This phrase signifies a specific type of pinball machine themed around the legendary daredevil, Evel Knievel, being offered for purchase. It represents a niche collectible item within the broader pinball market, appealing to both pinball enthusiasts and fans of the iconic stunt performer. A prospective buyer might encounter this phrase in online marketplaces, classified ads, or specialist retailer listings.
Pinball machines based on Evel Knievel’s career hold a unique place in pinball history, reflecting a specific period of popular culture. They offer a tangible connection to a bygone era of daring stunts and American showmanship. Acquiring such a machine provides not only entertainment but also a piece of nostalgia, and can represent a significant investment for collectors. Their value is often tied to the machine’s condition, rarity, and historical significance within the broader context of pinball and popular culture memorabilia.
Further exploration may encompass topics such as the machine’s manufacturer, specific features of the game, variations and editions, valuation and appraisal guides, tips for prospective buyers, and resources for restoration and maintenance.
1. Rarity
Rarity significantly impacts the value and desirability of an Evel Knievel pinball machine on the market. Understanding the factors contributing to rarity provides crucial context for both buyers and sellers. A rarer machine generally commands a higher price due to its limited availability and increased collector interest.
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Production Numbers
The total number of units manufactured directly influences rarity. Lower production numbers inherently create scarcity. Bally Manufacturing Company’s production records can offer insight into the original quantities produced for specific Evel Knievel models. This information helps establish a baseline for understanding relative rarity within the pinball market.
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Special Editions
Limited edition or special release versions contribute significantly to a machine’s rarity. These editions might feature unique artwork, modifications, or enhancements not found in standard models. Identifying a special edition requires careful examination of the machine’s features and documentation. Such distinctions can substantially increase value.
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Survival Rate
The number of machines still in existence plays a crucial role. Pinball machines are susceptible to wear, damage, and disposal over time. A lower survival rate, coupled with limited initial production, further amplifies rarity. Assessing a machine’s condition helps gauge its survival prospects and potential long-term value.
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Market Availability
The frequency with which a specific model appears for sale influences perceived rarity. A machine rarely seen on the market, even if produced in larger numbers, can be considered rare due to its limited availability at any given time. Tracking market trends and auction results provides valuable insights into the actual availability of specific models.
These interconnected factors contribute to the overall rarity of an Evel Knievel pinball machine. Careful consideration of these elements provides a more comprehensive understanding of market value and collector interest. Rarity, combined with condition and functionality, ultimately determines a machine’s desirability and potential investment value.
2. Condition
Condition significantly influences the value and desirability of an Evel Knievel pinball machine offered for sale. A thorough assessment of the machine’s physical state, functionality, and completeness is crucial for both buyers and sellers. Condition directly impacts playability, aesthetic appeal, and long-term investment potential.
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Playfield Wear
The playfield, the surface where the ball rolls, is subject to wear from gameplay. Scratches, dents, and fading can detract from the visual appeal and potentially affect ball movement. Examining the playfield for excessive wear, touch-ups, or significant damage is essential in evaluating condition. Minor wear is expected in older machines, but significant damage can necessitate costly repairs.
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Cabinet Integrity
The cabinet, the machine’s exterior housing, protects the internal components and contributes to the overall aesthetic. Checking for scratches, dents, fading, or evidence of water damage is vital. The cabinet’s structural integrity is also crucial. A warped or damaged cabinet can negatively impact the machine’s stability and functionality.
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Electronics Functionality
The electronic components, including lights, sounds, and scoring mechanisms, contribute significantly to the gameplay experience. Verifying that all electronics function correctly is essential. Malfunctioning lights, sound issues, or scoring errors can detract from enjoyment and indicate potential underlying problems.
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Backglass Condition
The backglass, the decorated glass panel at the back of the machine, is a prominent visual element. Assessing the backglass for scratches, cracks, or fading is crucial. Damage to the backglass can significantly impact the machine’s aesthetic appeal and value. Reproduction backglasses are available, but original, well-preserved backglasses are generally preferred by collectors.
Careful consideration of these condition facets provides a more complete understanding of an Evel Knievel pinball machine’s current state and potential future value. Condition, in conjunction with rarity and provenance, ultimately determines a machine’s desirability within the collector’s market and its overall market price.
