The Journal•Model guide
The Olivetti Lettera 35
The direct successor to the Lettera 32, more angular and often AZERTY. An excellent way into typewriters.
After the 32
The Lettera 35 took over in the 1970s. The drawing hardens: angles replace curves, the body widens slightly, the colour range opens up. The mechanical logic stays pure Olivetti — simple, accessible, solid.
Made in large numbers and widely sold in France, it is easier to find with an AZERTY keyboard than many machines of the same period.
Who is it for?
This is the machine we often recommend as a first purchase: the price stays reasonable, parts are common, the ribbon is standard, and the strike is direct without being hard.
As a gift it has another advantage: its unmistakably seventies look works as well sitting on a desk as it does pulled out to write a letter.
What we check in the workshop
- Segment cleaned, degreased and re-lubricated.
- Typing action, line spacing and margins adjusted.
- Carriage, return and tabulator checked.
- Condition of the rubber platen.
- New ribbon, then a full test page.
The right ribbon
Every machine leaves with a new ribbon fitted. When the time comes to change it, we stock ribbons that fit this model — ordinary spools will not always do.
Olivetti Lettera 35 typewriters available now
3 examples currently restored and ready to type. Each one is unique.
