Order this typewriter today, and we will send out a beautiful, working specimen of this model in about 2 weeks.

Select AfterPay at checkout to pay in 4 interest free payments.

It won't be this exact machine, and there may be slight variations. But it will be a beautifully restored machine in similar or better condition, with our working guarantee.

Beautiful Olympia SM8, the pinnacle of typewriter technology. This machine rivals any other in history. More reliable than the earlier Olympias, more robust than the Hermes 3000, more precise than the Smith Coronas.

The SM8 only differs from the SM9 because instead of tab set and clear keys on either side of the spacebar, tabs are set in the rear.

This is beneficial, in my opinion, because the tabs are much more robust; the ones on the SM9 sometimes bend and jam. For this reason, the SM8 and the SM9 had some overlap in years of production. If you don’t change tabs frequently, I’d suggest the SM8.

All functions work as designed, including the two-tone ribbon selector, and the auto ribbon reversal mechanism. The tabulator.

The bell rings crisp and clear. The line-spacing works.

Specs:

Type: Portable

Keyboard Layout: U.S. QWERTY

Typeface: 10 or 12 CPI, usually serif, sometimes sans serif

Country of Manufacture: Western Germany

Color: White / Teal

Shift: Basket / Segment Shift

Steel casing. Plastic carriage knobs.

Features:

• Tabs.

• Single, 1.5, Double Spacing.

• Touch Control.

• Auto Ribbon Reversal

• Two-Tone Ribbon Selector

• Original hardshell plywood lined case.

Aesthetics:

The chrome still shines. Keys are clean. Paint is in excellent condition. The plastic components are strong and solid, and not warped or discolored. Plexi card guides are strong and clear.

Mechanics:

The innards are quite pristine. Most pieces look nearly factory fresh. These machines were designed to last a lifetime! Coated metal insides. Carriage return is smooth and fast; spring is strong. Carriage return lever is solid. Type is aligned and balanced.

Rubber:

The rubber feet are still soft; they grip the writing surface. The platen is medium-hard and a pleasure. It still grips the paper and has some bounce. The rollers are doing well.

Case:

Original case is clean and latches well. No mold or strong smells. The handle is strong. There are some scuffs to the vinyl. Some surface rust on the hardware, which works well.

Included:

• Fresh Ribbon

• Video Tutorial

• Digital copy of the manual.

• Original Case.

• Typewritten Sample.

See details below on our lifetime trade-in policy. (You can always upgrade this, and apply whatever you paid toward a higher-priced machine).

All machines come with our warranty depending on condition chosen at checkout.

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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 Process

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 2000 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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Frequently asked questions.