3. Functionality
Functionality is paramount when considering an Evel Knievel pinball machine for sale. A fully operational machine provides the intended gameplay experience and significantly impacts its value. Non-functional or partially functional machines often require repairs, affecting their desirability and price. Evaluating functionality requires a systematic assessment of key components and their interplay.
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Flippers
Flippers are essential for controlling the ball’s trajectory and are fundamental to gameplay. Strong, responsive flippers are crucial for skillful play and achieving high scores. Weak or malfunctioning flippers diminish the playing experience and may indicate underlying mechanical or electrical issues. Testing flipper responsiveness and strength is essential during inspection.
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Targets and Switches
Targets and switches trigger scoring, activate features, and advance gameplay. Correct operation of these components ensures proper scoring and activates the various features that make the Evel Knievel machine unique. Malfunctioning targets or switches can lead to inaccurate scoring, diminished gameplay, and frustration. Thoroughly testing all targets and switches is crucial for evaluating functionality.
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Lights and Sounds
Lights and sounds enhance the immersive experience and provide feedback during gameplay. The flashing lights, sound effects, and background music contribute to the overall atmosphere and excitement of the game. Non-functional lights or distorted sounds detract from the experience and may indicate electrical problems. Verifying all lights and sounds function correctly is a key aspect of assessing functionality.
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Display and Scoring
The display shows the score, game information, and often features animations related to Evel Knievel’s stunts. Accurate scoring and a clear, functional display are essential for tracking progress and enjoying the game. A malfunctioning display or inaccurate scoring diminishes the gameplay experience and can indicate underlying electronic issues. Testing the display and scoring system thoroughly is vital.
A comprehensive evaluation of these functional elements provides critical insight into the playability and overall value of an Evel Knievel pinball machine offered for sale. Functionality, combined with condition and rarity, directly influences the machine’s desirability among collectors and its market price. A fully functional machine offers a complete and enjoyable gameplay experience, preserving the legacy of Evel Knievel and the golden age of pinball.
4. Authenticity
Authenticity plays a crucial role in determining the value and collectibility of an Evel Knievel pinball machine. Verifying a machine’s authenticity protects buyers from potential fraud and ensures they are acquiring a genuine piece of pinball and popular culture history. Counterfeit or significantly modified machines often lack the historical significance and value of original Bally-manufactured machines. Therefore, careful examination and verification are essential for establishing authenticity and justifying the investment.
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Manufacturer Identification
Confirming Bally Manufacturing Company as the original manufacturer is fundamental. Bally held the license to produce Evel Knievel-themed pinball machines. Authentic machines will bear Bally markings and manufacturing information, typically located inside the cabinet or on the backbox. Replicas or unlicensed reproductions lack these markings and are significantly less valuable.
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Serial Number Verification
Each Bally pinball machine carries a unique serial number. This number allows verification against production records and helps establish the machine’s production date and authenticity. Matching the serial number to Bally’s official documentation confirms the machine’s legitimacy and provenance. Machines with mismatched or missing serial numbers raise concerns about authenticity.
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Original Parts and Components
Authentic Evel Knievel machines utilize specific parts and components manufactured by Bally. Replacing original parts with aftermarket substitutes can diminish the machine’s value and historical significance. While some replacement parts may be necessary for functionality, preserving as many original components as possible maintains authenticity and collector value. Careful inspection can often reveal replaced parts.
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Documentation and Provenance
Original documentation, such as schematics, manuals, or sales receipts, further supports a machine’s authenticity and provenance. A documented history of ownership and maintenance enhances the machine’s value and provides valuable insights into its past. While not always available, such documentation adds a layer of authenticity and collector appeal. Provenance can be particularly valuable for rare or historically significant machines.
Establishing the authenticity of an Evel Knievel pinball machine is essential for discerning informed buyers and sellers. Verification through manufacturer identification, serial numbers, original components, and documentation protects against fraud and ensures the acquisition of a genuine piece of pinball history. Authenticity directly impacts value and desirability, making it a crucial factor in the collector’s market. A verifiable authentic machine holds its value over time and offers the genuine Evel Knievel pinball experience as intended by Bally.
5. Market Value
Market value represents the estimated price an Evel Knievel pinball machine would command in a sale between a willing buyer and seller. This value fluctuates based on several interconnected factors, reflecting collector demand, market trends, and the machine’s specific attributes. Understanding these influencing factors provides crucial context for both buyers and sellers navigating the specialized market of collectible pinball machines.
