1969 Olympia SM9
Up for sale is the perfect novelist's or writer's dream machine- the German-manufactured Olympia SM9. The SM9 is a similar design to the SM7, although the earlier SM7 has a carriage-shift design, while this SM9 has a type-basket shift design, meaning the shift key is a lot lighter to press and hold. This typewriter is just about in mint shape, and is one of the best portable workhorses out there on the market. This particular typewriter is in fully functional shape right down to the bell, and is truly a superior workhorse. Unlike with some machines, you can find yourself typing away on this typewriter for hours on end without feeling like that's what you've actually done. This machine's typeface is the standard 10-pitch pica. Olympia typewriters are known for their excellent high quality, reliability and this machine is no exception to that positive generalization. The only complaint that I have for this typewriter is its original leather case. While the case itself is in great shape and still does its job, a part of the zipper lining fabric is slightly detached from the case itself in a small portion of the front-right section, however the case still zips and unzips without much trouble. Other than the case being a zipper-style case instead of one that latches, there's nothing about this machine to complain about. This typewriter uses universal ribbons which are sold on this site, and is extremely easy to use and maintain. Two slightly different variations of the user manual are included, as is the original cleaning kit. Also included is the original invoice dated 12-9-1969 for $96.82. This would have cost about $809 in 2023's dollars.
All in all, if you're a writer or aspiring writer who is in the market for the best portable workhorse out there for heavy and frequent use, then this is my highest recommendation.