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.
_____________________