Marcello Nizzoli - Olivetti, Lettera 32 - Typewriter - 1960-1970

Olivetti Lettera 32 – original portable typewriter – design by Marcello Nizzoli – with case – 1960s – working.

Original Olivetti Lettera 32 portable typewriter, produced in Italy and designed by the renowned designer Marcello Nizzoli, one of the most important figures in Italian industrial design of the 20th century.

Introduced in 1963 as an evolution of the Lettera 22, the Lettera 32 represents one of the most iconic models in Olivetti’s history and is today considered a symbol of Italian design, also exhibited in major international museum collections.

The specimen offered here comes complete with its original rigid case lined with green faux leather, with interior fabric and the original dustproof cover.

Main features:

– Model: Lettera 32
– Manufacturer: Olivetti, Italy
– Designer: Marcello Nizzoli
– Period: 1960s–70s
– Field: metal body painted in sage green
– Keyboard Italian QWERTY layout
– Original red typewriter carriage return key
– Carriage with Olivetti branding
– Complete with original rigid case
– Internal marking “Case and Typewriter – Made in Italy”

Conditions:

– Excellent overall preserved condition
– Mechanical integrity intact
– Keyboard complete and well preserved
– Normal and light signs of aging on the case and bottom, in line with age
– Clean interior
– Excellent overall aesthetic presentation

Authentic item, not restored, preserved in original condition.

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Indicative dimensions

– Width: about 35 cm
– Depth: about 30 cm
– Height: about 10 cm
– Weight: about 4 kg

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Historical and collecting context

The Lettera 32 was used by many writers and journalists, contributing to its international fame. Today it is one of Olivetti’s most sought-after models by collectors, valued for:

– build quality
– mechanical reliability
– iconic design
– historical importance