Amstrad CPC 472

Introduced in Spain in September 1985, the Amstrad CPC 472 was a market-specific variation of the cassette-based CPC 464. It was created for Amstrad’s Spanish distributor Indescomp after Spain imposed a tariff on imported computers with 64KB of memory or less.

The machine was advertised with 72KB of RAM, but its additional 8KB chip was not connected for use by the processor; in normal operation it remained a 64KB CPC 464. The model had a short commercial life, and later examples adopted a Spanish keyboard and localized ROM before the tariff rules changed.

Notable Features

• Based closely on the CPC 464 with its integrated cassette recorder
• Advertised with 72KB of RAM, although the additional 8KB was electrically unusable
• Early examples used the original CPC 464 keyboard; later versions added Spanish keys and localized ROM support
• Retained the CPC 464’s three display modes, 27-colour palette and AY-3-8912 sound
• Produced specifically for distribution in Spain by Indescomp

Historical Significance

• Created in response to a Spanish import tariff affecting computers with 64KB or less
• An unusual example of computer hardware being altered primarily to satisfy taxation rules
• Had a brief market life before Spain changed the regulations to require a Spanish keyboard and localized character support
• Remained software-compatible with the CPC 464 because the extra memory was not available to programs

Collectors Notes

• A scarce regional model often confused with an ordinary CPC 464
• Authentic units carry CPC 472 branding and may have either original or Spanish keyboard legends
• The extra memory chip should not be mistaken for usable expansion RAM
• Cassette belts and keyboard membranes may require attention
• Its short production period and unusual regulatory history make it particularly collectible

Specifications

Technical Information
Name	Amstrad CPC 472
Manufacturer	Amstrad
Launched	Sunday, September 1, 1985
Discontinued	Late 1985
Launch Price	66,900 pesetas (reported)
Country	Spain
CPU	Zilog Z80A
Units Sold
Power	5V DC supplied by the dedicated Amstrad monitor
Expansion	Expansion bus, Centronics-compatible printer port, joystick port, RGB/video output and stereo audio
Storage	Integrated cassette recorder; optional external 3-inch floppy drive
Keyboard	74-key QWERTY keyboard; later production used Spanish key legends
Sound	General Instrument AY-3-8912, 3 voices over 7 octaves
ROM	32KB operating system and Locomotive BASIC; later Spanish ROM variations exist
RAM	72KB installed and advertised; 64KB usable
Graphics	Motorola 6845-compatible CRTC; 27-colour palette
Display	Mode 0: 160 × 200, 16 colours; Mode 1: 320 × 200, 4 colours; Mode 2: 640 × 200, 2 colours
CPU Speed	4 MHz