Monte Carlo (Cylinder Backbox Model)

The Monte Carlo (Cylinder Backbox Model) is a rare and enigmatic electro-mechanical machine of unknown manufacturer and origin. Notably, it is a Flipperless game by design -- the only known surviving example has had a pair of silver-colored flippers retrofitted onto it, but these are not believed to be original equipment.

The machine's short backbox is one of its most distinctive design elements: a small black square backglass framed in red trim sits between two large curved translucent white panels, each showing a picture of a woman and each backed by a rotating color cylinder that lights and shines through the panel. A dark translucent window at the center of the backglass projects the player's total free plays (replays), with "Monte" displayed above it and "Carlo" below.

The dull gray metal playfield relies on spring bumpers rather than flippers for ball control, with a yellow lower apron featuring illuminated "Start" and "Finish" windows. Themed around the glamour and risk of gambling, Monte Carlo pairs its flipperless, skill-based play with striking visual flourishes, making it a fascinating example of pre-flipper pinball design. It can be compared to a related, unknown-manufacturer game, the 'Monte Carlo (Mirrored Backbox Model).'