Yes, that's the one! Thanks for pointing to the right direction - eBay Italy definitely does have a lot of parts for Caravel.

With a double basket, the maximum output that I can get with the single pull is about 17 gr. That's works well for a ristretto.
However, with the blends that call for more output and therefore for the double pull, I can't get a good result - doesn't matter what I do, it is always some channeling/uneven extraction on the second pull. That's a significant restriction - being able to use only blends that good for ristretto!. And that's why I am looking for a single basket.
Does anybody else have the same issue?

It's been a while since I've used the Caravel but te maximum output I could get was between 19 and 20 gr. I started with 12 gr. in, did some partial pumps to get rid of the air. When there would be no more gurgling sound, I would slowly lower the lever until I felt some resistance and hold it there for around 7 seconds. I Would then pull the lever all the way down. So with the lower dose and with air out of the way, I was able to get around a 1.6 ratio. That's still a pretty tight shot but way longer than when I would have 15 gr. in 18 gr. out.

But I do understand wanting the single baskets for blends that like a longer shot. I started experimenting with the single basket on the MCAL as I could never achieve a 1:2 ratio with the double basket unless I did a 1 1/3 pull which resulted in not so great a shot. If you get you hands on the single basket, tell us how it's working for you on the Caravel.

Thank you, Patrice. I followed your suggestion about partial pumps during preinfusion to get rid of air and it worked well - I was able to increase output from 17 gr to over 19 gr.

I'm happy it worked out!

That's also what I do: do few lever up and down (~3-4, from up to some resistance) during the pre-infusion phase to get rid of the air. I'm getting 21 to 25g of espresso out of ~14g of grounded coffee... and it's a pleasure every time.

I do the same

I was lucky enough to get a single basket bundled with the first Caravel I purchased (on Italian ebay). It is still my preferred basket for most coffees! I prefer the double only for roasts that are quite dark.

Anyone try using a half or small paper coffee filter on top to the basket during a pull.

I found that this prevents the puck from cracking on second pulls. Pull up slowly also.

Here is my latest acquisition! Great to finally be part of the VAM family. This appears to be a very early model, characterized by the piston with no hole, so a version 1.0, according to Francesco, but it features the "Export" characteristics. It does not say that it is for export on the base, as we've seen before though. I love the brass accents and the copper plated aluminum base? The lever arm, beautifully contoured, has a very precise fit onto the piston assembly, as it only goes in one way, so no mistake can be made. She'll be receiving some new feet soon, and hopefully a pilot light, as the poor packaging job ensured it was smashed during it's long journey from the home land. If anyone happens to have a spare OEM one, let me know!
Soon, sweet heavenly elixir will be pouring from this magnificent little machine once more!
I do not know when Mr Emidio Salati passed on, but I'm sure he'd be very proud to know how endeared his little creation is the world over. I think this thread is a testament to that!

Nice VAM, I had been watching it as well. Good looking machine and appears to be an early v.1, especially with the 6 suction cup feet. Too bad about the damage, drop Francesco a line and he may be able to set you up.