Bowling Queen

Bowling Queen, designed by Wayne Neyens with artwork by Roy Parker and manufactured by Gottlieb in July 1964, is a fine example of the company's single-player games from the golden age of the wedge head. This electro-mechanical machine features two flippers, four pop bumpers, two slingshots, and three standup targets, delivering the crisp, skill-focused gameplay Gottlieb was famous for. It enjoyed a healthy confirmed production run of 2,650 units.

The machine has plenty of character. A stationary post below the flippers adds an element of challenge, the maximum displayed point score of 1,999 points reflects the era's focus on replays and skill, and a mechanical backbox animation adds bowling balls as the game progresses, creating a visually engaging experience. Trivia fans will enjoy that the backglass art itself depicts pinball machines - Bowling Queen, Gaucho, and Flipper Clown.

Interestingly, Bowling Queen shares its playfield layout with Gottlieb's 1962 'Rack-A-Ball' and the later 1969 'Mibs', a common Gottlieb practice of revisiting proven designs. Its classic bowling theme, Roy Parker artwork, and Wayne Neyens design pedigree make it an appealing find for collectors of 1960s Gottlieb games.