Smith-Corona Classic 12 (1972)

$225 (plus shipping if outside the Detroit area)

Meet “Rick,” a working 1972 Smith-Corona Classic 12 typewriter that was originally a workhorse for a Kentucky professor. Made in the U.S.A., this vintage grey & cream colored manual typewriter exudes standard ‘70s vibes – but it also has some fun extras.

The slightly wider-than-usual carriage allows you to type in landscape mode (with your paper turned sideways to its 11” side) as well as normal portrait mode.

This portable typewriter also features a half-space and repeat-space for those times you need to either move forward just a teensy bit or power forward fast across the page.

Mechanically, this Smith-Corona is in very good condition. All keys strike and fall back well, the carriage moves smoothly, and the bell dings clearly at the end of each line. It features a classic serif typeface that is a comfortable 10 characters per inch, a size called ‘pica.’. Please see photos for a type sample. Plus, it comes with a fresh black and red ribbon already installed, so you’ll be ready to type right out of the box

The typewriter measures about 14 inches wide by 5 inches tall by 12 inches deep. This series of Smith-Corona’s – the Classic 12’s and various Galaxie’s – were extremely popular for decades because their ease of use and particular durability makes them ideal for heavy use by adults and kids alike.

“Rick” will arrive ready for your most demanding use in its sturdy hard-sided, injection molded road case.

If shipping is needed, great care is taken in packing the typewriter well, with the carriage stabilized, the type basket packed so the letters don’t move, plenty of bubble wrap inside the case to make the machine snug, ample bubble wrap cocooning the case, and a sturdy box that snugly fits all of the packing material cushioning the machine.