Pretty much the last wartime domestic radio from Murphy this A90 is fitted in a sturdy pine cabinet.   Its obviously been refinished at some time and other work completed as it runs just fine.  All the switches are silky smooth,  the tuning dials and controls likewise.  Inside the  cabinet is the familiar heavy blue painted chassis.   All looks good to me! 
Frequency Coverage :- LW / MW / SW
Antenna -  needs a simple wire 
Restoration Difficulty  1.5   -   intermediate.
Price  £30 (£150 overhauled)   
UK Delivery £13   Most of EU £35 GBP
Sorry this one is sold.

1959 Ekco U332   (valve)
A rather nice,  smart looking Ekco in a bright red case,  all original bar the back cover which says Ekco A455 on it!   Ekco made many different models in this same cabinet mould so it is a perfect fit.   No damage to report (or scratches).  Very clean and tidy. 
Frequency Coverage :- MW / LW
Dimensions 13" wide, 9" high, 6" deep
Restoration Difficulty   1 easy
Antenna -  internal with sockets
Price  £30  (£100 overhauled) 
UK Delivery £13   Most of EU £28 GBP
Sorry this one is sold.

1953 Ultra R746 Twin    (valve)
Mains battery portable from Ultra which is the brother of the Coronation Twin model.   No damage to report other than a loose back panel  (the hinges need attention).    It looks like most of the capacitors have been replaced and I dared to power this one up.   It works although the audio quality could be better...
Frequency Coverage :- LW / MW /
Antenna  -  internal with sockets
Restoration Difficulty  1.5 intermediate
Batteries  90V ht 1.5V lt  -  use built in power supply. 
Price  £22   (£90 overhauled)   
UK Delivery £13   Most of EU £28 GBP
Sorry this one is sold.

1958 Ferguson 384U  (valve) 
No damage or problems to report with this Bakelite Fergy radio.  Being a VHF set you'll probably need to have had a bit of experience before tackling this one,  the good thing as ever is though that it's completely original and is constructed on a proper metal chassis.   From experience I find that the later PCB built VHF sets, especially the ac/dc types seldom work as well,  usually due to carbon tracking problems around valve bases.   None of those problems here thankfully though.  All the important bits,  the cloth, dial, back and knobs are fine.   
Frequency Coverage :- MW / LW / VHF FM
Dimensions 17" wide, 12" high, 7" deep
Restoration Difficulty   2   -  moderate.
Antenna -  internal dipole for VHF,  rod for AM  with sockets. 
Price  £35   (£105 overhauled) 
UK Delivery £13   Most of EU £28 GBP

1947 Pye T19D  (Valve) 
Here we have a 100% original T19D,  that is the one with 5 SW,  MW and LW plus the low frequency trawler band  - which in 2009 no longer has fishermen but you might well pick up some tropical SW broadcast stations on there after dark.   It is all a bit dirty  -  the case needs cleaning up with some burnishing cream and the grille has a minor dent.   Best action for this is to remove it,  then straighten out using a rolling pin or similar.  Then give the grille a long soak in some warm washing powder solution to clear out all the grime.   It ought to look like new after that!  The dial is good,  no scratches.  Electrically they are pretty straight forward octal 1940's technology with a lovely fly wheel balanced tuning drive and all those band spread ranges.  Nice sets,  one of our favoured types.
Frequency Coverage  LW/MW/6 SW band spreads
Antenna -  simple wire needed. 
Dimensions 20" wide, 13" high, 10" deep
Restoration Difficulty  -  1  -  easy.
Price £40  (£125 overhauled)  UK Delivery £13   Most of EU £35 GBP   
Sorry this one is sold.

1956 Ever Ready Sky Baby    (valve)
This little Sky Baby is much more in the attaché radio class.  Apart from a bit of wear (see the picture) on one corner the Rexene covering material is in reasonable condition.  One of the chrome side latches is missing.  Uses a ferrite rod aerial rather than the more common frame type that is usually fitted into the lid.   
Frequency Coverage :- LW / MW
Antenna -  internal ferrite rod
Dimensions 9" wide, 9" high, 4" deep.   Closed.
Batteries   90V HT 1.5V V LT
Restoration Difficulty  1.5 intermediate.
Price  £20  UK Delivery £11   Most of EU £20 GBP   
Sorry this one is sold.

