1965 Gottlieb Buckaroo
Manufacturer : Gottlieb
Year : 1965
Players : 1
Type : Electro-mechanical
Theme : American West
Production : 2,600 units
Status : Sold
Gottlieb’s Buckaroo (1965) is a highly regarded single-player electro-mechanical (EM) wedgehead pinball machine known for its Western theme, challenging gameplay, and iconic animated backglass. Designed by Wayne Neyens with artwork by Roy Parker, it stands out as one of the most memorable EM games of the 1960s.
Game Features
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Single-player electro-mechanical (EM) wedgehead machine
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Released June 1965 by D. Gottlieb & Co.
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Designed by Wayne Neyens
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Artwork by Roy Parker (Western theme)
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Approximately 2,600 units produced
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Mechanical “bucking bronco” animation in the backglass
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Central roto-target with numbers 1–7
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Objective: complete number sequences to earn replays and bonuses
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A-B-C-D rollover lanes to light specials
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Three pop bumpers and passive bumpers for active playfield movement
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Two flippers with classic 1960s tight control feel
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Challenging outlanes requiring nudging skill
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Add-a-ball version released as Cow Poke (1965)
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Export version released as Rancho
Overview
Buckaroo is one of the standout wedgehead machines of the 1960s, combining tight, skill-based gameplay with one of the most memorable mechanical animations of its era—the “bucking bronco” in the backglass.
The game revolves around the roto-target, where players must precisely hit and advance numbers in sequence. This adds a layer of strategy beyond simple scoring, rewarding accuracy and control. Completing sequences and rollover lanes lights specials and replays, giving players clear objectives throughout the game.
With its fast, unforgiving layout and emphasis on precision shooting, Buckaroo is often considered a true player’s game—rewarding skill, nudging technique, and patience. Its combination of theme, animation, and gameplay depth makes it a favorite among collectors of classic EM pinball.
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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)