Mellow Yellow Mid Century Vintage Retro 1959 Admiral 296 Vacuum Tube AM Clock Radio Sounds Great! Rare Color!
DESCRIPTION: This is a rare color for this period. Most yellow looking radios are actually yellowed ivory or beige. This is a factory molded true yellow color.
This radio was introduced the same year as the 1959 Ford Thunderbird, called the 'flair' bird. This is the second generation Thunderbird that follows the first generation two seater Thunderbird with its iconic rear pillar porthole. The second generation Thunderbird was larger, square, with plenty of bright work!
This Admiral Model 296 is akin to the 1959-60 Ford Flair Bird, in matching yellow! It, too, is boxy with plenty of shiny gold trim that bespeaks of luxury and youthful energy!
Tabletop tube AM clock radio alarm manufactured by Admiral in 1959 excellent+ working and physical condition.
SOUND QUALITY: Picks up AM stations clearly and loudly up and down the dial without need of external antenna attachment.
CABINET CONDITION: Cabinet is in excellent condition with no cracks, splits, or missing material. Factory original molded colors through and through. No missing ink, smudges, or rub-off on clock dial lettering.
KNOBS: The factory original matching volume and tuning knobs are in excellent condition. Two clock function knobs are securely attached. Sleep timer clock function flap knob is a period correct replacement. ON/OFF/Alarm clock function flap knob is original. The tuning dial works fine and smooth no slipping.
LOGO: No missing logos.
INTERNAL ELECTRONICS: All paper and wax capacitors have been replaced with modern equivalents so this radio has another 50+ years or more of playing time! Both Intermediate Frequency Transformers (IFTs) have been rebuilt to ensure static free performance in the future. The tubes are working fine. All out-of-spec resistors have been replaced with modern correct value and voltage equivalents. There is no loud or pervasive hum. There is no loud or pervasive static between stations. The set has been aligned according to factory specifications. All wiring has been thoroughly checked for possible bridging and weak solder connection. The radio has been thoroughly cleaned and inspected.
CLOCK: The clock works and keep accurate time. Clock motor is silent no buzzing, humming or ticking noises. The radio alarm works. The buzzer works. The clock and alarm set function work. There is a appliance timer function in back. The tubes are working fine. All out-of-spec resistors have been replaced with modern correct value and voltage equivalents. There is no loud or pervasive hum. There is no loud or pervasive static between stations unless you operate near modern megahertz devices. The set has been aligned according to factory specifications.
POWER CORD: The replacement power cord and plug are excellent original working condition with no cracks, or splits. No exposed wiring.
BACKING BOARD: No backing board with this model. Has matching yellow color plastic backing cover in excellent condition with no cracks, chips, or major scratches and no melted heat vents.
FACTORY LABELS AND STICKERS: Bottom factory label is intact, readable, waterstained.
PROVENANCE: Previous owner identity is not known. Was gently used then stored in a dry cool environment for a long period of time. No evidence of prolonged exposure to cigarette smoking, moisture, or pets.
DIMENSIONS: Approximately 15" x 6" x 6" (l x w x h)
COLOR: Gold-ish, yellow
ADD BLUETOOTH: See pricing and info here
ADD Smart Speaker: See pricing and info here
ADD DIAL LIGHT: See pricing and info here
Webpage menu of upgrade services here
Product: antique radio, vintage radio, retro radio, vacuum tube radio, AM radio, art deco, mid-century product.
Category: radio
Cabinet construction: plastic
Period: 1950s
Country of manufacture: USA
Electronics: Mounted circuit board or chassis. Vacuum tube circuit.