This phrase signifies a particular kind of pinball machine themed across the legendary daredevil, Evel Knievel, being provided for buy. It represents a distinct segment collectible merchandise throughout the broader pinball market, interesting to each pinball lovers and followers of the enduring stunt performer. A potential purchaser would possibly encounter this phrase in on-line marketplaces, categorised advertisements, or specialist retailer listings.
Pinball machines based mostly on Evel Knievel’s profession maintain a novel place in pinball historical past, reflecting a particular interval of common tradition. They provide a tangible connection to a bygone period of daring stunts and American showmanship. Buying such a machine supplies not solely leisure but additionally a bit of nostalgia, and might symbolize a major funding for collectors. Their worth is usually tied to the machine’s situation, rarity, and historic significance throughout the broader context of pinball and common tradition memorabilia.
Additional exploration could embody subjects such because the machine’s producer, particular options of the sport, variations and editions, valuation and appraisal guides, suggestions for potential consumers, and sources for restoration and upkeep.
1. Rarity
Rarity considerably impacts the worth and desirability of an Evel Knievel pinball machine in the marketplace. Understanding the elements contributing to rarity supplies essential context for each consumers and sellers. A rarer machine typically instructions a better value as a result of its restricted availability and elevated collector curiosity.
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Manufacturing Numbers
The full variety of items manufactured instantly influences rarity. Decrease manufacturing numbers inherently create shortage. Bally Manufacturing Firm’s manufacturing data can provide perception into the unique portions produced for particular Evel Knievel fashions. This info helps set up a baseline for understanding relative rarity throughout the pinball market.
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Particular Editions
Restricted version or particular launch variations contribute considerably to a machine’s rarity. These editions would possibly function distinctive paintings, modifications, or enhancements not present in commonplace fashions. Figuring out a particular version requires cautious examination of the machine’s options and documentation. Such distinctions can considerably enhance worth.
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Survival Fee
The variety of machines nonetheless in existence performs a vital position. Pinball machines are inclined to put on, injury, and disposal over time. A decrease survival charge, coupled with restricted preliminary manufacturing, additional amplifies rarity. Assessing a machine’s situation helps gauge its survival prospects and potential long-term worth.
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Market Availability
The frequency with which a particular mannequin seems on the market influences perceived rarity. A machine hardly ever seen in the marketplace, even when produced in bigger numbers, may be thought of uncommon as a result of its restricted availability at any given time. Monitoring market developments and public sale outcomes supplies invaluable insights into the precise availability of particular fashions.
These interconnected elements contribute to the general rarity of an Evel Knievel pinball machine. Cautious consideration of those components supplies a extra complete understanding of market worth and collector curiosity. Rarity, mixed with situation and performance, in the end determines a machine’s desirability and potential funding worth.
2. Situation
Situation considerably influences the worth and desirability of an Evel Knievel pinball machine provided on the market. A radical evaluation of the machine’s bodily state, performance, and completeness is essential for each consumers and sellers. Situation instantly impacts playability, aesthetic enchantment, and long-term funding potential.
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Playfield Put on
The playfield, the floor the place the ball rolls, is topic to put on from gameplay. Scratches, dents, and fading can detract from the visible enchantment and probably have an effect on ball motion. Analyzing the playfield for extreme put on, touch-ups, or vital injury is crucial in evaluating situation. Minor put on is anticipated in older machines, however vital injury can necessitate expensive repairs.
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Cupboard Integrity
The cupboard, the machine’s exterior housing, protects the interior elements and contributes to the general aesthetic. Checking for scratches, dents, fading, or proof of water injury is significant. The cupboard’s structural integrity can be essential. A warped or broken cupboard can negatively impression the machine’s stability and performance.
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Electronics Performance
The digital elements, together with lights, sounds, and scoring mechanisms, contribute considerably to the gameplay expertise. Verifying that every one electronics operate accurately is crucial. Malfunctioning lights, sound points, or scoring errors can detract from enjoyment and point out potential underlying issues.
