Bowl A Strike

Bowl A Strike, designed by Norm Clark and manufactured by Williams in November 1965, is a charming entry in the long line of bowling-themed electro-mechanical pinball machines. An add-a-ball game with a confirmed production run of 1,401 units, it offers a glimpse into mid-1960s pinball design; its replay counterpart is Williams' 1965 'Lucky Strike'.

The machine's gameplay is built around two flippers, three pop bumpers, two kick-out holes, and two ball kickers, giving players a range of ways to manipulate the ball and rack up added balls. The cabinet uses Williams' drop-down construction of the period.

The illuminated backglass marquee and mechanical backbox animation - a bowling ball rolling towards the pins - add a touch of dynamism to the machine's presentation, and its theme is unmistakably rooted in the spirit of the bowling boom of the era. Designer Norm Clark was a prolific figure who designed many other electro-mechanical games during his career at Williams and later Bally.