Hurdy Gurdy (Italy)

The Hurdy Gurdy is a rare and fascinating electro-mechanical (EM) pinball machine from 1966, crafted by D. Gottlieb & Company and designed by Ed Krynski, with art by Art Stenholm. This Italian add-a-ball release shares its playfield with the U.S. version of the same name, and its innovative approach to gameplay and artistry make it a standout example of mid-1960s Gottlieb design.

At first glance, Hurdy Gurdy appears to be an idyllic scene of monkeys playing music amidst lush foliage. Beneath its charming facade lies a solid EM ruleset: the machine boasts two flippers, four pop bumpers, two slingshots, 12 standup targets, and dual outlanes, offering players a dynamic array of scoring opportunities. One of the most intriguing features is the five monkeys in the tree on the backglass, which illuminate to display added balls - a clever animation that rewards players for their skills.

The Hurdy Gurdy's design and artistry showcase Gottlieb's attention to detail and whimsy for the era. A mechanical backbox animation of a monkey ringing a bell adds an extra layer of charm. Its U.S. counterpart was reworked into the replay game Central Park. Although little is known about its production run or notable players, Hurdy Gurdy remains an enjoyable example of Gottlieb's mid-1960s EM output, appreciated by collectors for its artistry and challenge.