Sunshine Derby

The Sunshine Derby, produced by Gottlieb in January 1936, is an early example of a one-ball, payout-style electro-mechanical (EM) pinball machine, from a period when Gottlieb was still developing its EM lineup.

The gameplay experience is characterized by its simplicity and challenge. Players shoot a single ball per game, aiming for favorable outcomes among 16 trap holes on the playfield. Notably, the Sunshine Derby's cabinet dimensions are specified as 50 inches long and 24 inches wide, providing a distinctive footprint for this era of pinball machines. It sold new for $89.50, with options like a check separator, mint vendor, or 5-ball play available at extra cost.

The Sunshine Derby's sports theme, focusing on horse racing, is an interesting aspect of its design - Gottlieb also released the similarly themed Sunshine Baseball that same era. While not much information is available about the designer or artist behind the machine, it's clear Gottlieb was exploring various sports themes during this period. As one of the earlier examples of a dedicated EM game, the Sunshine Derby offers a glimpse into the early days of pinball's development, making it an attractive addition to any collection for serious enthusiasts.