Sapphire radio info

[oilspot]

Is there any listing of what model sapphire radios are correct for what year vehicle etc.
I've noticed some of the high prices people are asking for them. I've always had a few stashed away, and hell if they're fetching that much cash I'll put them up for sale.

[Envious]

PM with an email address and I'll send you a larger scan.
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71 Type 1302 Custom
64 Type 151
63 Type 117 L469 Anthracite
64 Type 361 L575 Nutria
58 Type 113 L41 Black
56 Type 113 L227 Strato Silver
52 BSA C11G
59 Heilite Single Wheel Camping Trailer
56 Allstate Single Wheel
84 Vanagon Westfalia

[dstefun]

If you want to sell radios, the ones that go for top dollar are cosmetically perfect, complete with all knobs and faceplates, and they actually work. As-is usually drops the price by at least 100% because even basic radio repairs will cost $50-$100. AM-FM's are most in demand and command the highest prices. Don't expect high $ from rusty POS radios with no knobs or faceplates, and you don't even know if they work.

Sapphire I's first came out in 1960. There are actually 7 different models of Sapphire I's (and 3 models of Sapphire II's), depending on year and manufacturer, but there are only 2 main styles, 1960-61 and 1962-65. For the purist, there are minor differences in all of them. For example 1960-61 and 1962-63 models have ivory knobs and pushbuttons while 1964-65 radios have grey knobs and pushbuttons. Models 1960-1964 have Conelrad Civil Defence markings on the dials, later ones do not.

There is no difference in the actual radio between bug, bus, or Ghia. Usually there were differences in knobs, faceplates, bezels, speakers, and antennas. In the list above from Envious note that 1962 models R2BV, R2BT, and R2BG are really the same radio and the radio itself is stamped 2BV. The other models are merely marketing numbers for the different body types that would have included the proper installation parts for that model.

1960-67 models will pretty much fit anything back to 58 if you have the proper faceplate and brackets. Ghias from 1962-66 use the same dash bezel that is used on buses. 1960-61 Sapphire I's include the bus/Ghia bezel as part of the radio, and these radios will also fit in oval dashes (and look quite nice).

All 1960 to 63 I's say Sapphire I by Bendix because they were only made by Bendix in those years. For 1964-65 they just say Sapphire I because both Bendix and Motorola made Sapphire I's in 1964.

AM-FM Sapphire II's & IV's & VI's were made by Bendix. They are mono only, but they do include a fader control for a rear speaker. AM-FM-MPX (stereo) wasn't available until the Sapphire XVI from Motorola in 1971. 8 track units in 1967 and later were true stereo, but were never AM-FM, just AM and 8 track.

Since radios were always dealer installed, it is quite normal to find cars where the original radio is a different year than the car. I.E. 1964 radios in 1965 cars, 1965 radios in 1966 cars, etc. The dealers were just using up their existing stock. And later owners put in whatever they had or could get. If you went to the dealer in 1966 for a radio for your '58, you probably ended up with a Sapphire III because that's what was on the shelf.

Up to 1969 you can usually tell the year by the first digit of the model number - 0B is 1960, 1B is 1961, 2BV is 1962, etc. If it includes a B in the model number (like 0B) it was made by Bendix, if it includes an M (like 4TMV) it was made by Motorola. There is one exception to that rule where Bendix made a Sapphire II in 1965 with both a B and an M in the model (5FMBV). The model numbers are usually stamped into the left side of the case.

Sapphire I AM 6 volt (7 models) 1960-65
Sapphire II AM-FM 6 volt (3 models) 1962-65
Sapphire III AM 6 volt (2 models) 1966
Sapphire IV AM-FM 6 volt 1966
Sapphire V AM 12 volt (3 models) 1967
Sapphire VI AM-FM 12 volt 1967
Sapphire VII AM 6 or 12 volt 1969 (yes, 1969, not 1967) And why 6V or 12V in 1969?? Weird ugly radio.
Sapphire VIII AM-8 track 12 volt 1967
Sapphire IX AM 12 volt (3 models) 1968-69 (including one that looks exactly like a 1967 Sapphire V, but the tag on the dial does say Sapphire IX - I think Motorola was using up their excess inventory V's - that one was only used in 1968 Type 3's and even uses '67 black rubber knobs)
Sapphire Playtape I & II 1968
Sapphire X AM-FM 12 volt 1968
Sapphire XI AM 12 volt (2 models) 1970
Sapphire XII AM-FM 12 volt 1970
Sapphire XIII AM 12 volt 1969 (yes 1969, not 70 or 71)
Sapphire XIV AM-FM 12 volt (2 models) 1971-72
Sapphire XV AM 12 volt (4 models) 1971
Sapphire XVI AM-FM-MPX (stereo) 12 volt (2 models) 1971
Sapphire XVII AM-8 track 12 volt 1971
Sapphire XVIII AM 12 volt (3 models) 1973-74
Sapphire XIX AM-FM 12 volt (2 models) 1972-75
Sapphire XX AM-FM-MPX (stereo) 12 volt 1972
Sapphire XXI AM-8 track 12 volt (4 models) 1973-74
Sapphire XXV AM-FM-MPX (stereo) 12 volt (2 models) 1973-74

After 1973 many radios did not carry a Sapphire designation, and the same radios were used in VW, Audi, & Porsche, with different knobs & faceplates.
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62 SC & 66 Bus

[EverettB]

I've seen a lot of Sapphire Is that seem to do well on eBay but I still see them at almost every show for $5-$10. I bought a Sapphire I for $15 a month or so ago but it had a Bus faceplate on it so I went for it.

Sapphire II AM/FM radios seem to be getting expensive. I have seen a few up in the $200 range in working condition.
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[griff 63]

I have a blaupunkt Emden 3 that came in my 67 square. It has a connection for a external amp. Is this the correct radio for the car?

[RockStock]

[RichOakley]

[dstefun]

[RockStock]

thank you (& to rich)
it'll go in a 59, & will look like this

from Rich's site:
"Without the Bug face plate, the early Sapphire I installed in many VW models and years. The Bus (to ’67?), Ghia (to ’65?) and Oval windowed Bugs used a 3-hole dash opening as shown below in a ’57 Oval. This radio fits directly into the 3-hole dash making it a good choice for many early models"

i see the S1 started in 60, but my S1 radio actually came in a Sept 58 Ghia Coupe, 1 owner, so guess it was installed when they came out
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-StockRocks-

[Jerry J]

[dstefun]