1951 Gottlieb Cyclone
Manufacturer : Gottlieb
Year : 1951
Players : 1
Type : Electro-mechanical
Theme : Cyclones - Weather
Production : 800 units
Status : Sold
Gottlieb’s Cyclone (1951) is a classic single-player electro-mechanical (EM) pinball machine from the early woodrail era. Designed by Wayne Neyens with artwork by Roy Parker, it represents the fast, action-focused style of early 1950s pinball. Known for its unique reverse flippers and lively playfield, Cyclone delivers a simple yet energetic gameplay experience rooted in timing and reflexes.
Game Features
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Single-player electro-mechanical (EM) pinball machine
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Early “woodrail” era cabinet design
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Reverse flippers (early flipper configuration)
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5 pop bumpers in the central playfield
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Two side slot kickers
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Central kick-out hole
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No safety gate, increasing difficulty and unpredictability
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Fast, open playfield layout focused on action
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Carnival / natural disaster-themed artwork by Roy Parker
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Traditional chime-based scoring
Overview
Cyclone is a great example of early flipper-era pinball, where gameplay is less about complex rules and more about quick reactions and ball control. The reverse flippers give the game a distinctive feel compared to later machines, requiring players to adjust their timing and shot approach.
The playfield is built for speed, with five pop bumpers keeping the ball in near-constant motion and side kickers adding unpredictability. The lack of a safety gate makes drains more common, reinforcing the game’s challenging nature.
With its bold woodrail styling, energetic layout, and classic Roy Parker artwork, Cyclone captures the essence of early 1950s pinball—simple, fast, and highly engaging for players who appreciate the roots of the game.
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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)