Typewriter Talk / Olympia Splendid 33, 66, and 99 - differences?

**Posted by KenDow** 30-7-2018 16:48:08

I picked up a nice Olympia Splendid at the weekend - a 1967 model according to the serial number. The paint is mostly good except for some scuffing on the rear where it's rubbed inside the carrying case. The main downside is that the "Splendid" badge on the ribbon cover is missing, which means I don't know if it's the Splendid 33, 66, or 99.

Looking around the internet I found a few sites saying the differences between the three models was minimal, but nothing actually saying what those minimal differences were.

**Posted by thetypewriterman** 31-7-2018 05:48:28

You have a Splendid 66. The most obvious differences between the three models are that the 33 is single colour ribbon only, no touch contol and a fold up paper rest. The 66 has two colour ribbon, touch contol and pop-up paper rest. The rare 99 has everything that the 66 has and a bit of extra luxury trim. That's probably why the 99 is rare. Why pay extra for a bit of trim ?

**Posted by Pete E.** 10-10-2023 18:13:10

Hi Tom,

Bringing back an older post to life...

I have looked at several 66 vs. 99 machines on the Internet and can find only this extra bit of "trim" on the 99.

Seems like Olympia out-did themselves to bring out another "variant" to the market.

Seems hardly worth the pursuit for a 99.
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**Posted by Pete E.** 11-10-2023 14:33:28

Well I contradicted myself and decided an Olympia Spendid 99 was worthy of adding to my collection.

Could not resist this case...and the little machine has its charm as well.

Should have it within a week. $ 80 USD plus shipping. Reportedly in excellent workiing condition.
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**Posted by robmck** 11-10-2023 14:49:59

Very fun case. Let us know what you think of the machine when it comes.

**Posted by Pete E.** 11-10-2023 17:35:27

Hi Rob,

Will need to decide if I can get used to the short-length CR lever on this Splendid.

From 1958 or so to around 1965-66, these ultra-lights had a rather short CR lever.

I searched out for my 1966 SF...as I think that was the year you see the longer CR lever show up on many of these smaller models.

Worse case, I can look for a spare part or a cheap parts machine and place a longer CR lever on this 99.

Maybe a Traveller lever could work. The UK has lots of busted-up Travellers for sale and its is time for me to harvest some spare parts for my SF and my 3 Travellers in case a part is needed going forward.
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**Posted by Pete E.** 14-10-2023 17:06:27

So I poked around with my Splendid 99 this morning.

I am wondering if the following two features made their way onto the 99 that were not on the Splendid 66 :

1. Touch control lever under the ribbon cover along the right side.

2. Adjustable carriage lift-springs on each side of the machine.

This Splendid 99 also has some felt-padding on the interior of the bottom panel that has an aluminized covering and open foam padding along the inside sections of the side body panels. Not sure if these were factory-installed or done by a previous owner along its travels.
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**Posted by Pete E.** 14-10-2023 18:36:33

Service and repairs completed. Treated to a new blue/red ribbon.

Left ribbon spool was not driving. A new small torsional spring took care of that.

Paper support was bent-stuck in the cut-out along the back panel. Metal reforming sorted that.

Ribbon vibrator was staying in its full upper position when color selector was in red. Gentle reforming on the right side of the vibrator solved that.

No other repairs or adjustment were needed.
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**Posted by Pete E.** 14-10-2023 18:37:36

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**Posted by Pete E.** 14-10-2023 18:39:22

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