1977 Gottlieb Centigrade 37
Manufacturer : Gottlieb
Year : 1977
Players : 1
Type : Electro-mechanical
Theme : Fantasy - Science Fiction
Production : 1,721 units
Status : Sold
Centigrade 37 (1977) by D. Gottlieb & Co. is a unique single-player electro-mechanical (EM) “wedgehead” pinball machine designed by Allen Edwall with artwork by Gordon Morison. With a relatively low production run of around 1,600 units, it’s known for its distinctive sci-fi theme, animated backbox thermometer, and creative “bagatelle-style” scoring elements.
Game Features
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Single-player (wedgehead cabinet)
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~1,600 units produced (low production, collectible)
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Designed by Allen Edwall
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Artwork by Gordon Morison
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Animated backbox thermometer tracking bonus progression
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4-bank drop targets (left side, resetting)
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Bagatelle-style rollover lanes on right side
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A-B-C-D top lanes for bonus advancement
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Kick-out saucer (upper right) for scoring and specials
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No slingshots (unusual layout choice)
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Mechanical score reels
Overview
Centigrade 37 stands out as one of the more experimental late-era EM machines from Gottlieb. Its defining feature is the animated thermometer in the backbox, which rises as the player builds bonus—culminating at 37°C (98.6°F) to light the special. This creates a clear visual objective that ties gameplay directly to the backglass animation.
The playfield layout is also unconventional. Instead of traditional slingshots, the game uses additional rollover lanes, making ball control more deliberate and punishing missed shots. The right-side “bagatelle” lanes add a different scoring dynamic compared to typical EM layouts, rewarding precision over randomness.
With its sci-fi cryogenic theme and unique mechanical features, Centigrade 37 has become a cult favorite among collectors. Its lower production numbers and distinctive gameplay make it especially appealing for those looking for something different from standard drop-target EMs.
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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)