Jacob Jensen’s iconic transistor radio began with the Beolit 400 introduced at the start of the 1970s. Its colourful design included a range of replaceable front and rear panels to suit the latest interior fashion. Outstanding sound quality for a small transistor radio made it a popular buy at around £25 here in the UK. Thousands were manufactured and it’s worth looking out for at car boot fairs and charity shops and online auctions.
Black was the most successful colour judging by the number still coming up for sale. It looks excellent contrasted with the silver anodised aluminium slide rule dial. Other colours shown in this collection include white, red, cyan (blue green), purple and tan or mustard also known in the UK as ‘Curry’. Watch out for shiny finishes as they are likely to have been resprayed and flake unless done professionally. Original finishes are satin rather than gloss and the later series often came in matt.
The radio’s success spawned several versions with the Beolit 500, mains powered Beolit 505, which superseded the Beolit 400 and the Beolit 600 which had a mains powered option. This was replaced by the Beolit 700 and mains powered Beolit 707 which came in black anodised finish as shown here. Prices typically range from £80 to over £200 for the rare models in sought after colours.
Selection of Beolit 400, 600 and 700 range
Much gratitude to Judit for the photography.
08/01/2023 at 2:12 pm
Great radios my father bought his over 50 years ago its been in loft last 25 years just got it out put new batteries in it works great needs a good clean its mains aswell I’d like to sell it if your interested red colour has its serial number on base open to offers regards Denny
08/01/2023 at 9:11 pm
Hi Denny – these Beolits were very well built so many have survived and often work after years dormant. I’ve too many already, but if anyone reading this is interested can put you in touch. Best examples undamaged with their original cardboard tubes and envelope schematic can fetch several hundred pounds in the UK. Unrefubished with sliders missing or damaged aerials are worth much less.
10/05/2026 at 3:46 pm
Hi Rick. I’ve just purchased a red Beolit 400. There is a 7.5v input socket. Do you know what type of plug fits it? I have a power supply.
Regards Paul
10/05/2026 at 9:26 pm
These Beolits need a fairly standard coaxial plug as provided on many low voltage DC adapters. 5.5mm outer diameter / 13mm long. Note the centre pin is negative. You will probably need to deoxidise the socket and its switch.
11/05/2026 at 8:42 am
Thanks Rick. I have already replied to your reply, but it disappeared. Many thanks for your advice.
11/05/2026 at 12:05 pm
Thanks Paul, I had to add a captcha check on the comments form so maybe that’s causing the submission issue. I’ll check, so thanks for letting me know. Hope you get your new red Beolit powered up, they do sound good. If you discover the bass is not so strong check out my The Beolit Speaker Problem post.