Over the last four-and-a-half-decades, Apple has evolved from a small tech startup operating out of a Los Altos, California garage into a leading global computer and technology product powerhouse. And while the company’s innovative offerings have made some game-changing strides over the years, the majority of its wares can be traced back to its early personal computers. Now, for the first time, the original prototype of the illustrious Macintosh Personal Computer is slated to go under the hammer at Bonhams upcoming History of Science and Technology sale.
Valued at between $120-180K, this exact computer was displayed at the 30th Mac Anniversary Celebration in 2014 and was reportedly issued to Encore Systems which utilized it to develop the MacWrite program. The 1983 prototype features Apple’s original proprietary 5-1/4” “Twiggy” disc drive, making it just one of two known surviving examples in existence (before the switch to 3-1/2” drives). Despite its age, the computer — which is “Model Number: M0001” — is said to be in fully-functional condition and, aside from some UV-yellowing on the body, is in remarkable shape.
