1966 Smith-Corona Sterling (5AX-Series)
Up for sale is a Smith-Corona Sterling (5AX-Series) which was made in America in 1966. This typewriter is one of my personal favorites, particularly because it combines SCM's trusty and smooth mechanism featured on all their 1950s-1980s manual portables with an attractive, streamlined "Super 5" body design. This particular typewriter is in near mint shape, and is fully functional right down to the bell. The paint is in great shape with hardly any flaws visible even upon close inspection. There is no rust on this machine, and the metal shines nicely. This typewriter is one of the best typewriters out there for heavy use, and can definitely be used for writing novels or anything else requiring heavy and frequent use. This typewriter is also very easy to use and care for. The owner's manual can be downloaded for free here: http://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/SCSterlingManual1963.pdf
Universal ribbons which are sold on this site fit this machine perfectly.
If you're looking for a workhorse that not only has the looks, but also the functionality, then this is one my best recommendations.