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Discovery of Rare Computers from the 1980s in a Barn in the USA Attracts Collectors, Drives Sales on eBay and Rekindles Interest in Technology That Predated the Modern Internet.
The barn on the verge of collapse in Massachusetts revealed a true technological treasure: 2,200 NABU computers, historical pieces that played a pioneering role in the early forms of the internet and are now turning into gold on eBay.
American retiree James Pellegrini, who acquired them in the late 1980s, has made over US$ 56,000 in sales since April 11, 2025, accumulating hundreds of positive reviews on the platform.
NABU Computers and Their Role in the History of the Internet
The NABU (an abbreviation for Natural Access to Bi‑directional Utilities) were launched in 1983 as diskless PCs aimed for use over cable networks, functioning as precursors to the modern internet, with software and data downloads and uploads.
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Powered by the 3.58 MHz Zilog Z80A processor, with 64 KB of RAM, TMS9918A video chip, and AY-3-8910 sound, the devices were connected to the TV cable, receiving content hosted on central servers.
Their innovative proposal emerged in Ottawa, Canada, and despite the technological promise, the project was halted in 1985 due to limitations in the cable network of the time.
Forgotten Treasure in a Massachusetts Barn
After the bankruptcy of NABU Network, Pellegrini bought the remaining stock, which ended up stored for decades in a barn.
This shed, structured without proper maintenance, began to creak under the weight of the equipment — almost 20 tons, equivalent to 11 cars — and became unstable.
Initial attempts to sell the NABU on Craigslist for US$ 20 caught attention.
Subsequently, the transition to eBay led to price adjustments, which ranged from US$ 60 to US$ 120 per unit.
The demand was so high that Pellegrini’s account was temporarily suspended while eBay confirmed ownership of the inventory.
Market Appreciation and Restoration Movement
Rare and Unusual Retrocomputers, like the NABU, have sparked interest from collectors and enthusiasts.
A video by YouTuber Adrian Black showcased the contents of the boxes: previously tested “new old stock” machines, which highlighted their condition.
In addition to games and utilities, communities like the NABU Network Reconstruction Project at York University and the NABU RetroNET, led by former NABU developers, are reviving the use of the network that accompanies the system, even allowing access to resources like chatbots and voice synthesizers.
Popularity and Earnings from the Re-discovery
In just three days, almost 25% of the lot had already been sold, and so far, Pellegrini is estimated to have earned around US$ 56,000 only in April 2025.
The result is reflected in more than 700 reviews on the platform and increasing popularity among collectors.
For Pellegrini, the initial project — to develop a telephone communication system using the Z80 — ultimately did not materialize, but his initiative sparked an “unlikely renaissance” for a technology once thought to be obsolete.
The Destination of the Remaining Units
The remaining computers are being sold in successive batches.
Many will be restored by museums — such as the Computer Museum at York University — or will go to private collections.
Additionally, there are efforts to reactivate the original network, with open documentation on the website NabuNetwork.com.
Historical Relevance of the Technological Discovery
Advanced Premonition: the NABU anticipated the concept of cable internet by about 10 years.
Treasure for Researchers: the quantity and condition of the machines offer opportunities to study the technology of the 1980s on-site.
Historic Movement: the rescue and restoration reinforce the importance of preserving computational heritage.
Would you like to see one of these restored units in a technology museum here in Brazil — or do you prefer that they remain in private collections?
Eu não gostaria de uma tralha dessas na minha casa. Só serviria para decoração, se mantidas as configurações originais de fábrica.