1961 Torpedo 18 Manual Typewriter Reconditioned Perfect!

1961 Torpedo 18b Manual Typewriter Original Gray Patina with a blue lid in near perfect condition! This typewriter types in German and English! 
Fully Reconditioned and working perfectly. This is a rare, highly collectible machine, and the best typewriter you can get. 
This particular Torpedo is special as it types in English and German!
Torpedos are well known and considered one of the very best; similar but superior to the Olympia SM4 “the Mercedes of typewriters” but better functionality and action. Very few were made and not easily acquired like its cousin Olympia. Read a full review at the bottom of the posting. Fully reconditioned (read more about this process below as many sellers don't do this.
 
Typewriters are packaged securely for shipping and come with the case and user manual. We have a large inventory of typewriter accessories like typewriter pads, dustcover, extra ribbons, vintage paper, correction paper, erasers and more that you can add to your order! To see them all just check them out in the shop and add individually and you will see some select options at checkout. Most of our typewriters are custom made and are previewed on social media throughout the process so many will sell before ever being listed so follow us on social media to see what’s coming soon! Instagram @colombocollection Facebook @ColomboCollectionShop
 
Torpedo Review: Like its weapon namesake, the Torpedo typewriter is sleek and fast. The keys move effortlessly and with fluid precision. If your goal is to conquer a large manuscript, this is your weapon. It has the solid feel of its German cousin, the vaunted Olympia SM3, but without the cumbersome carriage shift. Perhaps the Torpedo’s design was influenced by its American parent company, Remington Rand. The easy going basket shift seems to be common on most American typewriters. Everything about the layout of the Torpedo is right where you need it. The paper advance lever has a long curved sweep to it, making it easy to catch with your fingers. And for the computer influenced, the backspace is on the upper right of the keyboard. If your typing is anything like mine, every once in a while you might skip a character. I always feel compelled to go back and correct this gap. Normally, I’d advocate just ignoring these lapses when writing with a typewriter, but old habits die hard. One feature of typewriters I tend to ignore is the paper bail. This is what holds the paper to the platen with its rubber rollers. On many typewriters there doesn’t seem to be much thought to its design, not so on the Torpedo. But what’s the big deal with a paper bail? Normally, I’d agree, but the more I observed my habits, I often found myself lifting the bail to review the last few sentences. On the Torpedo the paper bail has easy to reach tabs and a solid spring that snaps it back with precision. The last feature of a typewriter I always find helpful is a paper support with a page length indicator. This is a little metal stop on a retractable paper support so that when the end of the page is reached, it comes to a rest against the stop. Like Olympia typewriters, the Torpedo has this helpful feature. Lastly, the Torpedo’s carriage glides smoothly and only makes the slightest ratcheting sound. If you’ve ever used the ultra-smooth Olympia SM3, the Torpedo has a similar feel. It’s easy to fall in love with a Torpedo, they look beautiful and perform fantastic. It’s just too bad there aren’t more of them around like the popular SM3. https://www.google.com/amp/s/typewriterreview.com/2015/02/19/torpedo-18/amp/
 
What is Restoration and Reconditioning?
All the typewriters available for sale at Colombo Collection are professionally reconditioned and restored to ultimate functionality unless otherwise stated as serviced. 
 
So how do we do it? 
First, we disassemble the typewriter including the body and the platen from the carriage and place the typewriter into an ultra-sonic cleaning tank to degrease the machine removing gunk, grime, oil, and any dirt. All typewriters go through a careful drying process before moving to the restoration stage.
 
Next, all the pieces are reviewed for damage or corrosion, and treated or replaced as needed. Keys and hammers are straightened, and their alignments corrected. Then all the metals are chemically cleaned and polished.
 
All rubber components are replaced, and the platen and feed rollers are refurbished or replaced as needed.
 
We treat and repair the plastic components as necessary, and rubbing compounds are used to remove scratches on the machine before it is resurfaced and polished.
 
As for the exterior, if left original, your typewriter is cleaned, treated, buffed and polished. If it’s a restored, painted piece, the body is cleaned, sanded, degreased, primed, painted with new paint then dried and polished. 
 
The typewriter is tested throughout the process, and once the machine is reassembled, it goes through a lengthy Final Quality Assurance testing that is over 30 minutes of continuous typing, and a complete alignment and functions check—any final adjustments are made at this time.
 
With a reconditioned typewriter from Colombo Collection, you can rest assured that you have invested in a quality Typewriter that has been fully tested and restored to provide many years of reliable service!