1971 Gottlieb Drop a Card
Manufacturer : Gottlieb
Year : 1971
Players : 1
Type : Electro-mechanical
Theme : Playing Cards
Production : 2,600 units
Status : Sold
Drop-A-Card (1971) by Gottlieb is a classic single-player electro-mechanical (EM) pinball machine designed by Ed Krynski with artwork by Gordon Morison. Built around a playing card theme, it’s one of the last Gottlieb games to feature traditional 2-inch “small” flippers alongside modern drop target gameplay. With approximately 2,600 units produced, it remains a highly regarded and collectible early-70s EM title.
Game Features
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Single-player electro-mechanical (EM) pinball machine
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Designed by Ed Krynski with artwork by Gordon Morison
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Approx. 2,600 units produced
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13 drop targets forming the core gameplay objective
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Card-themed rules centered around completing specific card sequences (7, 8, 9)
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Side rollover lanes that light “specials” after clearing drop targets
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Increasing pop bumper values tied to target completion
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Classic 2-inch flippers requiring precision control
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Active pop bumpers and slingshots for fast, reactive play
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Open playfield layout that emphasizes nudging and control
Overview
Drop-A-Card is a standout example of early 1970s Gottlieb design, combining simple rules with highly skill-based gameplay. The primary objective revolves around knocking down all 13 drop targets, which unlocks side rollover specials and boosts scoring opportunities across the playfield.
The game’s use of small flippers makes control more demanding, rewarding precise shooting and well-timed nudging. Its open layout can feel deceptively simple, but aggressive pop bumpers, active slingshots, and dangerous outlanes create a fast, sometimes unforgiving experience.
With its blend of card-themed progression, satisfying drop target mechanics, and classic EM feel, Drop-A-Card remains a favorite among collectors who appreciate pure, skill-driven pinball from Gottlieb’s golden 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)