And my top 10 RARE babies are marching out to meet the world today. I think my Walkman's are breeding like RABBITS as this model is called. Here you have the most unique and lovely Sky Blue color WM-55 with case released in Japan with stickers denoting FM/AM on the Front and Japanese characters. There was a WM-F55 made but it had a built in Radio not the cassette insert module. This is also in mint condition and fully perfect functioning cassette and radio.

WM-55 with CTP-1A FM/AM Tuner Module



The top front edge is shiny CHROME really sets off a quality look sadly not show up in pictures well

Basic model "Walkman Rabbit"

WM-55 WM-55

標準価格21,000円 Standard price 21,000 yen

(ステレオイヤーレシーバーMDR-E242・キャリングケース付属） (SUTEREOIYARESHIBA MDR-E242 comes with carrying case)

各色ごとに同色キャリングケースおよびイヤーレシーバーが用意された。 IYARESHIBA a carrying case and the same color for each color. 当時はオートリバース最軽量機(233g)だった。 At the time machine autoreverse lightest (233g).

I did not photo the left side but there is a sliding lock switch for the cassette door !!

Here is some great information from fellow Board member's site www.walkmancentral.com This site has been so valuable helping me choose and grow my collection. From starting out just one year ago with some "LANDFILL" as AgentOrange likes to proper British politely call the not to valuable models to these fine examples of true collectible rarities.

SONY WM-55
The WM-55 was unusual for two reasons, firstly it was available in vivid pink, an unusual colour for a Sony Walkman of the 1980s. Secondly a radio unit in the shape of a cassette (model CTP-1A) was included, this was inserted in place of the tape cassette and allowed the reception of programmes on both the AM and FM bands, in stereo on FM if desired. Other manufacturers (e.g. Aiwa, Sanyo and Toshiba) frequently offered radio modules of this type but Sony more usually miniaturized the radio circuit to such an extent that it could fit somewhere inside the normal Walkman case, such as inside the cassette door (e.g. WM-F10, WM-F107).

CTP-1A radio unit, picture by Tim Jarman
CTP-1A radio unit

The CTP-1A module had its tuning and waveband controls placed so that they were accessible through a slot in the side of the WM-55 main unit, the tuning scale was visible through the tape viewing window and the unit was activated by pressing the play button. The interconnections that were made as well as passing power and signals also stopped the motor running, conserving battery power.

The WM-55 was well made and finely finished, the cassette door even included a small catch operated by a slide switch to prevent it falling open, another unusual feature. The mechanism, which used a metal chassis and included switchable auto reverse (sides 1 and 2/continuous play), was shared with models such as the WM-75. Also in common with the WM-75 were Dolby B noise reduction and normal/chrome/metal tape compatibility. Text copyright © Walkman Central. Unauthorised reproduction prohibited.

That is nice! , I do love walkmans with japanese writing on them


That pouch is also like new!

Very nice. You keep finding some nice models John!

i've seen 2 on ebay usa in the last 3-4 months. neither had the tuner pac if i recall correctly. i remember one of them going in the 50+ dollar range and looked good.

I got this one out of Colorado. Was a lucky win for $39.