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Backglass Situation
The backglass, the adorned glass panel behind the machine, is a distinguished visible ingredient. Assessing the backglass for scratches, cracks, or fading is essential. Harm to the backglass can considerably impression the machine’s aesthetic enchantment and worth. Replica backglasses can be found, however authentic, well-preserved backglasses are typically most well-liked by collectors.
Cautious consideration of those situation sides supplies a extra full understanding of an Evel Knievel pinball machine’s present state and potential future worth. Situation, together with rarity and provenance, in the end determines a machine’s desirability throughout the collector’s market and its general market value.
3. Performance
Performance is paramount when contemplating an Evel Knievel pinball machine on the market. A completely operational machine supplies the supposed gameplay expertise and considerably impacts its worth. Non-functional or partially practical machines usually require repairs, affecting their desirability and value. Evaluating performance requires a scientific evaluation of key elements and their interaction.
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Flippers
Flippers are important for controlling the ball’s trajectory and are basic to gameplay. Robust, responsive flippers are essential for skillful play and reaching excessive scores. Weak or malfunctioning flippers diminish the enjoying expertise and will point out underlying mechanical or electrical points. Testing flipper responsiveness and energy is crucial throughout inspection.
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Targets and Switches
Targets and switches set off scoring, activate options, and advance gameplay. Appropriate operation of those elements ensures correct scoring and prompts the assorted options that make the Evel Knievel machine distinctive. Malfunctioning targets or switches can result in inaccurate scoring, diminished gameplay, and frustration. Completely testing all targets and switches is essential for evaluating performance.
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Lights and Sounds
Lights and sounds improve the immersive expertise and supply suggestions throughout gameplay. The flashing lights, sound results, and background music contribute to the general environment and pleasure of the sport. Non-functional lights or distorted sounds detract from the expertise and will point out electrical issues. Verifying all lights and sounds operate accurately is a key side of assessing performance.
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Show and Scoring
The show exhibits the rating, recreation info, and infrequently options animations associated to Evel Knievel’s stunts. Correct scoring and a transparent, practical show are important for monitoring progress and having fun with the sport. A malfunctioning show or inaccurate scoring diminishes the gameplay expertise and might point out underlying digital points. Testing the show and scoring system completely is significant.
A complete analysis of those practical components supplies crucial perception into the playability and general worth of an Evel Knievel pinball machine provided on the market. Performance, mixed with situation and rarity, instantly influences the machine’s desirability amongst collectors and its market value. A completely practical machine affords an entire and pleasant gameplay expertise, preserving the legacy of Evel Knievel and the golden age of pinball.
4. Authenticity
Authenticity performs a vital position in figuring out the worth and collectibility of an Evel Knievel pinball machine. Verifying a machine’s authenticity protects consumers from potential fraud and ensures they’re buying a real piece of pinball and common tradition historical past. Counterfeit or considerably modified machines usually lack the historic significance and worth of authentic Bally-manufactured machines. Due to this fact, cautious examination and verification are important for establishing authenticity and justifying the funding.
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Producer Identification
Confirming Bally Manufacturing Firm as the unique producer is key. Bally held the license to provide Evel Knievel-themed pinball machines. Genuine machines will bear Bally markings and manufacturing info, usually situated inside the cupboard or on the backbox. Replicas or unlicensed reproductions lack these markings and are considerably much less invaluable.
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Serial Quantity Verification
Every Bally pinball machine carries a novel serial quantity. This quantity permits verification in opposition to manufacturing data and helps set up the machine’s manufacturing date and authenticity. Matching the serial quantity to Bally’s official documentation confirms the machine’s legitimacy and provenance. Machines with mismatched or lacking serial numbers increase considerations about authenticity.
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Unique Elements and Elements
Genuine Evel Knievel machines make the most of particular elements and elements manufactured by Bally. Changing authentic elements with aftermarket substitutes can diminish the machine’s worth and historic significance. Whereas some alternative elements could also be needed for performance, preserving as many authentic elements as doable maintains authenticity and collector worth. Cautious inspection can usually reveal changed elements.
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Documentation and Provenance
Unique documentation, resembling schematics, manuals, or gross sales receipts, additional helps a machine’s authenticity and provenance. A documented historical past of possession and upkeep enhances the machine’s worth and supplies invaluable insights into its previous. Whereas not at all times accessible, such documentation provides a layer of authenticity and collector enchantment. Provenance may be significantly invaluable for uncommon or traditionally vital machines.
