1972 Gottlieb Flying Carpet
Manufacturer : Gottlieb
Year : 1972
Players : 1
Type : Electro-mechanical
Theme : Fantasy - Myth and Legend
Production : 3,170 units
Status : Sold
Flying Carpet (1972) is a single-player electro-mechanical (EM) pinball machine by Gottlieb, designed by Ed Krynski with artwork by Gordon Morison. Known for its distinctive “target alley” layout and lack of slingshots, it delivers a more controlled, precision-based style of gameplay that leans heavily on nudging and accurate shooting.
Game Features
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Single-player EM machine
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Released March 1972
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Designed by Ed Krynski
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Artwork by Gordon Morison
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Approx. 3,170 units produced
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Two 2-inch flippers
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Three pop bumpers (upper playfield)
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12 stand-up “bullseye” targets (central target alley)
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No slingshots (unusual for the era)
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Four outlanes (two per side)
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A-B-C rollover lanes
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“Special” (free game) awards via feature completion
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Adjustable for 3-ball or 5-ball play
Overview
Flying Carpet stands out immediately because of its central “target alley”—a tight grouping of 12 stand-up targets that form the core of the game. Players focus on hitting specific targets and rollovers to spell out FLYING CARPET, which lights specials and increases scoring potential.
Unlike most EM machines of the early ’70s, this game does not use slingshots, which changes the feel dramatically. The ball doesn’t bounce unpredictably off the lower playfield, so control becomes more deliberate—but also more punishing if you miss shots. This design makes nudging and shot accuracy essential skills.
The four outlanes increase difficulty, especially without slingshots to redirect the ball, and the upper pop bumpers help feed the ball back into the target area. The gameplay is less chaotic than many Gottlieb EMs and more about methodical shot-making and positioning.
Overall, Flying Carpet is a unique, skill-driven EM that rewards precision over speed, making it a favorite among players who enjoy controlled, strategic pinball rather than pure reaction-based play.
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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)