1975 Gottlieb El Dorado
Manufacturer : Gottlieb
Year : 1975
Players : 1
Type : Electro-mechanical
Theme : Western
Production : 2,875 units
Status : Sold
Gottlieb’s El Dorado (1975) is a legendary single-player electro-mechanical (EM) pinball machine celebrated for its intense drop-target shooting and skill-based gameplay. Designed by Ed Krynski with artwork by Gordon Morison, it became one of Gottlieb’s most respected layouts and later served as the basis for several related games. With its challenging shots, four-flipper design, and strong scoring progression, El Dorado is widely considered one of the standout EM machines of the 1970s.
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. 2,700–2,875 units produced
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15 total drop targets arranged in two banks
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10-target bank at the upper left and 5-target bank at the lower right
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Four flippers, including upper flippers for advanced “alley-oop” style shots
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Two pop bumpers
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Move-spot target and rollover system that rotates which drop targets are lit for 5,000 points
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Lit drop targets score 5,000 points; unlit targets score 500
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Clearing all 15 targets lights specials/replays on the “Cactus” targets
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Challenging layout built around precision shooting and target completion
Overview
El Dorado is one of the purest examples of drop-target-focused pinball design. The game revolves around clearing two banks of targets while managing which ones are lit for higher scoring, giving every shot real strategic value.
The four-flipper layout adds depth and variety, especially with the upper flippers helping players redirect the ball between banks. This creates a more dynamic and technical game than many EM titles of the same period. Skilled players can build strong scores by consistently hitting lit targets and completing the banks to light specials.
Its combination of precision shooting, innovative target layout, and long-lasting influence on later Gottlieb games has made El Dorado a favorite among collectors and serious players. It remains one of the most respected EM machines ever made
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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)