Siemens Alpha 2 RK 501 – Space Age Portable Radio – Attributed to Mario & Dario Bellini – 1968 An iconic example of late 1960s Space Age industrial design, this Siemens Alpha 2 RK 501 is a highly collectible portable transistor radio introduced in 1968 and widely attributed to renowned Italian designers Mario and Dario Bellini. With its sculptural cube-shaped architecture, integrated chromed metal stand and striking Signalrot red-orange ABS cabinet, the Alpha 2 perfectly captures the optimistic and futuristic spirit of the Space Age era. Today it is considered one of the most desirable European portable radios of the period and a true design classic. Design The Alpha 2 stands out for its innovative geometric form, transforming a functional radio into a decorative object. The vibrant Signalrot housing is complemented by elegant aluminium controls and the original chromed Siemens stand, allowing the radio to be displayed at different angles. Its compact proportions, minimalist styling and bold color make it equally suitable for collectors of vintage electronics, Space Age design and twentieth-century industrial design. Technical Specifications Manufacturer: Siemens Model: Alpha 2 RK 501 Year: 1968 Design: Attributed to Mario & Dario Bellini Type: Portable transistor radio Reception bands: FM / MW (AM) Power supply: 220V mains operation Battery operation Telescopic FM antenna Internal ferrite antenna for MW reception Original Siemens chromed metal stand ABS cabinet in Signalrot (intense red-orange) Condition The radio has been tested and is fully functional. Works correctly on both mains power and batteries. Excellent reception. Clear and powerful sound. Original telescopic antenna present and functioning properly. Original Siemens stand present. Cosmetically, the radio remains in vintage condition with signs of age and use consistent with more than fifty years of history. Scratches, marks and age-related wear are present and visible in the photographs. The vivid Signalrot finish retains excellent visual impact and displays beautifully. Dimensions Width: approx. 12.3 cm Height: approx. 12.1 cm Depth: approx. 14.1 cm Weight Approx. 1.3 kg Introduced in 1968 and remaining in production until the mid-1970s, the Siemens Alpha 2 RK 501 is regarded as one of the most distinctive European Space Age radios ever produced. Its timeless cube-shaped design, Bellini attribution and vibrant Signalrot finish make it a highly sought-after collector's piece and an exceptional addition to any design-oriented interior. Video available at the following link: https://youtube.com/shorts/aJ5WVwff1zo The item offered is original, vintage, and pre-owned, and is described accurately and in good faith. Before listing, the item is carefully cleaned, tested, and documented with detailed photographs and, where applicable, a video showing its actual condition and functionality. All functions mentioned in the description are tested and verified and are tested again before shipment as a final quality check. Photographs and any accompanying video form an integral part of the description and accurately represent the condition of the item at the time of listing. As this is a vintage item, minor signs of age and normal wear are to be expected and are consistent with its age. Colours may vary slightly due to lighting conditions and screen settings. For radios: the unit powers on and functions as described; due to age, electronic components (capacitors, potentiometers, tuning mechanisms) may require future maintenance. Slight background noise, signal instability or sensitivity variations can occur in vintage radios and are not considered faults.The item will be professionally packed using protective materials, and double-boxed where appropriate. Shipping is tracked and insured. The item is handed over to the carrier in the same condition as documented prior to dispatch.The buyer is responsible for providing a correct shipping address and for collecting the parcel within the carrier’s specified timeframe. In case of non-collection, refusal of delivery, or incorrect address, Catawiki’s applicable procedures and conditions will apply. By placing a bid, the buyer confirms that they have carefully read the description and reviewed all images and or video.