This popular, aqua-blue favourite is an Olivetti Lettera 32 from 1970. It has a rather uncommon script typeface, allowing typists to mimic handwritten cursive writing. Complimented by a smart blue exterior, this Lettera 32 offers both an excellent, unique typing experience as well as beautiful styling. Furthermore, the case has had its inner lining completely replaced with new ivory-coloured felt, providing proper housing for this special typewriter.

This Lettera 32's original and wonderfully preserved aqua blue paint (a slightly greener aqua-blue than the vertical script machine in the shop) has been carefully polished and waxed with museum-grade microcrystalline wax. The only blemish on the paint is found on the back right corner of the typewriter on its the back section. Otherwise, the blue paint is in excellent condition. The silver carriage end covers are in good condition, but the left one displays some paint loss.

The plated metal parts have been polished to a shine, and the plastic platen knobs and key tops have received a plastic polishing. There is some very light wear to the top of the left carriage release lever, but otherwise the plated metal is in great condition. The spacebar exhibits a bit of age-related wear but nothing conspicuous.

This typewriter has been disassembled and thoroughly cleaned with an appropriate solvent. The typewriter's internals (including rubber grommets) are in good condition, and a sparing application of lubrication has been made where necessary. There is some slight wear to the typebars beneath the key tops, but this is negligible. All functions have been adjusted for best operation and include a basket shift, silent carriage return, margins, margin release, touch control (gently increases or decreases the pressure needed from fingers to type), backspace, shift-lock, line space selector, tab, variable line spacing knob and good-sounding bell.

The platen has hardened (as is the case with most vintage and antique typewriters) but still retains a bit of give and, having been reconditioned with rubber rejuvinator, grips paper well. The rubber rollers are in excellent condition, having also been cleaned and refreshed with rubber rejuvinator. The cleaned rubber feet are in very good condition and grip work surfaces well.

The leatherette case is in very good condition. Before restoration its inner lining had far too many marks and so was dismantled and replaced with new felt. The exterior has some slight marking to its back left corner but is otherwise unmarked and clean. The zip works as intended, and the handle is sturdy and can be used to carry the zipped-up case.

Included with this typewriter is its original user manual, which is in good condition with light marking.

This typewriter prints clearly in black or red and types in script at 12 characters per inch. A new high-quality ribbon has been installed.

Typing on this Lettera 32 is great, and its action is surprisingly light. Its dark glossy keytops are well shaped and responsive, and the surrounding protective aqua-blue metal is a sturdy and classy companion. The touch selector beneath the ribbon cover allows for slight variation of typing pressure, so you can lighten or stiffen the typing action of keys. The basket shift is light, and the tabulator system is easy to operate. The foldable nickle-plated carriage return arm has been smartly designed, almost as if Olivetti designer Marcello Nizzoli and his team took a cast of somebody's finger when creating this part. As a result, carriage returns are quick and easy. Furthermore, this Lettera 32 is not an overly loud typewriter - the type bars do not rap sharply against the platen, and a silencer spring allows for quieter carriage returns (if you don't have one already, a typewriter pad or mat can help absorb noise when using a typewriter - you can find some from other sellers or fashion one yourself).

The typewriter will be well expertly packed in a large box with signed-for delivery and insurance. Dimensions: 34x35x10cm; weight: 5.9kg