Overview
The Colt Midnight Special was a 40-channel tube-type CB base station radio manufactured by Panasonic during the late 1970s CB radio era. The radio shared design similarities with several other Japanese-built tube CB base stations of the period, including models sold under the Robyn, Teaberry, Gemtronics, and Lafayette names.
The Midnight Special combined vacuum tube transmitter stages with solid-state channel synthesis circuitry, representing one of the later generations of hybrid tube CB radios produced before fully solid-state designs became dominant.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Panasonic |
| Brand | Colt |
| Model | Midnight Special |
| Type | CB Base Station |
| Channels | 40 |
| Modes | AM |
| Frequency Range | 26.965 MHz – 27.405 MHz |
| Construction | Hybrid tube/solid-state |
| Power Source | AC and 12V DC capable |
| Market Period | Late 1970s |
Description
The Colt Midnight Special featured a large tabletop base station cabinet with front-panel controls for channel selection, volume, squelch, RF gain, and transmit functions. The radio used vacuum tubes in portions of the transmitter and audio circuitry while utilizing transistorized frequency synthesis and receiver sections.
Like several Panasonic-produced CB radios of the era, the Midnight Special shared internal platform similarities with radios such as the Robyn T-240D and Gemtronics GTX-5000. These radios became known for strong audio characteristics and classic tube-radio styling.
The radio was designed for both fixed-station and mobile-capable operation through its AC and DC power options.
History
The Colt Midnight Special was introduced during the later years of the CB radio boom when manufacturers were transitioning from earlier crystal-controlled tube designs to synthesized 40-channel radios. Panasonic produced a number of similar chassis designs for multiple brands during this period.
By the late 1970s and early 1980s, hybrid tube CB radios were rapidly replaced by fully solid-state transceivers that were smaller, cooler operating, and less expensive to manufacture.
Today, the Colt Midnight Special remains of interest to vintage CB radio collectors due to its hybrid design, tube circuitry, and shared heritage with other well-known Panasonic-produced base stations.
References
- https://cbtricks.org/radios/colt/midnight_special/index.htm — Technical documentation, manuals, and service information for the Colt Midnight Special.
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dr9CLeVLp48 — Video overview and demonstration of the Colt Midnight Special CB base station.