Wanted

Wanted: Vintage Computers from the 70s, 80s & 90s

Seeking classic systems for restoration, preservation & funding charitable refurbishments

Computing history is filled with fascinating machines that shaped the digital revolution, each with its quirks, innovations, and enduring legacy. I dedicate my time to carefully restoring and refurbishing these classic systems—not just to preserve their history, but also to fund the refurbishment of modern computers that I donate to charities supporting digital access in Wiltshire and Swindon.

If you have any old computers, accessories, peripherals, or parts from the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, I would love to hear from you! Whether it’s a machine on my wishlist or something unexpected, every system has value—either as a restoration project, a historical piece, or a means to fund my charitable donations of modern refurbished computers.

Special Systems I’m Looking For

Below are the machines I’m especially keen to find and restore:

Classic British & European Systems

• Acorn Proton & Acorn Atom – Pioneers of British computing that played a crucial role in Acorn’s development.
• BBC Micro B+ 64 & 128 – These enhanced versions of the BBC Micro represent a fascinating evolution in educational computing.
• Jupiter Ace – A rare machine with a cult following, featuring Forth programming language instead of BASIC.
• Sinclair 2000 series – Unconventional, quirky, and deeply tied to the early days of home computing.
• Dragon 64 & Dragon Disk Drives – These Welsh-made computers had a short-lived but intriguing presence in the personal computing scene.

American Icons & Gaming Systems

• Commodore PET – One of the first personal computers, pioneering integrated keyboard-and-monitor designs.
• Anything Atari – From the Atari 400/800 to ST-series machines, Atari helped define gaming and home computing.
• Early IBM PCs & Clones – The systems that started the era of DOS-based computing, with countless fascinating compatibles.

Clones & Rare Machines

Many companies produced clones and compatibles that added their own unique touches to computing history. I’m especially interested in:

• PC clones from the 80s
• Lesser-known European computers
• Early Japanese home computers
• Experimental or custom-built systems

Why Donate?

Beyond restoration, these vintage machines serve a larger purpose. Any duplicates, fully restored systems, or valuable components I refurbish help fund my efforts to restore modern computers, which I then donate to charities such as:

• Wiltshire Digital Drive – Providing computers to schools, charities, and individuals in need.
• Reboot IT Project – Refurbishing computers for community access and support.

Get in Touch

If you have any of the machines listed—or any vintage computers or components—you’d like to donate, please reach out! Every system has a story worth preserving, and every contribution helps extend the legacy of computing while making a difference today.