1966 Gottlieb Central Park
Manufacturer : Gottlieb
Year : 1966
Players : 1
Type : Electro-mechanical
Theme : American Places
Production : 3,100 units
Status : Sold
Central Park (1966) by D. Gottlieb & Co. is a classic single-player electro-mechanical (EM) “wedgehead” pinball machine designed by Ed Krynski with artwork by Roy Parker. Known for its animated backglass and notoriously challenging layout, it’s a standout title from the mid-1960s EM era.
Game Features
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Animated Backglass: Mechanical organ-grinder monkey rings a bell every 100 points scored
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Bullseye Targets: 10 numbered targets (1–10) arranged in an arch advance scoring values
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Target Progression: Targets 1–5 increase yellow values, 6–10 increase green values
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Special / Replay System: Completing either target bank five times lights “Special” for a free game
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Rollover Lanes: 10 rollovers spot bullseye targets and advance progression
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Pop Bumpers: 4 pop bumpers light in pairs for fast scoring action
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Challenging Layout: Two small 2-inch flippers with a wide center drain (“Grand Canyon”)
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Skill-Based Play: Heavy emphasis on nudging, control, and precision shooting
Overview
Central Park is a classic skill-driven EM that focuses on target completion and controlled play. Players work to build scoring through bullseye sequences and rollovers while navigating a tight, unforgiving layout.
The animated backglass adds personality and feedback, while the overall design delivers a challenging, rewarding experience that continues to appeal to collectors and experienced players.
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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)