A remarkable piece of computing history, a 1972 Q1 microcomputer, has sold for £37,179 (approximately ₹47.37 lakh) at auction. The machine was discovered during a routine house clearance in London and represents one of only three known surviving Q1 microcomputers, making its unexpected reappearance particularly significant for collectors and historians.
Discovery and Exhibition of a Computing Pioneer
The rare Q1 microcomputer, complete with an internal printer, was found in 2023 alongside a slightly newer Q1 Lite model and its accompanying printer. These forgotten electronics were unearthed from under boxes within a London property by the house-clearance company Just Clear.
Following their discovery, the machines were publicly exhibited at Kingston University in February 2024. The exhibition, titled “Creating the Everything Device: Showcasing the Machines That Built the Future,” highlighted the Q1's place in the evolution of computing technology.
The Q1's Historical Significance
Launched in 1972, the Q1 microcomputer predates the iconic Apple 1, introduced by Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs, by four years. Its creation marked a pivotal moment when computer technology began shifting towards smaller, microprocessor-based systems, laying crucial groundwork for future personal computing devices. Heritage Auctions, which facilitated the sale, described the Q1 as an important early development in computing history.
Auction Results and Enduring Value
Dallas-based Heritage Auctions put the three devices up for sale without a reserve price. With no prior auction records for the Q1, its market value was previously unknown. The 1972 Q1 with its integrated printer ultimately sold for £37,179. The Q1 Lite fetched £8,316 (approximately ₹10.59 lakh), and its companion printer sold for £1,175 (around ₹1.49 lakh).
Interestingly, the Q1 was a premium machine even in its era. Its original cost would be equivalent to over £70,000 (around ₹89.15 lakh) in today's money, far exceeding the price of an ordinary consumer purchase. This recent auction price underscores the enduring value and historical importance of early computing hardware for collectors worldwide.