1977 Gottlieb Bronco
Manufacturer : Gottlieb
Year : 1977
Players : 4
Type : Electro-mechanical
Theme : American West
Production : 9,454 units
Status : Sold
Gottlieb’s Bronco (1977) is a highly regarded 4-player electro-mechanical (EM) pinball machine designed by Ed Krynski, with Western-themed artwork by Gordon Morison. Released during the transition to solid-state pinball, it stands as one of the last great EM machines from Gottlieb’s peak era.
Game Features
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4-player electro-mechanical (EM) pinball machine
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Released March 1977 by D. Gottlieb & Co.
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Designed by Ed Krynski
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Artwork by Gordon Morison (Western theme)
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Sister game: Mustang (2-player version with same layout)
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Three center “horse head” drop targets
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Four kickout holes (2 upper, 2 lower) that return the ball to play
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A-B-C rollover lanes that advance bonus multipliers
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Bonus system up to 60,000 points with 4X on last ball
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Extra ball feature via drop targets and kickout holes
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No traditional slingshots—uses passive lanes and kickers instead
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Symmetrical playfield layout with precision shooting
Overview
Bronco is a standout late-era EM machine that blends classic mechanical gameplay with a slightly more modern, fast-paced feel. The absence of traditional slingshots gives it a unique flow, relying more on controlled shots and strategic rebounds from kickout holes.
The central drop targets and A-B-C rollover system drive gameplay, with players working to build bonus multipliers and extend play through extra balls. The symmetrical layout demands accuracy, especially when aiming for upper playfield shots and saucers.
As one of Gottlieb’s final EM releases before the solid-state transition, Bronco is prized by collectors for its refined design, smooth gameplay, and strong representation of late 1970s pinball engineering.
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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)