The Retro 51 Story
Retro 51 was founded in 1951 — or so the story goes. In reality, the brand launched in the 1990s with a deliberate retro aesthetic, drawing on mid-century American design to create pens that felt nostalgic, fun, and distinctly different from anything else on the market.
The brand is based in the United States and has built a devoted following among pen collectors, stationery enthusiasts, and anyone who appreciates a pen that does not take itself too seriously. Retro 51 is known for its Tornado rollerball, its extraordinary range of limited editions, and its collaborations with institutions including the Smithsonian, the Imperial War Museum, and various artists and designers.
The Tornado: An Icon
The Tornado is Retro 51's signature pen. It is a twist-action rollerball with a lacquered brass barrel, a knurled grip, and a satisfying weight that feels substantial in the hand. The writing experience is smooth and reliable, and the pen takes a standard rollerball refill that is easy to replace.
What makes the Tornado special is not just how it writes, but how it looks. The barrel is the canvas. Retro 51 produces the Tornado in an ever-changing range of colours, finishes, and designs, from simple solid lacquers to intricate artwork, vintage-inspired graphics, and collector-grade limited editions.
The Retro 51 Range at Pure Pens
Tornado Classic
The entry point to the range. The Tornado Classic is available in a wide range of colours including Black, Orange, True Blue, Red, Peacock Blue, Kiwi, Pink, Green, Stainless, Purple, Ice Blue, and the popular Glow in the Dark White. From £29.17.
Tornado Deluxe and Vintage Metalsmith
A step up in finish and detail. The Tornado Deluxe Black Stealth (£32.50) and the Vintage Metalsmith series offer more refined finishes and distinctive colourways including Dr Gray, Chromatic, and Chaplin.
Limited and Special Editions
This is where Retro 51 truly shines. The brand produces a constant stream of limited editions in collaboration with museums, artists, and cultural institutions. Current highlights at Pure Pens include the Smithsonian Panda, Wright Brothers Aeroplane, IWM Matilda Infantry Tank, War of the Roses Lancaster and York, and the Pan American London Poster.
Pure Pens Exclusives
We are proud to stock two Pure Pens exclusive Retro 51 designs: the Gold Dragon (£62.50) and the Royal Guard (£45.83). These are available only through Pure Pens and make exceptional gifts for collectors.
Tornado EXT Fountain Pens
Retro 51 also produces fountain pens in the Tornado format. The EXT Lincoln (£65.00) and the EXT Platinum Collection Black Nickel (£75.00) bring the Tornado aesthetic to the fountain pen world.
The VAULT
At the top of the range, the Tornado VAULT in Opal White Acrylic (£100.00) is a premium collector's piece with a stunning acrylic barrel.
Who Is Retro 51 For?
Retro 51 is for anyone who wants a pen that sparks joy. The Tornado Classic is an excellent everyday writer at an accessible price point, and the limited edition range gives collectors something to look forward to throughout the year. If you enjoy the hunt for a special pen as much as the writing itself, Retro 51 will keep you very happy.