Caravelle

The Caravelle, designed by Steve Kordek and manufactured by Williams in February 1961, is an appealing four-player electro-mechanical game with a 'World Places' theme and artwork by George Molentin. Only 425 units were confirmed produced, making it a relatively scarce entry in Williams' early-1960s catalog. Intriguingly, the original playfield drawing bears the initials of veteran designer Harry Mabs, who retired from Williams just before the game entered production - evidence suggests Mabs began the design and Kordek was definitely involved in completing it.

The Caravelle's gameplay is both challenging and rewarding. The playfield offers four flippers, three pop bumpers, two passive bumpers, two slingshots, and two gobble holes, while a rotating drum in the playfield indicates the current target value, keeping players informed and engaged. Operators could set 3-ball or 5-ball play, a double match feature offered extra replay chances, and the maximum displayed score is 1,999 points per player.

The Caravelle's cabinet reflects Williams' 'Styling of the 60's', with anodized aluminum trim and tapered tubular chromium steel legs. A shelf with a cigarette holder allowed for placement of drinks and extended the cabinet's length by six inches, and the plywood bottom was beefed up from 1/4-inch to 3/4-inch thickness. While the Caravelle may not be as well-known as some other classic machines, it remains an interesting piece of Williams history and a testament to the craftsmanship of its designers.