C1965 Bush TR116  (transistor)
A pretty little Bush transistor radio which can perform well  -   I have one myself!  Unlike many of the time it has full SW coverage as well as a now defunct 208 button for Radio Luxembourg,  although you could re-tune this for another station.   Has the usual AF117's to contend with.  Unfortunately this one is missing its Bush logo badge which is a pity as the rest of it is in great condition.    Nice all the same,  and still has its Bush red top cap on the telescopic whip.   
Frequency Coverage :- LW / MW / SW / 208
Antenna -  internal ferrite rod / whip with sockets.
Dimensions 9.5" wide, 7" high, 3.5" deep.   
Batteries   single 9V PP9 required.
Restoration Difficulty  1 Easy
Price  £15  (£50 overhauled)  UK Delivery £11   Most of EU £20 GBP   
Sorry this one is sold.

1954 Cossor 520 Melody Maker  (valve)
The later wooden version of the melody maker is fitted with this B8A chassis,  which is far superior to the earlier loctal models.  Plenty of gain and a far less chance of having valve base pin connection problems.  I suppose the only possible failing is the EL41 which is a bit prone to heater cathode shorts but this is not anything like as big a problem as the 40V heater version, the UL41.     Anyway this example is good and original,  the case is fine apart from the black painted front trim,  which needs a re-spray to make it smart.  The rest of the woodwork just needs a feed and polish.   Famous last words!   
Frequency Coverage :- LW / MW / SW
Antenna -  simple external aerial required
Restoration Difficulty   1  -  easy
Dimensions  -  16" wide, 11" high, 8.5" deep
Price  £20  (£95 overhauled)  UK Delivery £13   Most of EU £28 GBP   
Sorry this one is sold.

1945 Defiant MSH977   (valve)
I cannot recall seeing this model before,  which after two decades of visiting vintage radio auctions,  reading books about them and generally leading a bewildered life is saying something!   Good to have a new one to the site and it comes in guise as this Defiant.  Made by the Co-op for the Co-op you probably already know the story behind the name so I won't go on about it again here.   Well this has sort of pre-war Ekco qualities to it  in terms of style having a hefty Bakelite cabinet and the layout of controls.   This is completely un touched and original  -  it will need a thorough overhaul to get the best from the chassis.  All looks good bar a bit of light corrosion on the bare steel fittings,  take a look at the pictures and you will see it is nothing to worry about.   The tuning dial has faded a little but is still readable.  The Bakelite is in need of a light wax polish and I am pleased to report it is crack free.   No chips either.  All in all a very original,  rare find which should keep you occupied for many a happy evening. 
Frequency Coverage :- LW / MW / SW
Antenna -  simple external aerial required
Restoration Difficulty   1.5 intermediate
Dimensions  -  19" wide, 14" high, 9" deep
Price  £75  (£175 overhauled)  UK Delivery £20   Most of EU £42 GBP   
Sorry this one is sold.

1946 Ferranti 146  (valve) 
A Bakelite radio with attitude.  The rather well made 146 is a bit out of the norm for Ferranti,  in that it's actually a good radio! This example is completely original and free from any cracks.  It does have some light scratched on the top of the case,  after cleaning the cabinet up give it a light coat of black wax and buff it up to a high gloss  - that will take care of them.    The chassis has been into the radio repair man,  by the looks of it during the 1950's a new  radio spares replacement mains transformer was fitted.   All the makings of an excellent project.
Frequency Coverage :- MW / LW/  SW
Dimensions 20" wide, 11" high, 9" deep
Restoration Difficulty   1  -  easy
Antenna -  simple external wire needed. 
Price  £40   (£125 overhauled)  UK Delivery £20   Most of EU £42 GBP   

1952 Ekco U143  (valve)
Yet more Bakelite to polish.  You would be well advised to take the front panel plastic grille off this case and give it a good long soak in detergent to remove a layer of what I think is nicotine staining.   Yuk  -  the innards are a bit on the yellow side too.  Pity as it is in good condition bar this.   Not the end of the world,  the chassis will clean with some Brasso or wire wool  (or both) -   you will want some gloves on to do this job!   Over the years we have had many of this and it's wooden A144 equivalent,  both are top quality receivers.   Good project,  get yourself a roll of kitchen towels before you begin.   
Frequency Coverage :- MW / LW/  SW
Dimensions 17" wide, 12" high, 8" deep
Restoration Difficulty   1.5 intermediate.
Antenna -  simple external wire needed. 
Price  £24 (£115 overhauled / cleaned) 
UK Delivery £13   Most of EU £28 GBP    Sold

