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

Olivetti Lettera 32 Typewriter – Original Yellow-Green – Pristine (as new) condition – With original leather case and accessories
Lotto Description:
The Icon of Italian Industrial Design – A Collectible Example
Up for auction: a magnificent specimen of the legendary Olivetti Lettera 32, produced at the historic Ivrea, Italy factory. Launched in 1963 as the evolution of the famous Lettera 22, this machine represents the culmination of the collaboration among the greatest designers in the Olivetti stable, combining the design heritage of Marcello Nizzoli with the geometric, modern shapes defined by masters such as Ettore Sottsass and Giovanni Pintori. It quickly became a global symbol of modernity and efficiency, and today it is exhibited in the world’s most important museums, including MoMA in New York.
This specific lot is an absolute rarity for its preservation state and the completeness of period accessories.
Features and strengths of the lot:
Condition of the machine: Stunning, like new. The body shows no marks or scratches. The paint retains its factory-original brilliance. It is highly likely the object has never been used and has remained protected for decades.
Color: The unmistakable and highly sought-after original Olivetti yellow-green.
Origin: Entirely produced in Italy (Ivrea), with the original stamp on the back.
Original Case: Includes its very rare original leather case "Made in Italy". The zipper works perfectly and is intact. Structurally it is in excellent condition with no cuts or tears; it only shows a few surface-era stains that are easily removable with a bit of cleaning and elbow grease.
Uncommon bonus: Inside the case is the original period-era sachet containing white-labeled carbonless sheets used by typists at the time to correct typos on the roller. A vintage detail that is hard to find.
An anecdote for collectors: The Olivetti Lettera 32 was the preferred writing instrument for giants of literature such as Gianni Rodari, Tiziano Terzani, and the poet Philip Larkin. But the most famous anecdote belongs to American writer Cormac McCarthy (author of No Country for Old Men): he bought a Lettera 32 in 1963 and used it to write all of his masterpieces for 46 years, never performing any maintenance on it. In 2009, that same exact machine was auctioned by Christie’s for a record $254,500. This lot is not just a design object, but a piece of twentieth-century literary history.
Mechanics: The keys and type hammers are smooth, clean, and snappy, confirming the likelihood the machine has seen little use. Ready to be displayed in a high-level collection or used immediately (a new ribbon is recommended for optimal writing).