Circa 1960 Olivetti / Underwood Lettera 32 Vintage Typewriter in Case

Circa 1960 Olivetti / Underwood Lettera 32 Vintage Typewriter in Case

from $777.00

Order your machine today, and I’ll send out a beautiful specimen of this model in a few weeks.

Though you will not receive the exact machine shown in these pictures, you will get a beautifully working typewriter in similar (or better) condition.

There could be slight variations. The typeface will be either 12cpi or 10 cpi (10 or 12 pt font, or thereabouts).

The cases on these are the weak link: the zipper is usually broken, though they still offer some protection.

Here is an example of a recently sold machine:

This is a gorgeous example of a Lettera 32, The iconic typewriter design. This shows very little wear and works perfectly. Great alignment and type action. Light touch needed, in contrast to many vintage machines. Almost feels like an electric machine.

12 character per inch elite font.

Coveted made in Italy version in sought-after blue. They also come in sort of a drab tan color. And there are versions made in Spain, England, and Canada. The Italian versions are perhaps the highest quality and in any case have a better paint job.

The case is in good shape... even the zipper works!

This comes with the original metal spools for the ribbon, which works better. A fresh ribbon has been installed, 2 tone black and red.

Faint 'golden' was once written on right side. After many decades, it's so faint photos don't catch it.

This is one of the best working versions of this model that I have had. Enjoy!

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There are a few points in history where form meets function so deliberately that a work of art is born in the union.

The Lettera 22 was designed by Marcello Nizzoli in 1950, and was an immediate sensation. It was awarded the Compasso d'oro prize in 1954. In 1959 the Illinois Institute of Technology chose the Lettera 22 as the best design product of the last 100 years. A specimen can be found in the Museum of Modern Art in New York City.

Marcello Nizzoli followed up the wildly successful Lettera 22 design with the Lettera 32 thirteen years later. Though things got a little more square and less organic, something beautiful happened; one of history’s iconic typewriters was born. It’s been the machine chosen by countless writers throughout the century, including some of the most iconic creators of our times; Thomas Pynchon, Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen.

Classictypewriter.com

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BUY with CONFIDENCE...

THE CLASSIC TYPEWRITER PROCESS

Working Guarantee

(Or: How dare we guarantee a 50 or 60 year old machine?)

Each machine is carefully screened for quality and reliability.

Each machine passes a rigorous 14 point mechanical inspection.

Each machine is cleaned, serviced, and adjusted so that it functions as it was designed to.

Each machine is THOROUGHLY tested by a writer. (Usually people who say a typewriter ‘works’ haven’t tested most of its most important features. Sometimes the type bars move but are misaligned; sometimes the carriage won’t advance; sometimes lesser-used keys stick; sometimes whole pieces are missing, etc). If it is found to need work, we have technicians with 40 years of experience.

If it is found to be acceptable…

Each machine is described in vivid detail and carefully photographed from every angle in high resolution so you know exactly what you’re getting.

Each machine is cleaned and carefully packaged for safe shipment (believe it or not, improper shipping is the MOST COMMON CAUSE OF DAMAGE for a vintage typewriter).

The Classic Typewriter LIFETIME Trade-In Policy

If at any reason you decide that you are done with the machine you got from us, you can trade it in for the full value, minus shipping and, if there is any, wear and tear. You pay the difference and we will send your next dream machine.

Classic Typewriter Promises.

What you'll get:

A beautiful writing machine to inspire decades of writing enjoyment. Serviced, lubricated, and ready to use.

I want to imagine that opening the box is like opening the curtain on a warm spring day: a glow of delight fills you.

Imagine the box with the 'Classic Typewriter' imprint delivered to your door.

Features:

  • Each machine passes our rigorous 14 point mechanical inspection.

  • The machine comes with our 'famous Classic Typewriter Guarantee'.

    (It will be working on arrival, or we will remedy the situation).

  • A Lifetime Trade In Policy.

    (Trade it in for the value you paid toward another machine as long as we're in business).

  • A copy of the original manual.

    (Original if we have it, or a digital copy).

  • Safe, eco-friendly packaging. (Double-walled 250 lbs pound tested box, secured carriage).

    (We've shipped over 500 machines with very few problems).

  • A new ribbon, on vintage spools.

  • Machine support. (We realize that it may be intimidating to embrace an older technology, so you'll have support where needed).

  • A digital guide to using your new (vintage) machine and replacing supplies.

  • Refurbished, original platen.

    (We resurface the outer layer, to create a beautiful surface for the type slugs. This is preferable to 'new' platens in many cases for a few reasons).

  • New feet or rollers as needed.

We source the best condition machine available, serviced by skilled technicians and ready to write.

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FAQ

When will I get my machine?

We ship your writing machine in 2-3 weeks, via UPS ground. (To the US. International shipping requires a few days more, USPS International services).

What takes that long?

We sell machines by model, so it takes take a machine out of inventory that matches your specs, and inspect, clean, and service it.

Can I just find a used machine somewhere instead?

Of course! We encourage you to explore the world. However, it won't quite work right. this is the nature of a machine sitting for decades.

If you need to get to writing, and spare yourself many nights of research and tinkering, we have the solution.

What about 'refurbished' machines on other vintage sites?

Usually, they are just cleaned up slightly and shipped out. They don't usually work 100% (more like 80%). This is because most people have never used a writing machine, so they don't know how it is supposed to work! They see an opportunity to buy a vintage machine and 'flip it', however... you get what you pay for, as the old adage goes!

Why do you charge X?

Excellent question!

Priceless heirloom, endless inspiration, the stuff of dreams.

You’ll pass it to your children or into the annals of history.

Ask yourself what this will bring you, and what you could create with it, and you’ll have answered your question.

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