All four of these pictures are the same typewriter; my all ivory Torpedo 18b with Esquire type. One of the beautiful advantages of Torpedo's colour schemes is that you can mix and match as you please, creating seemingly endless combinations just by switching the ribbon covers. Of course, a lot of these look pretty gross, but here are four that I find to be very pleasant. Right now I've got the blue ribbon cover on it, and I think that's my favourite.
Three of the ribbon covers here belong to typewriters I've already featured in the past, but the green one is new. The amazing all green Torpedo seen below was part of a trade with my good friend Andrew when he visited last month. I exchanged my silvery green-grey script Torpedo for this. It's imperfect, though. The "R" typeface is loose on the typebar. Thankfully it is ordinary elite, which seems to be the most common typeface on Torpedo 18s so I'll be able to replace it eventually if I can't solder it back on. Doesn't stop it from being one of the most beautiful colour schemes Torpedo ever made!
The ivory/green is especially nice. I'm not sure I like the look of the all green machine. But mix it with the ivory and you have a winner.
ReplyDeleteIt helps to see it in person. The finish on the green typewriter's paint is extremely high gloss and just gorgeous. I didn't show it here, but the resulting green Torpedo with the ivory ribbon cover on it is also a great combination!
DeleteWow, what luxury to have all these colors. I like the all-green typewriter; I don't think I've seen one of those before.
ReplyDeleteEverybody needs something to spend a little more than usual on, and I've found it. :)
DeleteI'd never seen the all green one before until this one, either. It dates to 1959.
That is great that you have all the covers. Now you need one to pimp out like Richard's purple one.
ReplyDeleteI'll wait for the right inexpensive, beat-up-looking one to do just that. :) I was thinking a nice maroon or burgundy colour would look splendid with ivory keys.
DeleteTransformers, more than meets the eye! (:
ReplyDeleteYou're killing me, man! What a beautiful array of colours. Damn the Torpedoes! Now I want one.
ReplyDeleteThe ivory & green look very nice together.
ReplyDeleteALG
I had that combination going for a few days before I switched to the blue. The intensity of the green works very well with the cream.
DeleteAwesome Torpedo family.
ReplyDeleteThe mocha is nice but I still like that ivory the best. ( :
I said I liked the blue best, but really, I can't choose! They're all so wonderful.
DeleteOhhhh... very, very, beautiful! (which ever combination it is). That green on green is very handsome.
ReplyDeleteKeep it coming! :)
Good heavens, those are gorgeous! My two Torpedos are both identical Remington-ified, late models, all in horrid dark gray-green, with plastic ribbon covers. Well, with ONE plastic cover to share between the two of them.
ReplyDeleteThat's what's so painful about your beautiful post...my poor topless Torpedo....
Seriously, great post, and thanks for sharing!
Well, even more important than the stunning good looks these have is the working bits, and your later Torpedoes are just as good on the inside. :)
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