1978 Gottlieb Dragon
Manufacturer : Gottlieb
Year : 1978
Players : 4
Type : Electro-mechanical
Theme : Fantasy
Production : 508 units
Status : Sold
Gottlieb’s Dragon (1978, electro-mechanical version) is a rare 4-player EM pinball machine released near the end of the EM era. Designed by Ed Krynski with fantasy-themed artwork by Gordon Morison, this version stands out due to its extremely limited production run of roughly 500 units. As one of the final EM games before Gottlieb’s transition to System 1 solid-state machines, Dragon blends classic mechanical gameplay with features that hint at the next generation of pinball design.
Game Features
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4-player electro-mechanical (EM) pinball machine
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Extremely limited production (~507–508 units)
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Designed by Ed Krynski with fantasy artwork by Gordon Morison
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Unique spinning target featuring a dragon/fire illusion effect
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Two mechanical vari-targets on the right side of the playfield
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End-of-ball bonus system with 2x multiplier on the final ball
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Top rollovers and lane rollovers to build bonus
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Two pop bumpers and standard slingshots
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Traditional 3-inch flippers
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Transitional design bridging EM and early solid-state features
Overview
The EM version of Dragon delivers a unique mix of classic electromechanical gameplay with innovative features that make it stand out among late-era Gottlieb machines. The standout spinning target creates a visual illusion of a dragon breathing fire, adding a distinctive interactive element rarely seen in EM games.
Gameplay centers around precision and bonus-building strategy. Players work the vari-targets and rollover lanes to build their end-of-ball bonus, with the added incentive of a 2x multiplier on the final ball—encouraging risk-taking and big scoring opportunities late in the game.
With its low production numbers and position as one of Gottlieb’s final EM releases, Dragon has become highly collectible. It represents a fascinating snapshot of pinball history, where traditional mechanical design meets early ideas that would soon define the solid-state era
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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)