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.

The 72 / 73 variation has to do with the carriage width. The 73 has the larger carriage, so the whole machine is wider.

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.

They are quick and snappy. 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.

These inspire me because they run on a ribbon, whereas the Selectric 2 and 3 run on carbon, which gives more of a computer print-out type appearance. The ribbon, though nearly perfect and precise in alignment due to the engineering, gives more of a typewritten quality. 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.

These have a type ball that can be changed, so you can collect various typefaces (unlike most typewriters, which only have one typeface available).

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.

They are often broken during shipping, and won’t function after sitting for decades. But once serviced, they should run for many years without much work. 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.

Most sincerely,

Steven Budden Jr.

Classic Typewriter Co.

Chapel Hill, North Carolina

classictypewriter.com

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