Derby

The Chicago Coin Machine Manufacturing Company's 1952 Derby (also known as '4-Player Derby') is an intriguing example of early electro-mechanical design. It allows up to four players to compete against each other in real-time via four separate flipperless playfields, each with its own plunger, four lanes, and a small red ball, adding an exciting element of competition to the classic horse-racing theme. Reportedly, the game was based on an idea originated by Willie Blatt of Supreme Distributors of Miami, Florida.

At its core, Derby's gameplay revolves around guiding a small red ball through four lanes on each of the machine's separate playfields, moving a corresponding numbered horse in the backbox. Horses without an active player move automatically, so even solo play features three computer-controlled opponents. The first horse to cross the finish line ends the game, meaning there is no fixed number of balls per game. The game does not feature traditional flippers.

The machine's design and artwork are notable for their time period, featuring a striking backbox display with four racing horses, a single bell for sound, and a substantial cabinet measuring 70 inches high, 66 inches wide, and 32 inches deep. With its rich history and unique gameplay mechanics, the Derby pinball machine is sure to captivate enthusiasts of early electromechanical design and horse racing themes alike.