(extremely rare collectible item) The PE-801 is extremely rare today because: It is one of Clarion's earliest stereo cassette players. It predates the widespread adoption of car cassette decks. Production numbers were relatively small compared with later models. Most units were installed permanently in vehicles and discarded decades ago. Surviving examples are mainly found in collections of vintage car-audio enthusiasts. For collectors of vintage automotive electronics, the PE-801 is substantially rarer than typical 1970s and 1980s Clarion car stereos. Clarion PE-801 Vintage Car Stereo Cassette Player (1968–1971) A rare opportunity to acquire a genuine Clarion PE-801, one of the earliest automotive stereo cassette players produced during the dawn of the cassette era. Manufactured in Japan around 1968–1971, the PE-801 represents an important milestone in car audio history. Designed for 12-volt vehicles, it features stereo cassette playback, automatic cassette operation, fast-forward and rewind controls, balance adjustment, and classic period styling. Unlike later mass-produced car stereos, the PE-801 was produced when cassette technology was still new, making surviving examples exceptionally difficult to find today. Features: Genuine early Clarion car audio equipment Manufactured circa 1968–1971 Stereo cassette playback Automatic cassette loading and stop/eject Fast-forward and rewind Balance and tone controls Heavy-duty metal construction Ideal for vintage vehicle restoration or collection Collector's rarity: ★★★★★★★★★★ (9.5/10) The Clarion PE-801 is a highly desirable collector's piece from the pioneering years of automotive cassette technology. Rarely offered for sale, it represents a fascinating chapter in the evolution of in-car entertainment and is an excellent addition to any vintage audio or classic automobile collection. Clarion PE-801 Description The Clarion PE-801 is an early automotive stereo cassette player manufactured by Clarion around 1968–1971. It belongs to the first generation of in-car cassette players, appearing shortly after the Compact Cassette format became popular. The unit was designed for 12-volt vehicles and featured automatic cassette loading, automatic stop/eject, stereo playback, balance and tone controls, and fast-forward/rewind functions. Main Specifications Manufactured: approximately 1968–1971 Made in Japan Type: Car stereo cassette player Power supply: 12 V DC (negative earth) Output power: approximately 4 W per channel Frequency response: 50 Hz – 10 kHz 4-track, 2-channel stereo playback Automatic cassette start Automatic stop and eject Fast-forward and rewind External speaker connection required Metal chassis construction