#055 Lear Jet 8-Track Player
Lear Jet 8-Track Player (Model A-260)
Most people have heard of the Learjet and the 8-track audio cassette, but few associate the two together. Bill Lear was the designer of the Lear Jet executive jet airplane, inventor of the 8-track stereo, and patented several car radios. He was a true pioneer, and visionary.
Regarding his 8-track design... The car culture of the United States spawned the notion of tapes as an alternative to popular records, conceived as a means to give the American driver the option of listening to the music of his or her choice while in transit and, since the vinyl record wasn’t very transport friendly, Lear saw an opening in the market that needed to be filled and one that would provide the clients of his Lear Jet an audio experience second to none.
The 8-track format was developed by a diverse consortium that included the Ampex Magnetic Tape Company, Lear Jet Company and RCA Records, and it was launched to market by Ford Motor Company in 1965 where the 8-track was offered as an option in their complete line of 1966 model cars.
So how did Bill Lear get involved with a tape deck?
The story goes like this…. Muntz Audio created the 4-track known as the Muntz Stereo Pak and it was riddled with problems, including noise and it could not be rewound (imagine that kids). According to Jack Graham, Bill Lear had loaned Muntz $50,000 after WWII. While Muntz eventually offered to pay back the loan, Bill wrote it off, but When Muntz developed the 4-track, Bill who had a great love of music, got involved out of passion. Bill went for a ride with Earl, and Earl showed Bill the endless loop 4-track. Bill took it home and made the 8-track, which has other uses other than playing the Bee Gee’s. The cartridge was used for a bunch of alarm and burglary systems until the late 80’s when it was phased out by CD-ROM.
(Credit: VREF Publishing, Inc.)
This vintage Learjet A-260 8-track player comes in its original box and still has the mounting brackets with it. The unit is untested but appears in great condition. It would make a great accessory to any 60's or '70's vehicle and would make a wonderful conversation starter.
Lear Jet 8-Track Player (Model A-260)
Most people have heard of the Learjet and the 8-track audio cassette, but few associate the two together. Bill Lear was the designer of the Lear Jet executive jet airplane, inventor of the 8-track stereo, and patented several car radios. He was a true pioneer, and visionary.
Regarding his 8-track design... The car culture of the United States spawned the notion of tapes as an alternative to popular records, conceived as a means to give the American driver the option of listening to the music of his or her choice while in transit and, since the vinyl record wasn’t very transport friendly, Lear saw an opening in the market that needed to be filled and one that would provide the clients of his Lear Jet an audio experience second to none.
The 8-track format was developed by a diverse consortium that included the Ampex Magnetic Tape Company, Lear Jet Company and RCA Records, and it was launched to market by Ford Motor Company in 1965 where the 8-track was offered as an option in their complete line of 1966 model cars.
So how did Bill Lear get involved with a tape deck?
The story goes like this…. Muntz Audio created the 4-track known as the Muntz Stereo Pak and it was riddled with problems, including noise and it could not be rewound (imagine that kids). According to Jack Graham, Bill Lear had loaned Muntz $50,000 after WWII. While Muntz eventually offered to pay back the loan, Bill wrote it off, but When Muntz developed the 4-track, Bill who had a great love of music, got involved out of passion. Bill went for a ride with Earl, and Earl showed Bill the endless loop 4-track. Bill took it home and made the 8-track, which has other uses other than playing the Bee Gee’s. The cartridge was used for a bunch of alarm and burglary systems until the late 80’s when it was phased out by CD-ROM.
(Credit: VREF Publishing, Inc.)
This vintage Learjet A-260 8-track player comes in its original box and still has the mounting brackets with it. The unit is untested but appears in great condition. It would make a great accessory to any 60's or '70's vehicle and would make a wonderful conversation starter.
Lear Jet 8-Track Player (Model A-260)
Most people have heard of the Learjet and the 8-track audio cassette, but few associate the two together. Bill Lear was the designer of the Lear Jet executive jet airplane, inventor of the 8-track stereo, and patented several car radios. He was a true pioneer, and visionary.
Regarding his 8-track design... The car culture of the United States spawned the notion of tapes as an alternative to popular records, conceived as a means to give the American driver the option of listening to the music of his or her choice while in transit and, since the vinyl record wasn’t very transport friendly, Lear saw an opening in the market that needed to be filled and one that would provide the clients of his Lear Jet an audio experience second to none.
The 8-track format was developed by a diverse consortium that included the Ampex Magnetic Tape Company, Lear Jet Company and RCA Records, and it was launched to market by Ford Motor Company in 1965 where the 8-track was offered as an option in their complete line of 1966 model cars.
So how did Bill Lear get involved with a tape deck?
The story goes like this…. Muntz Audio created the 4-track known as the Muntz Stereo Pak and it was riddled with problems, including noise and it could not be rewound (imagine that kids). According to Jack Graham, Bill Lear had loaned Muntz $50,000 after WWII. While Muntz eventually offered to pay back the loan, Bill wrote it off, but When Muntz developed the 4-track, Bill who had a great love of music, got involved out of passion. Bill went for a ride with Earl, and Earl showed Bill the endless loop 4-track. Bill took it home and made the 8-track, which has other uses other than playing the Bee Gee’s. The cartridge was used for a bunch of alarm and burglary systems until the late 80’s when it was phased out by CD-ROM.
(Credit: VREF Publishing, Inc.)
This vintage Learjet A-260 8-track player comes in its original box and still has the mounting brackets with it. The unit is untested but appears in great condition. It would make a great accessory to any 60's or '70's vehicle and would make a wonderful conversation starter.