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Condition
Condition significantly impacts market value. A pristine, fully functional machine commands a premium, while a machine exhibiting wear, damage, or malfunctioning components experiences a decrease in value. Restoration efforts can improve value, but the extent of restoration and the use of original versus replacement parts influence the final price. A well-documented restoration process using original Bally parts can enhance value, while a poorly executed restoration using aftermarket parts might detract from it.
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Rarity
Rarity directly correlates with market value. Limited production models or special editions, particularly those in good condition, are highly sought after by collectors and command higher prices. Conversely, more common models, especially those with significant wear, are less valuable. The scarcity of specific Evel Knievel models, coupled with their connection to a cultural icon, contributes to their desirability and market value.
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Features and Functionality
Specific features and the machine’s overall functionality influence its market value. Unique gameplay elements, innovative features for the time period, and the presence of all original working components contribute to desirability and a higher potential selling price. Machines with missing parts, modified features, or non-functioning components typically fetch lower prices. The completeness and originality of the Evel Knievel theme also play a role in determining value.
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Provenance and Documentation
A documented history of ownership, maintenance records, and provenance can enhance a machine’s market value. A clear chain of ownership, especially if linked to notable collectors or events, adds to the machine’s story and desirability. Original documentation, such as manuals and schematics, further supports authenticity and can positively influence price. While not always available, provenance adds an element of historical significance that appeals to collectors.
These interconnected factors combine to determine the market value of an Evel Knievel pinball machine at any given time. Understanding these influences allows buyers and sellers to make informed decisions and navigate the market effectively. Ultimately, the final selling price reflects the interplay of these factors within the context of the current collector market and prevailing economic conditions. A thorough understanding of these dynamics is essential for anyone considering buying or selling this piece of pinball and popular culture history.
6. Restoration Needs
Restoration needs represent a crucial aspect of Evel Knievel pinball machines offered for sale. These machines, products of the 1970s, are often subject to decades of wear and tear. The extent of required restoration significantly impacts a machine’s value and playability. Potential buyers must carefully assess these needs, as restoration costs can be substantial and significantly influence the overall investment.
Several factors contribute to restoration needs. Playfield wear, including scratches, dents, and fading, necessitates touch-ups or even complete replacements. Cabinet damage, from scratches and dents to structural issues, requires repair or refinishing. Electronic components, including lights, sounds, and score displays, may malfunction due to age and require specialized repair or replacement. Mechanical parts, such as flippers and targets, can wear down, impacting gameplay and requiring refurbishment. Rubber rings and other wear-prone parts require periodic replacement. Finally, the backglass, a prominent visual element, is susceptible to cracking and fading and may require replacement or professional restoration.
For example, a machine with a severely worn playfield and non-functional electronics represents a significant restoration project, potentially costing thousands of dollars. Conversely, a machine with minor playfield wear and functioning electronics requires minimal restoration, representing a lower overall investment. Assessing restoration needs requires careful examination and, ideally, consultation with experienced pinball technicians. Understanding the scope of necessary repairs allows potential buyers to factor restoration costs into their budget and make informed purchasing decisions. Neglecting restoration needs can lead to further deterioration, diminishing the machine’s value and playability. A thorough evaluation of restoration needs is essential for anyone considering purchasing an Evel Knievel pinball machine, ensuring a satisfying and rewarding ownership experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
This FAQ section addresses common inquiries regarding Evel Knievel pinball machines available for purchase. Understanding these key points assists potential buyers in making informed decisions.
Question 1: How much does an Evel Knievel pinball machine typically cost?
Pricing varies significantly based on condition, rarity, and market demand. Expect to pay several thousand dollars, with exceptionally well-preserved or rare models potentially reaching higher price points. Restoration needs also influence the final cost.
Question 2: Where can one locate an Evel Knievel pinball machine for sale?
Online marketplaces, specialized pinball retailers, auction sites, and classified advertisements represent potential avenues for locating these machines. Networking within pinball enthusiast communities may also yield leads.
Question 3: Are replacement parts readily available for these vintage machines?
While some original Bally parts may be scarce, aftermarket parts and reproduction components are generally available through specialized suppliers. Locating original parts often requires more extensive searching within the pinball community.
