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 2023 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. Two control boards, the flippers, and rubber components were replaced, and LED bulbs were installed under current ownership. This Evel Knievel pinball machine is now offered at no reserve with spare parts in Londonderry, New Hampshire.
In 1977, Bally Manufacturing began offering solid-state pinball machines and marketed them as more reliable and 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. The seller states that work under current ownership involved installing LED bulbs and replacing two circuit boards, the flippers, and some of the rubber components.
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 has been set up for free play. The condition of the cabinet is photographed in the gallery below.
Components are mounted underneath the playfield and behind the backglass. The circuitry is designed to work with a 120-volt power source.