This pinball machine is one of approximately 14,000 Evel Knievel-themed models produced by Bally Manufacturing of Chicago, Illinois, in the late-1970s. The four-player machine was acquired by the seller in 2022 and features a back panel and playfield with Evel Knievel imagery along with red, white, and blue graphics, flippers, slingshots, pop bumpers, and drop targets. The cabinet is outfitted with a glass playfield cover, digital score displays, mechanical chimes, and a tilt sensor. The pinball machine has been converted to free play and the coin mechanisms are not intact. The pop bumpers, light bulbs, playfield plastics, and cabinet legs were replaced under current ownership. This Evel Knievel pinball machine is now offered at no reserve with manufacturer’s literature and schematics in Downers Grove, Illinois.
In 1977 Bally Manufacturing began offering solid-state pinball machines and marketed them as being more reliable and more profitable than their electromechanical counterparts. This example was among the earliest solid-state models produced by the company and features images of Evel Knievel in costume with his stunt motorcycles. Up to four players can compete during a round of play. Components replaced under current ownership include the pop bumpers, playfield plastics, light bulbs, and cabinet legs. The seller states the playfield was also stripped, polished, and waxed in preparation for the sale.
The illuminated playfield displays red, white, and blue graphics along with flames, stars, sprockets, and a motorcycle chain. Players launch balls onto the playfield using a spring-loaded plunger, and the game features various target zones that allow players to accumulate points and earn free plays. A bank of drop targets provides bonus points when all five are knocked down, and two out lanes with spinning gates provide access to the upper playfield.
The backglass features a sequentially lit image of Knievel on his motorcycle jumping over a row of red double-decker buses amidst a cloud of smoke. Individual score displays are provided for up to four players along with a window showing ball-in-play and game credit tallies. When gameplay is not active, the score windows display the highest score recorded by the machine.
The front panel is outfitted with two coin slots, a coin-return receptacle, a game start button, a ball launcher, and a locking hinged door. The machine is set up for free play through the center coin door, and the coin mechanism is not intact. Photos showing wear on the cabinet are visible in the gallery.
The playfield can be pivoted upward to access the components mounted underneath. The circuitry is designed to work with a 120-volt power source.
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Auction Result
| Winning Bid | USD $7,900 by Jbomayor |
| Auction Ended | January 10, 2024 at 1:32PM PT |
| Bids | 22 |
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BaT Essentials
- Bally Evel Knievel Pinball Machine
- Serial Number EEK13477
- Solid-State Design
- Red, White, & Blue Graphics
- Four-Player Capability
- Bumpers, Slingshots, & Drop Targets
- Free Play Setup
- Manufacturer's Literature
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