1953 Philips 151u   (Valve)
Philips again,  this one is a well made dinky little thing.   You might want to spray up the cream painted trim on the front but at least everything is original and as it should be.    Has a good back panel.  I suppose this model was aimed as competition to the Bush DAC90A and alike.   Well worth sorting out and I suspect like nearly all Philips things it will work well.  Simple mechanics !
Frequency Coverage :- MW / LW
Dimensions 11" wide, 8" high, 6" deep
Restoration Difficulty   1 easy
Antenna -  internal with sockets
Price  £18   (£100  overhauled)  UK Delivery £13   Most of EU £28 GBP   

1947 Pye 18A  (valve)
Here is a short superhet wooden receiver from the Pye factory that does not often turn up.   Unlike the earlier 15A this one has an internal frame antenna  and a permanent magnet speaker,  otherwise it is much the same.   The case is more late 40's style that the 15A and they changed from a grille cloth to a fine mesh on this model.   Nice original example,  I found a couple of dead worm holes in one corner that will easily wax in.   
Frequency Coverage :- MW / LW / SW
Antenna -  internal with sockets for AM etc 
Dimensions  18.5" wide 14" high, 8" deep
Restoration Difficulty  1  -   easy. 
Price £22 (£105 overhauled)  Sorry this one is sold.

C1960 Philips B2G81U   (valve)
Cheap and cheerful radio from the Philips plant.  Nothing much to say here really except list the faults!  The back panel has seen better days and will need replacing plus there is a bit of wear to the front panel paint around the volume knob.   All the little Philips "second" receivers work remarkably well and electrically I doubt you will have many problems to sort out.   Original throughout. 
Frequency Coverage :- MW / LW
Dimensions 12" wide, 6" high, 5.5" deep
Restoration Difficulty   1 easy
Antenna -  internal aerial
Price  £15   (£70 overhauled)  UK Delivery £13   Most of EU £28 GBP   

1949 Invicta 73  (valve)   
On offer here is a sort of Pye clone made at the Invicta factory.  Well put together as most of their products were.  This one has a couple of band spread short wave ranges plus the usual LW and MW coverage.   The cabinet is compact and smart looking,  it needs flatting off and a re-polish as someone has messed about with it a bit.  Has a good back panel and all the trim parts are present and correct.
Frequency Coverage :- MW / LW / 2 SW
Dimensions 15" wide, 11" high, 8" deep
Restoration Difficulty   1 easy
Antenna -  simple wire needed
Price  £20   (£95  overhauled)  UK Delivery £13   Most of EU £28 GBP   
Sorry this one is sold.

C1959 Cossor Transistor
No idea yet of the model number this rather ancient looking transistor radio has survived in good order,  it still works after a fashion too!  Will need a good service and all the switch contacts cleaning at the very least.  Based on the OC series of transistors so not too many problems there.   No dents, scratches or marks.  Just a bit of dirt to clean off.   
Frequency Coverage :- MW / LW
Dimensions 11" wide, 7" high, 3.5" deep
Antenna -  internal ferrite rod with socket
Restoration Difficulty 1 easy
Batteries 2 of 9V PP9
Price  £12  (£45 overhauled)  UK Delivery £11   Most of EU £20 GBP   

1967 Bush VTR133   (transistor)
Soft padded Bush portable with good VHF coverage.  Everything is well spaced out on this model which has survived remarkably well.  It has been looked after well over the years.  No burns etc which can be a problem on the soft finish models.  Electrically its nothing much out of the ordinary,  the welcome thing is unlike Roberts who insisted on using modules for their VHF IF stages this is all open circuit pcb.  So replacing those transistors if needed is a far less troublesome job.   No damage,  good dial and antenna. 
Frequency Coverage :- MW / LW / VHF FM
Dimensions 14.5" wide, 8" high, 4" deep
Antenna -  internal ferrite rod with whip for VHF  External socket fitted.
Restoration Difficulty 1.5 intermediate.
Batteries single 9V PP9
Price  £14  (£65 overhauled)  UK Delivery £11   Most of EU £20 GBP   

C1963 Pye transistor 1355 
Nice quality transistor portable for you to sort out.  I suspect as ever the transistors will be the weakest link.    Goodbye. 
Frequency Coverage :- MW / LW
Antenna - internal with sockets
Battery 1 of 9V PP9 type
Dimensions  12" wide 8" high, 3" deep
Price  £10 (£50 overhauled)   UK Delivery £11   Most of EU £20 GBP