Ultra-Rare Apple Mac #M0001 Prototype Poised to Break Auction Records

A rare Apple Macintosh #M0001 prototype from 1983 is set to break auction records. Discover its history and significance in vintage computing.

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Vintage Apple Mac #M0001 Prototype Expected to Dazzle at Auction

If you’re a fan of cutting-edge vintage technology and possess a generous bank account, a golden opportunity is knocking at your door. A rare Apple Macintosh #M0001 prototype from 1983 is currently up for auction, promising to potentially shatter price records for computers of this kind.

Hosted by Bonhams in New York until October 23, this unique Macintosh is estimated to fetch between $80,000 and $120,000 (approximately £90,000 / AU$175,000). Given its scarcity, there’s a strong likelihood that it could surpass these estimates and etch its name in history as the most expensive Mac ever sold.

The Mac in question Ultra-rare vintage technology up for grabs.

Among the few remaining #M0001 prototypes, another model previously fetched a staggering $150,075 (around £114,405 / AU$219,110) at auction in 2019. This unique computer earned the nickname ‘Twiggy’ due to its use of 5.25-inch Twiggy disk drives, differing from the 3.5-inch drives found in first-generation Macs launched in 1984. The story behind these machines is equally fascinating; Steve Jobs had initially ordered that these pre-production units be destroyed due to drive-related issues. However, one of these prototypes has persevered, and for the right bidder, it could become a centerpiece in a personal collection.

Not only does the hardware captivate, but its software also offers a glimpse into early Macintosh functionality. The prototype runs early, unfinished versions of Mac applications, and in a quirky touch, users can find dialogs featuring none other than Steve Jobs offering guidance.

It remains unclear whether this specific prototype is in working order—previously auctioned examples confirmed functionality, but interested buyers may want to consult Bonhams regarding its operational status to avoid any pitfalls in the bidding process.

With the value of these machines reflecting their historical significance, the prototype is accompanied by both a prototype keyboard and mouse, plus a minuscule 512KB of memory, harking back to an era that heralded the graphical user interface and modern operating systems.

The Historical Significance of the Twiggy Model

The Mac’s design and capabilities represent a pivotal moment in computing history. The Twiggy model, with its distinctive tech and backstory, embodies the innovation that made Apple a household name. Similar prototypes were previously showcased during a special 30th anniversary event in January 2014, emphasizing the enduring fascination with this era of Apple development.

Restoring such older technology can require a dedication to detail. For collectors eager to restore this piece of history, spare parts can be hard to come by, making genuine working examples all the more coveted.

Sold as is Possibly one of the rarest tech collectibles.

As the deadline for bids creeps nearer, we will eagerly await to see if this unique piece of computing history captivates collectors and tech enthusiasts alike. Will it crack the record books? Only time—and the buyers—will tell.

As the auction unfolds, this model assures us of its place in the annals of tech history while foreshadowing what the future might hold for vintage tech.