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Williams
"Apollo"		 If you've been shopping around for a pinball and don't want to spend a lot of money, you probably know how hard it is to find a game in good condition for less than $1000.00.

If that's your experience, then this may be the game for you! We're proud to offer this Apollo pinball by Williams!

  • Price: $750.00 - SOLD -
  • Manufacturer: Williams
  • Date Produced: June, 1967
  • # of Players: 1
  • Units Produced: 3,100
  • Design: Norm Clark
  • Art: Art Stenholm
Above info courtesy of Mr. Pinball Flipper Pinball List

TRIVIA: Apollo was released to commemorate the Apollo Space Program. It was also released under the title "Blast Off", which was a non-replay (add-a-ball) version.
Interested Buyers Please Note:

This used mechanical pinball game is being sold "as-is" without warranty, and is best suited for purchase and use by an experienced pinball hobbiest or enthusiast- someone who is acquainted with working on and maintaining older antique mechanical pinball games such as this one, or someone who has a qualified pinball service person at their disposal who can help with the continued maintenance and service on this mechanical pinball game.

While this game has been recently serviced and inspected for 100% proper operation, it is a known fact that all pinball machines- old or new- will require some adjustment, maintenance, service, and repair as time goes on. But older antique mechanical pinball games such as this one that have literally hundreds of moving parts, switches, contacts, relays, motors, and other devices, usually tend to be even more "finicky" in their day-to-day operation, and tend to require more frequent upkeep, maintenance, and occasional repair, than later-model "electronic" pinball games that have considerably fewer moving parts.

As this game is considered an antique (30+ years old) mechanical pinball game, we ask any interested buyers to please carefully consider the responsibility of owning and maintaining a game of this type, understanding that occasional repairs, adjustments, maintenance, and service will be an integral part of owning and using an antique mechanical game of this type.

Even something as simple as moving or shipping an older game like this can cause vibration-related problems to come up, so it is entirely possible that this game may require some adjustment before it can be operated, after it has been transported and/or shipped to/by the customer.

As this game is not warranted, repairs and adjustments of this type are not covered as part of the sale, so any such interested customers are advised to take the above information into consideration before making a decision to purchase or not to purchase this game. If you need any further information, please e-mail us.
Thank You! - Action Pinball & Amusement Management & Staff

Page Contents:

  1. Game Description
  2. Game Condition Details
  3. Game Images
  4. Game Sales Information

Game Description:

Apollo is a classic style electro-mechanical pinball made by Williams in the late 1960's- during one of the periods of highest popularity of arcade pinball. Apollo was one of several single player (1 player) games that Williams produced. Single player electro-mechanical games made by Gottlieb, Williams, and Williams, have typically been more highly sought-after by collectors due to their unique design (most games made were 2- or 4-player models.) The single-player games also had less wiring and mechanisms in them, due to their simplicity, so are also typically easier to maintain and work on than their 2- and 4-player counterparts. This may also be a reason they are more commonly sought-after for home use.

Apollo has a classic "vintage" pinball playfield layout, featuring several familliar pinball gadgets. It has 2 flippers, which are the older-style 2-inch short flippers (used before the introduction of the 3-inch flipper in 1970). This game also includes 4 pop bumpers, several roll-over buttons, standup targets, and slingshot bumpers.

A unique feature, this game also includes a "bagatelle", or "mini pinball" device behind the backglass which fires a small ball that falls down through pins and into one of five different slots. The ball is shot when certain targets or roll-overs are completed on the playfield, and players are awarded 50 or 300 points, or a "special" (replay), depending on which slot the ball lands in. Very few games were ever produced with backglass devices like this, but those that were are often more sought-after today, due to their unique design.

This game features 4-digit scoring which was used until the early 1970's when 5-digit scoring was introduced, in an effort to attract more players with the higher scores. And 6-digit scoring became standard on Williams games in the mid 1970's.

While this game features a lot of fun gadgets and ways to collect points during play, it's straightforward and "classic" playfield design makes for a great starter game for first-time pinball owners or a familliar look and feel for vintage pinball lovers alike. Not too much to overwhelm the novice player, but plenty to keep you challenged and always coming back for more!

Game Condition Details:

This game is in overall good condition inside and out. It has seen less-than-average use over the years for a game of it's age, which has helped to preserve it's cosmetic and mechanical condition. The play meter in this game shows total number of plays at just over 72,000, which is far lower than what we usually see on mechanical games from the late 1960's (most games are typically in the 85,000+ range). This game, like most used pinball machines, has collected a few scratches and chips from use over the decades and does show some signs of aging and wear/tear but can still be easily rated as "average" condition for a game of it's age- most older games like this really don't survive this well over the years.

Playfield on this game is in very good condition for a game of it's age. Not a perfect playfield by any means (no used pinball playfield is)- there are a few signs of use from play over the years, most notably a small "scuff" mark in front of the left flipper and some light wear spots around some of the pop bumpers. Otherwise a very well-preserved playfield with a clean look to it. Playfield surface has been cleaned and polished, and burned-out lightbulbs and worn rubber rings have all been replaced recently with new parts. Flippers are strong and work well. Plastics (light shields/light covers) are all in excellent shape with no signs of cracks or breaks. Pop bumper caps are all in great shape and look almost like new.

Cabinet and backbox are in overall good shape- about average for a game of this age. This game has accumulated a few scratches, scuffs, nicks, and some flaking-off paint from normal use, handling, and aging over the years. See images below for more details.

Backglass on this game is original and has some spots of flaking-off and lifting ink from aging. Not terribly unsightly but not the best glass we've seen either. We do have a brand new mint-condition backglass available for this game, optionally, for additional $250, installation included.

Here is a list of work that we have done on this game: Custom Modifications:
  • Game modified for "free play".

Game Images:

Thumbnail
(Click for larger view)		Description
Playfield- full overall view.
Detail- lower playfield area- flippers and score/instruction card holder.
Lower area of playfield- flippers and slingshot bumpers area.
Another shot of lower playfield area.
Upper playfield area- pop bumpers. Some wear is present around the edges of some of the pop bumpers.
Another shot of upper playfield area.
Game overall view.
Main cabinet- right side. Cabinet has gathered a few scratches and scuffs from over the years, but nothing major. About average for a game of it's era and age.
Main cabinet- left side.
Main cabinet front and coin door. Some flaking of the paint is mostly present on the front of the game. Coin door is fully functional- accepts nickels, dimes, and quarters. Game is currently set up for free-play so coins are not necessary for operation.
Backbox- front and right sides. A moderate amount of flaking and lifting of the ink is present on the original backglass. Hard to see here, but see image below, and note that we have a brand new mint-condition backglass available to go along with this game (optional) for an additional $250, installation included.
Backbox- left side. Note the "mini pinball" device behind the backglass. When certain targets are completed on the playfield, a small ball is shot up into this mini-pinball, and the player is awarded 50 points, 300 points, or a special (replay).
Backglass. Most of the flaking/lifting ink on the back of the original backglass here is tough to make out from the picture, but mostly comprises the areas of dark green on the left side of the glass, as well as the area in the control tower. Some flaking is present in the red letters of "APOLLO" and around some of the edges of the glass.
Another shot of the backglass.

This machine also comes complete with game schematic wiring diagram and miscellaneous factory paperwork.

This game is sold "as-is" without warranty, delivery, or setup. Delivery and setup may be available at additional cost, depending on your location.


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