Manhattan
About This Machine
The Manhattan, manufactured by Salor, S.A. of Barcelona, Spain in 1962, is an early example of a Spanish-made electro-mechanical pinball game, offering insight into the country's pinball manufacturing during the early 1960s.
The Manhattan's gameplay features are straightforward yet engaging. Players can enjoy five balls per 1 peseta, with two flippers and three pop bumpers that add an element of excitement to each play session. The machine's design is notable for its simplicity, with a rectangular backbox and a unique flair on either side of the frame surrounding the backglass. However, it lacks several features common in modern pinball machines, such as replay mechanisms and knocker systems.
One of the most fascinating aspects of this game is the "1-2-3 Partidas" feature on the backglass, which appears to be a mechanism for crediting up to three coined games, though possibly intended for discounted pricing. Unfortunately, due to its broken state, only occasional glimpses into what might have been intended can be observed. The manufacturer plate and cabinet number offer insight into the machine's production history, but the true story behind its design remains unclear.
Images (6)
Technical Details
- Theme:
- World Places - Happiness - Dancing
- Notable Features:
- 5 balls per 1 peseta. Flippers (2), Pop bumpers (3), Kick-out holes (2). The left flipper button operates the left-side flipper and the right flipper button operates the right-side flipper. The flippers are not impulse-type, as they stay energized as long as the buttons stay pressed. No 3-ball option, the 5th played ball pushes a switch to end the game. The backbox is rectangular while only the frame around the backglass flares out on each side. There is no replay mechanism, add-a-ball mechanism, replay adjustment plugs, or knocker on this game. Therefore, the "1-2-3 Partidas" on the backglass appears to be only for crediting up to three coined games. This function might be more attractive to the player if the game was intended to allow discounted pricing such as "1 coin 1 play, 2 coins 3 plays". However, the owner states there are no option plugs to change the price. This mechanism is broken on this game and only sometimes does it step to "2" after the insertion of a second peseta. If it performed consistently, its apparent purpose might be confirmed. The manufacturer plate shows that 83351 is the seal number from the Ministry of Industry. The owner speculates that Maroto is the entity that designed the game but had Salor manufacture it. Neither name appears on the backglass. Interestingly, the coil wrappers are marked with "Salcor", not "Salor". The cabinet number is on the backbox and is AG 62006.