IMSAI 8080
8-bit microcomputer, c.1975, metal case with removable top, 174 x 439 x 498 mm, faceplate with 22 toggle switches (3 lacking plastic levers), numerous LEDs, reverse with 3 serial ports, fan, with 11 S-100 bus boards installed, list upon request.
Provenance: From the estate of Serge Roubé.

Former IBM employee William Millard formed IMS in 1972 as a computer consulting and engineering concern. He and his chief engineer Joe Killian were impressed with the then new Intel 8080 chip and began development of the IMSAI 8080 using MITS Altair 8800's S-100 bus. By late 1975 they were shipping what was to be the first Altair clone. IMS were able to correct many shortcomings of the original Altair 8800 by providing a larger power supply, a 22 slot motherboard, and easier wiring of the front panel. Willard famously went on to found ComputerLand and become known as the 'father' of modern computer retailing. Many are familiar with the IMSAI 8080 from the 1983 film WarGames where the main character, played by Matthew Broderick, uses one to hack a military supercomputer and almost causes a nuclear war.

Serial number 002524.