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This is a very unique pinball machine for a couple of reason. First of all, this is the fourth and final "home" pinball machine that Bally made for non-commercial use. It was probably the lowest production model. I base this on the fact that in 35+ years of buying, repairing, and selling pinball machines, I have never seen or even heard mention of one. I just stumbled on this one when someone traded it in on another game I was selling.
I thought I would have no chance of repairing it, but after spending many hours going over every component in the machine, I was finally able to get it 100% working. I also fully shopped it out (cleaned, waxed, replaced all rubbers with new ones, and replaced all bulbs). I also replaced all of the lamps with new Cointaker LED bulbs (the best you can get). These LED bulbs are brighter while consuming less power, and never burn out.
There are a few differences between a Bally non-commercial pinball machine and a standard commercial pinball. The body is slightly smaller, as is the head. The backglass is held in by a plastic frame. There is only one score display rather than four separate ones for the four players. And of course, there is no coin door.
That is where the difference end. The playfield is the same size as a commercial pinball. The mechanical assemblies such as the flippers and bumpers are identical. The playfield layout, rules, and scoring are similar. The backglass is artwork silkscreened on glass. The artwork on this machine is every bit as good as any standard commercial pinball machine. The artwork is even painted by Kevin O'Connor, who is a famous pinball artist responsible for artwork on dozens of classic games such as KISS, Star Trek, Silverball Mania, and even still does pinball artwork up to and including the newest Stern Pinball, 007 James Bond.
The second thing that makes this game unique is the condition it is in. It is basically like brand new. I've never had another pinball in condition this good (other than the new pinballs I've purchased back in the day). It was purchased new by the first owner and kept in his climate-controlled home for 45 years until I got it from him. It must not have ever been moved or treated roughly in any way, as it has not a single spot of damage or wear anywhere. Even when I removed the glass and lifted the playfield (probably the first time it had ever been done), the inside was clean enough to eat off of. Not all full of dirt, dust, and mouse turds like most pinballs I encounter.
This game now plays like new, and plays like a standard commercial pinball machine. You will not find another one in this condition, and I have a feeling you will get it for a fraction of its true value. If this game only had a coin door, I would keep it and put it in my classic arcade. But I have no way to operate it for money, so here it is on Arcadia Auctions.
A rare chance to own one of the rarest Bally pinballs ever made in like new condition.
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