Description

Playboy Pinball Machine

In 1978, Bally Manufacturing Co. released the first Playboy pinball machine. According to Pinside, this particular pinball has a production run of 18.250, making it the #4 most successful Flipper-Game of all time.

The start-up and bonus score countdown music for the Playboy pinball machine is similar to the “Playboy’s Theme” from the 1969 “Playboy After Dark” television show.

This game’s artwork was created by Paul Faris. The backglass features an illustration of Hugh Hefner with Playmates Patti McGuire and Sondra Theodore.

Playboy has clear objectives, is simple to learn, and has eye-catching graphics. not to mention that the concept itself is well-known. When compared to its rivals, the artwork on this pinball machine had the perfect amount of edge. This theme is extremely mild by today’s standards, but I’m sure it would have attracted a few teenage boys back in the day. There aren’t many shots in pinball from this era, that don’t contain a spinner. This pinball feels as fantastic as the right orbit grotto shot through the pop bumpers. When it comes to games launched in the late 1970s and early 1980s, Playboy ranks close to the top.

Special Features on the Flyer:

5 Playboy Keys
They open the door to specials, bonuses and giant Grotto scores.

New Playmate Targets
Hit all 5 and win specials, bonus advances, extra balls, games.

Action Drop Targets
Key to 25,000 outlane score when all are down.

New Playboy Grotto
Unique kickback lane advances bonus up to 30,000 depending on the number of Keys lit.

New Memory Super Bonus
Once a 20,000 bonus score is achieved, 20,000 points are recalled and added with every ball.

The Playboy Pinball backglass depicts the iconic Hugh Hefner with 1976 Playmate Patti McGuire and 1977 Playmate Sondra Theodore. Tom Nieman, VP of Marketing for Bally Pinball’s name appears on the champagne bottle.

The following is from the International Pinball Database:

Manufacturer:	Bally Manufacturing Corporation (1931-1983) [Trade Name: Bally]
Project Date:	December 09, 1976
Date Of Manufacture:	December, 1978
Model Number:	1116-E
MPU:	Bally MPU AS-2518-35
Type:	Solid State Electronic (SS)
Production:	18,250 units   (confirmed)
Serial Number Database:	View at The Internet Pinball Serial Number Database (IPSND.net)  (External site)
Theme:	Licensed Theme
Notable Features:	Flippers (2), Pop bumpers (3), Slingshots (2), Standup targets (6), 5-bank drop targets (1), Star rollover (1), Upper left kickback lane (the Grotto). Maximum displayed point score is 999,990 points per player. Sound: electronic, EM knocker Actual measured weight: 222 lbs (includes legs).
Design by:	Jim Patla
Art by:	Paul Faris
Notes:	The backglass depicts Hugh Hefner with 1976 Playmate Patti McGuire and 1977 Playmate Sondra Theodore. Tom Nieman, VP of Marketing for Bally Pinball, told us his name or initials appeared on most backglasses of this time period for which he obtained the license. On this game, his name appears on the champagne bottle. The start-up tune, Grotto tune, and bonus score countdown tune resemble portions of Cy Coleman’s “Playboy’s Theme” from the 1969 TV show “Playboy After Dark”. An article in the Spring 2019 issue of Playboy magazine about the “Singing Playmates” mentioned that their producer Vic Caesar “arranged the surprisingly famous theme to the Playboy pinball game.”

*Note: These are photos of the actual game you can purchase!*

 

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