Massachusetts Man Turns 2,000 Vintage Computers into $53,000 eBay Fortune
A remarkable story of unexpected profit unfolded in Massachusetts last year, as a local resident transformed a decades-old inventory of computers into a substantial financial windfall through online auctions. James Pellegrini, 72, amassed approximately $53,000 from the sale of over 2,000 vintage NABU computers, initially purchased for a business venture that never materialized.
Pellegrini’s story gained traction after it was reported that he had stored the computers in his barn for 23 years. Unlike many retro technology enthusiasts, Pellegrini wasn’t driven by a passion for collecting. His initial investment in the computers stemmed from a plan to establish a telephone exchange for small businesses in the early 1980s.
“I ordered a couple of samples and, honestly, I completely fell in love with his appearance at that moment,” Pellegrini told VICE. “I thought they were the coolest computers I had ever seen.”
The NABU PC, released in 1983, was considered innovative for its time, offering functionality akin to the modern internet through a subscription-based cable television service and a specialized adapter. However, the ambitious project ultimately failed to gain traction. “Nothing happened. I never finished the project. I think I made some partial sketches of the schemes. But I never finished the final product,” Pellegrini explained.
For decades, the computers remained in storage, accumulating to a total weight of approximately 22 tons on the second floor of his barn. As the structure began to show signs of strain, Pellegrini realized he needed to find a solution. Initially, he offered the computers on Craigslist for $20 each, but quickly pivoted to eBay auctions, starting at $59.99. Recognizing the growing demand from collectors, he soon increased the starting price to $100.
“Even at the beginning people told me, ‘You’re selling them too cheap, you should definitely ask for more money for these things,’” Pellegrini recalled.
Within just three days, he sold a quarter of his inventory. Over the following years, the eBay auctions continued to generate significant revenue. According to recent reports from GameStar, Pellegrini ultimately earned approximately 45,000 euros – equivalent to more than $53,000 – from the sales, exceeding his initial investment. This unexpected outcome demonstrates the enduring appeal of vintage technology and the potential for hidden value in forgotten collections.
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The story of Pellegrini’s success joins a growing trend of valuable items surfacing through online auctions, as evidenced by recent sales of a rare Pokémon card for over $50,000 and a modified Xbox One S featuring an RTX 3050 graphics card. This highlights the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of the collector’s market.
