1964 Gottlieb Bowling Queen
Manufacturer : Gottlieb
Year : 1964
Players : 1
Type : Electro-mechanical
Theme : Sports - Bowling
Production : 2,650 units
Status : Sold
Gottlieb’s Bowling Queen (1964) is a highly regarded single-player electro-mechanical (EM) wedgehead pinball machine designed by Wayne Neyens, with artwork by Roy Parker. Known for its animated backglass and precision gameplay, it captures the charm and challenge of early 1960s pinball.
Game Features
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Single-player electro-mechanical (EM) wedgehead machine
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Released in July 1964 by D. Gottlieb & Co.
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Designed by Wayne Neyens
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Artwork by Roy Parker
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Animated backglass showing bowling progression (1–12 balls)
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Objective-based gameplay centered on completing all bowling balls
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2-inch flippers for precise, skill-based shooting
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Multiple rollover lanes including challenging outlanes
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Four pop bumpers for active ball movement
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Three “lollipop” stand-up targets for bonus progression
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Symmetrical playfield with difficult top-lane shots
Overview
Bowling Queen stands out for its unique mechanical backglass animation, where players “rack up” bowling balls as they complete rollover lanes on the playfield. This creates a strong visual objective that feels different from traditional scoring-focused EM games.
Gameplay is deliberate and skill-based, with small flippers and tight shot geometry requiring controlled nudging and accurate shooting. The symmetrical layout adds to the challenge, especially when aiming for the upper lanes needed to advance progress.
With its combination of classic wedgehead design, engaging theme, and mechanical animation, Bowling Queen remains a favorite among collectors who appreciate early EM craftsmanship and gameplay depth.
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View Restoration Details Playfield (Top Side) • Fully disassembled, cleaned, waxed, and conditioned • New rubbers, lane guides, posts, bulbs, and pinball • New flipper bats • Standup switches and rollover switches polished and adjusted • Plastics cleaned and conditioned Playfield (Underside) • Complete flipper rebuilds (coils, stops, switches, links, springs) • Pop bumper assemblies rebuilt • All relays cleaned, filed, and properly adjusted • Stepper units fully disassembled, cleaned, and calibrated Cabinet & Bottom Board • New power cord and fuse holders • Bottom board fully disassembled and cleaned • Relays, step units, and score motor serviced and adjusted • Jones plugs cleaned for solid connections • Cabinet cleaned inside and out Backbox / Head • Scoring reels disassembled, cleaned, and properly adjusted • Stepper units and relays serviced • New bulbs installed Additional Work • Weak or burned coils replaced as needed • Coin door fully disassembled, cleaned, and polished with new coin entry plates • Chime box cleaned, polished, and rebuilt • Shooter assembly polished with new springs installed • Metal trim, side rails, and legs polished • New locks, bolts, and leg levelers/castors installed • New sheet of playfield glass installed • New bulbs installed throughout entire game Warranty ✔ 1-Year Warranty (local sales) ✔ One service visit included within first year (includes playfield waxing, rubber replacement if needed, and full function check)