Hi-Diver

The Hi-Diver, designed by Wayne Neyens with artwork by Roy Parker, was manufactured by Gottlieb in April 1959, with a confirmed production run of 1,650 units. This single-player electro-mechanical game carries a water-sports theme, and its backglass proudly bears Gottlieb's famous slogan: "Amusement Pinballs, as American as Baseball and Hot Dogs!"

The playfield features four flippers, two pop bumpers, four passive bumpers, two slingshots, three kick-out holes, and two standup targets. The star attraction, however, is the mechanical backbox animation, in which figures dive from a diving board, bringing the aquatic theme to life above the playfield. A clever design element is the metal pin placed above each outlane to deflect a ball that drops to it from the lane above.

The Hi-Diver also incorporates metal cigarette holders on the side wood rails, a subtle detail that reflects the era in which it was created. With its charming Roy Parker artwork and its animated backbox, the Hi-Diver remains a fascinating addition to any collection of vintage pinball machines.