Date of manufacture: end of the 50’s, certainly

Origin: Italy

Purchased in: France

Serial number: /

Power: 600 W

Open boiler, manual lever return

Dimensions of the linkage:

Tamper diameter: 43 mm

1 double basket and 1 single basket

 

Translated by Armin

 

This machine must be one of those that lever-heads fantasize about the most.

It has to be recognized for the original styling, worthy of the American 50’s. The shape of

the lever is also unusual, more like an airplane thrust control than a pump handle.

Object of much desire, yet one sees many for sale in Italy … don’t you want one?

You just have to buy, except the prices are still “squeezed”, definitely a ransom of glory.

So I gave in to temptation and to quote one of the greatest minds of our time

“if you don’t have an Arrarex by age 50 … bla bla”, so I shouldn’t miss out on life!

 

I wanted a complete one, nice looking and if possible, not that sad gray color

unfortunately so common on this machine.

The deed was done, to my great joy there was no bidding war on the bay.

There are two names because the brand evolved and the Arrarex was originally produced by VAM

 and then was given the name Caravel. We can see the difference in the badges.

 

Before its departure from Italy:




       

The fact that it has the spoon and two portafilters along with a single and another double basket, made me decide.

I now know that it is quite rare to have the whole set.

On a US forum there is even a Swede who asked me to give him the single basket set … I do say!

 

At arrival:



    

The packaging could make me fear that my Italian seller mistakenly sent the wrong merchandise …




       

Here is the super beautiful machine! With its two PFs and most importantly it heats up!

The anguish of a dead heating element on these antiques is a phobia.








Wow, a big tip of the hat to the genius who created this machine.

It can be taken apart (almost) entirely without tools.

Easily, incredibly obvious, and with parts tolerances worthy of NASA.

The materials used are the highest quality.





It’s breathtaking …

 

… and how about that style!



             

A few small details that differentiate the two models and the story of the drip grill

is (will be) told on the Caravel page.




           

I read that the badge is a crowned head, but it reminds me furiously of the Sphinx of Giza, no?




       

On these early versions there is a small lever for lifting the lid.

The thermostat adjustment is at the bottom, the large button at the top is used to disengage the boiler from the body.

 

Undoubtedly a unique machine and time stands still when I decide to use it.





              







From francesco.



           


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