Viking’s model 811R tape recorder was made for home use. The 8-track format was created in 1964 by a consortium led by Bill Lear, along with Ampex, Ford, GM, Motorola and RCA. Intrigued by Earl Muntz’s four-track cartridge, Lear wanted a tape system for his Learjet business aircraft. Realizing that the aviation market was too small, Lear convinced Ford and GM to offer optional 8-track players. The format became popular for several years, finally losing to Philips compact cassette. This Viking unit sold for about $170 in 1969, by 1972 the price had dropped to about $85.
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