Smart Set

The Smart Set is a 1969 electro-mechanical pinball machine designed by Norm Clark for Williams Electronics, with artwork by Christian Marche and 4,500 units confirmed produced. Its boating and affluence theme reflects a recreational, aspirational aesthetic typical of the era.

Gameplay-wise, the Smart Set features two flippers, four pop bumpers, two slingshots, and six stand-up targets. A center up-post and a right-outlane ball return gate add an extra layer of challenge and strategy to gameplay, along with three kick-out holes.

The Smart Set's design and art evoke its boating theme, centered on a ship's helm (steering wheel) motif on the playfield. Interestingly, the maximum displayed point score is 9,999 points per player, with a replay wheel that allows for up to 37 replays. IPDB documents several production variations of this game, including changes to playfield colors (from pink to red in the outlanes) and wheel-spoke artwork over the course of its production run, making it an interesting subject for collectors tracking manufacturing details.