!!!SOLD!!! - FS: 60s La Pavoni Europiccola

Time has come to part with one of my Europiccoli. This is a late 60s model with the original 2-position switch, and a brass sleeve in the group.

Now, before I carry on: this machine is VERY hands-on- No pressurestat, no gauge, no off switch (apart from at the wall) and nothing to prevent damage if the boiler runs dry. The early Europiccoli did not have much in the way of mod cons, and thats the way Ive left it. Control over water temperature / steam pressure is via switching between the 200 and 800 watt elements. Having said that, they are very rewarding machines, visually stunning and with a bit of patience and understanding, the satisfaction gained from a good extraction with the direct lever is fantastic!

So, if youre still with me, about this machine:

It was in a right state when it came to me from Italy, but since then has had a complete restoration and is now ready for another half-century of service.

When it arrived all the seals were shot, the group inlet pipe was blocked with scale and at some stage someone had replaced the sight glass with a piece of aluminium pipe which was badly corroded, and the steam valve shaft was bent out of shape. Just to top it off, the element was leaking current. All in all, a bit of a shocker

Since then, all of the above have been rectified -

Boiler descaled manually, group disassembled, checked and cleaned.

The twin element has been kilned, and the earth fault rectified by re-sealing the terminals with Glyptal insulation, then a new high temperature butyl rubber cord set and Arlec clear plug top added.

All seals replaced with the appropriate original parts from either the UK Pavoni agent or Orphan Espresso.

Other new parts include the sight glass, steam valve shaft, lever pin roller and circlips, double filter basket and single-hole OE stainless steam wand tip. Of course, the original three hole is included too.

**Edit - I forgot to mention theres also a hot shot group temperature sticker from Orphan Espresso to go with it.

In other words, this machine is in top form - mechanically good as new. Visually there are still some signs of careless cleaning and oafish attempts at servicing, but Ive re-finished and polished wherever possible and, for a 50-year old machine, its not bad at all - no corrosion around the base, a few chips in the paint and small scratches on the chrome but thats it.

I would prefer a buyer in Melbourne as Id like a chance to demonstrate it to those new to levers, but happy to post if necessary.

Price is $650 firm - more than previous Pavoni I know, but the buyer will be getting a vintage machine thats as good as new. If theres no takers Ill happily hang on to it