*** These take 3-4 weeks to fulfill***

The Selectric I, introduced in 1961, is the iconic rounded version of the Selectric line. Its body is gently curved and was designed by Eliot Noyes, drawing inspiration from Italian Olivetti typewriters. These are one of the quintessential typewriter designs of the 20th century. Gorgeous and ingenious in every detail. We’re able to service them because they are purely mechanical and use no motherboard.

A type ball, which is interchangeable, rotates and hits the paper based on the character selected. Which means you can change typefaces in seconds and collect different balls.

Some of them use a carbon transfer ribbon; the earliest use a cloth ribbon.

These take about a month to fulfill. We offer a one year warranty under standard use. They are very difficulit to shipo without damage.

While they lack the ‘correction’ features of their later, much larger counterparts, (The Selectric II and III), in many minds, their iconic design and brilliant engineering make up for that. Also, typewriters are often used for drafting, where correcting as such is not so important. The quick flow of thoughts is important. Mistakes are typed over quickly to keep the flow going.

They are quick and snappy. The faster you type, the quicker that little ball moves to keep the pace. The smaller carriage ones will fit on our typewriter pad (something that can’t be said for the behemoth larger Selectrics).

These are serviced by a trained technician and will run ‘like new.’ The paint comes in a few colors, and was a very resilient body paint. Some signs of wear may be evident. We replace the parts that we can replace.

The cloth ribbon, though nearly perfect and precise in alignment due to the engineering, gives more of a typewritten quality. The carbon ribbon has the benefit of lasting longer and giving a more ‘printed’ look. The ribbon comes in a small cartridge, which is not as commonly found as regular universal typewriter ribbons… but we have a collection and they are still available.

These obviously need to be plugged in. The cords are often replaced or updated.

They are heavy and large… not ‘portable’ per say. Though you can move them around from room to room, etc. You can bring them up to a cabin or something as well, but they’re not meant to be lugged around that much. The mechanisms are delicate when dropped.

That being said, I am enamored of the Selectric; I think it is the peak of electric typewriter design.

They come in wide and standard carriage.

Once serviced, they should run for many years without use. The key is to use them regularly. At least a few times per month. They are made to be used. As they sit they stiffen up. A dust cover is a good idea.

Though you won’t get the exact machine shown in photo, you will get the best working machine that money can buy, with our industry-leading guarantee and lifetime trade in policy.

(I will flesh out the photo section as these are ordered).

Please let me know if you have additional questions.

You can choose preferred colors in the form at checkout.

Most sincerely,

Steven Budden Jr.

Classic Typewriter Co.

Chapel Hill, North Carolina

classictypewriter.com

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(One year warranty on all Selectrics)