Question 4: What are the key considerations when inspecting a machine before purchase?
Thoroughly assess the machine’s condition, including the playfield, cabinet, backglass, and electronic components. Verify functionality of flippers, targets, lights, and sounds. Authenticity should also be verified through manufacturer markings and serial numbers.
Question 5: What are the long-term maintenance requirements for these machines?
Regular cleaning, periodic replacement of rubber parts, and occasional adjustments to mechanical components are typical maintenance requirements. More extensive repairs may be necessary depending on usage and the machine’s age. Developing a relationship with a qualified pinball technician is advisable.
Question 6: Does owning an Evel Knievel pinball machine represent a good investment?
Like any collectible, investment potential depends on various market factors. Well-maintained, authentic Evel Knievel machines, especially rare models, have demonstrated potential for value appreciation over time. However, condition, rarity, and market trends ultimately dictate future value.
Careful consideration of these points should assist prospective buyers in making sound decisions when evaluating Evel Knievel pinball machines for sale. Further research and consultation with experienced collectors are recommended.
This concludes the FAQ section. The next section will delve into the historical context of Evel Knievel pinball machines and their place within pinball history.
Tips for Navigating the Evel Knievel Pinball Machine Market
Successfully navigating the market for these collectible machines requires careful consideration of several key factors. These tips provide guidance for potential buyers, ensuring informed decisions and a positive purchasing experience.
Tip 1: Research Thoroughly: Comprehensive research is paramount. Investigate different models, production numbers, and historical significance. Understanding the specific features and variations of Evel Knievel machines aids in informed decision-making.
Tip 2: Inspect Carefully: Prior to purchase, a detailed inspection is crucial. Assess the machine’s physical condition, including the playfield, cabinet, backglass, and electronic components. Verify the functionality of all gameplay elements, including flippers, targets, lights, and sounds.
Tip 3: Authenticate Diligently: Verify the machine’s authenticity by checking for Bally manufacturer markings and confirming the serial number against official records. Authenticity is paramount for collector value.
Tip 4: Budget Realistically: Establish a realistic budget that encompasses not only the purchase price but also potential restoration and transportation costs. Restoration can represent a significant investment, especially for machines requiring extensive repairs.
Tip 5: Negotiate Strategically: Negotiating the purchase price is standard practice. Research comparable sales to establish a fair market value and negotiate accordingly. Be prepared to walk away if the seller’s asking price significantly exceeds market value or if significant undisclosed issues are discovered during inspection.
Tip 6: Transport Safely: Transporting a pinball machine requires specialized knowledge and equipment. Engage experienced professionals for transportation to avoid damage during transit. Improper handling can cause significant damage, diminishing the machine’s value and playability.
Tip 7: Maintain Regularly: Once acquired, regular maintenance preserves the machine’s functionality and value. Periodic cleaning, replacement of worn parts, and occasional adjustments maintain optimal playing condition and extend the machine’s lifespan. Establish a relationship with a qualified pinball technician for more complex repairs.
Adhering to these tips provides increased confidence in navigating the Evel Knievel pinball machine market. Careful research, thorough inspection, and realistic budgeting contribute to a satisfying purchasing experience and the acquisition of a cherished piece of pinball and popular culture history.
The following section concludes this exploration, offering final thoughts on the enduring legacy of Evel Knievel and his namesake pinball machines.
Conclusion
Exploring the market for Evel Knievel pinball machines offered for sale reveals a multifaceted landscape where condition, rarity, functionality, and authenticity converge to determine value. Potential buyers must carefully evaluate these interconnected factors, recognizing that restoration needs can significantly influence the overall investment. The machine’s historical context as a product of Bally Manufacturing in the 1970s, coupled with its connection to a cultural icon, underscores its unique position within the collectible pinball market.
The enduring appeal of Evel Knievel pinball machines transcends mere entertainment. These machines represent tangible links to a bygone era of daredevil stunts and American showmanship. Acquiring such a machine offers not just a game but a piece of history, a testament to the enduring legacy of Evel Knievel. The continued interest in these machines ensures their place within the vibrant tapestry of pinball collecting for years to come. Diligent research and careful consideration remain paramount for those seeking to acquire and preserve these pieces of pinball and popular culture history.
