The Journal•Model guide
The Olivetti Valentine
Red, plastic, made for writing anywhere but an office. Ettore Sottsass’s manifesto, now in design collections.
A design object first
Unveiled in 1969, the Valentine was designed by Ettore Sottsass with Perry King for Olivetti. A bright red ABS plastic body, an integrated handle, a matching case: it breaks deliberately with the grey of office machines.
The intent was stated openly: a typewriter you carry, set on a kitchen table, or take on holiday. It now sits in design museum collections.
And in use?
The mechanics stay close to Olivetti’s portables of the period: a direct strike, compact format, standard ribbon. The difference is in the shell, not in the gesture.
It is a machine chosen first for its look — and one that types very properly once serviced.
What to know before buying
The red plastic is delicate: it yellows in the light and cracks at the mounting points on mistreated examples. A good one keeps an even tone and a sound case.
It is rare and sought after: prices run higher than a Lettera of the same period.
What we check in the workshop
- Segment cleaned and degreased, without attacking the plastic.
- Typing action and line spacing adjusted.
- Carriage and return checked.
- Condition of the platen, shell and case.
- 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 Valentine typewriters available now
1 example currently restored and ready to type. Each one is unique.
