The Godfather
About This Machine
The Godfather, manufactured by Petaco, S.A. of Madrid, Spain (a company active from 1962 to 1977), is a rare 4-player electro-mechanical pinball machine with a Cops and Robbers - Gangsters theme. An export version was later released by Recel in 1974.
What sets The Godfather apart is its unique gate system: a gate above each flipper inlane routes the ball to either the inlane or the outlane. At the start of the game, both gates are open, blocking the inlanes and leaving the outlanes exposed for drainage. The top-left or middle-left rollover closes the left inlane gate, while the top-right or middle-right rollover closes the right inlane gate; each gate operates independently, and a ball rolling through an inlane re-opens its gate. This creates a dynamic, ever-shifting risk-reward layout for players.
The machine's design incorporates standup targets, spinning targets, vari-targets, pop bumpers, and slingshots, providing ample scoring opportunities alongside the gate mechanic. Unfortunately, little is known about this machine beyond its technical specifications, leaving room for enthusiasts to uncover more about its origins and history.
Images (1)
Technical Details
- Theme:
- Cops and Robbers - Gangsters
- Notable Features:
- Flippers (2), Pop bumpers (2), Slingshots (2), Standup targets (3), Spinning targets (2), Vari-targets (2). A gate above each flipper inlane routes the ball to either the inlane or the outlane. When the game starts, both gates are in the "open" position which blocks the inlanes and "opens" the outlanes for the ball to drain. These gates operate independently from each other during game play. The top left rollover or middle left rollover will "close" the left inlane gate, while the top right rollover or middle right rollover will "close" the right inlane gate. A gate when closed will block the outlane and let the ball access the inlane. A ball rolling through an inlane will "open" its gate again.