https://www.classictypewriter.com/olivetti-lettera-22-32 Classic Typewriter Co. Cart 0 Sign In My Account Shop Machines Our Story Frequently Asked Questions Repair Contact [ ] Sign In My Account Cart 0 Shop MachinesOur StoryFrequently Asked QuestionsRepairContact Classic Typewriter Co. Restored Vintage Manual Typewriters Olivetti - Underwood Lettera 32 A Timeless Work of Art (that also writes) Olivetti Underwood Lettera 32 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. McCarthy's Machine McCarthy's Machine "Cormac McCarthy used an Olivetti Lettera 32 to write nearly all of his fiction, screenplays, and correspondence, totaling by his estimate more than 5 million words. The Lettera 32 that he purchased in 1963 was auctioned at Christie's on December 4, 2009, to an unidentified American collector for $254,500, more than 10 times its high estimate of $20,000." I love the wear to his machine at the edges. IMG_1748.jpeg Due to its relatively small footprint and relatively light weight (by vintage typewriter standards), it straddles the line between portable and ultra portable. It is not as durable as some of the other beauties on this site, but what it lacks in weight it gains in grace. typewriter.jpg Dylan-at-the-Typewriter.jpg Ian McEwan 1979.jpg Italo Fasan 1950.jpg I list the 22 and the 32 together, because they really are so similar. While the 32 is a better machine, in my opinion, some consider the 22 to me more beautiful. Either way, you're getting a writing tool that will outlive every masterpiece you pen, as long as you treat it right. Lettera 32 I have a Lettera 32 on my desk now, which I include in some of the pictures on this site. You can really fly on these machines if they're well adjusted. There is something delicate, almost magical in the touch. Very little effort is required to move the hammers. Perhaps this why this is a favorite model of my 11-year old daughter. Summary: One of history's most beautiful writing machines. The height of practicality; poised for speed, and relatively lightweight for a portable from this era, while still maintaining the typical 'bulletproof' casing. Comes in a pleasant, timeless blue (in contrast so some of the dated greens and beiges of the era. These were made in a few countries. The ones from Italy generally have a smooth finish, and the ones from Spain or Canada have a slightly textured finish. Generally, the cases have not withstood the test of time. Usually the zippers have been destroyed. So the case is not ideal for carrying these machines 'into the field.' If you are traveling frequently, we can provide a hardshell case that fits. Due to their tight engineering, these machines may be more susceptible to dust than some others, so should be covered when not used for long durations. If too much dust gathers, some letters stick. This does not do any permanent damage, we just wanted to let you know. A simple solution is to blow the dust out with air. Try to set this on your writing space and not write... we dare you. Features: * Precision cast aluminum carriage return lever folds for travel * 2 color function while using duo-tone ribbons * Auto Tab Features (set and release tabs with the push of a button) * Auto-Ribbon Reverse when it reaches the end of the ribbon. * Durable metal shell and construction * Touch-sensitive key mechanisms * Locking ribbon spools * Quiet bell to signify the end of the line * Carriage lock for travel Order yours TODAY: Quick View Olivetti Underwood Lettera 32 Working Vintage Portable Typewriter from $444.00 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! *** 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 *** THE CLASSIC TYPEWRITER PROCESS (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 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. Country of Origin: [Select Country of Origin ] ( ) Italy ( ) Other (Canada, Spain, Uk) Quantity: [1 ] Add To Cart Terms of ServicePrivacy PolicyClassic Typewriter Blog