Establishing the authenticity of an Evel Knievel pinball machine is crucial for discerning knowledgeable consumers and sellers. Verification via producer identification, serial numbers, authentic elements, and documentation protects in opposition to fraud and ensures the acquisition of a real piece of pinball historical past. Authenticity instantly impacts worth and desirability, making it a vital issue within the collector’s market. A verifiable genuine machine holds its worth over time and affords the real Evel Knievel pinball expertise as supposed by Bally.
5. Market Worth
Market worth represents the estimated value an Evel Knievel pinball machine would command in a sale between a prepared purchaser and vendor. This worth fluctuates based mostly on a number of interconnected elements, reflecting collector demand, market developments, and the machine’s particular attributes. Understanding these influencing elements supplies essential context for each consumers and sellers navigating the specialised market of collectible pinball machines.
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Situation
Situation considerably impacts market worth. A pristine, absolutely practical machine instructions a premium, whereas a machine exhibiting put on, injury, or malfunctioning elements experiences a lower in worth. Restoration efforts can enhance worth, however the extent of restoration and using authentic versus alternative elements affect the ultimate value. A well-documented restoration course of utilizing authentic Bally elements can improve worth, whereas a poorly executed restoration utilizing aftermarket elements would possibly detract from it.
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Rarity
Rarity instantly correlates with market worth. Restricted manufacturing fashions or particular editions, significantly these in good situation, are extremely wanted by collectors and command increased costs. Conversely, extra frequent fashions, particularly these with vital put on, are much less invaluable. The shortage of particular Evel Knievel fashions, coupled with their connection to a cultural icon, contributes to their desirability and market worth.
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Options and Performance
Particular options and the machine’s general performance affect its market worth. Distinctive gameplay components, progressive options for the time interval, and the presence of all authentic working elements contribute to desirability and a better potential promoting value. Machines with lacking elements, modified options, or non-functioning elements usually fetch decrease costs. The completeness and originality of the Evel Knievel theme additionally play a job in figuring out worth.
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Provenance and Documentation
A documented historical past of possession, upkeep data, and provenance can improve a machine’s market worth. A transparent chain of possession, particularly if linked to notable collectors or occasions, provides to the machine’s story and desirability. Unique documentation, resembling manuals and schematics, additional helps authenticity and might positively affect value. Whereas not at all times accessible, provenance provides a component of historic significance that appeals to collectors.
These interconnected elements mix to find out the market worth of an Evel Knievel pinball machine at any given time. Understanding these influences permits consumers and sellers to make knowledgeable choices and navigate the market successfully. Finally, the ultimate promoting value displays the interaction of those elements throughout the context of the present collector market and prevailing financial situations. A radical understanding of those dynamics is crucial for anybody contemplating shopping for or promoting this piece of pinball and common tradition historical past.
6. Restoration Wants
Restoration wants symbolize a vital side of Evel Knievel pinball machines provided on the market. These machines, merchandise of the Seventies, are sometimes topic to a long time of wear and tear and tear. The extent of required restoration considerably impacts a machine’s worth and playability. Potential consumers should rigorously assess these wants, as restoration prices may be substantial and considerably affect the general funding.
A number of elements contribute to restoration wants. Playfield put on, together with scratches, dents, and fading, necessitates touch-ups and even full replacements. Cupboard injury, from scratches and dents to structural points, requires restore or refinishing. Digital elements, together with lights, sounds, and rating shows, could malfunction as a result of age and require specialised restore or alternative. Mechanical elements, resembling flippers and targets, can put on down, impacting gameplay and requiring refurbishment. Rubber rings and different wear-prone elements require periodic alternative. Lastly, the backglass, a distinguished visible ingredient, is inclined to cracking and fading and will require alternative or skilled restoration.
For instance, a machine with a severely worn playfield and non-functional electronics represents a major restoration mission, probably costing 1000’s of {dollars}. Conversely, a machine with minor playfield put on and functioning electronics requires minimal restoration, representing a decrease general funding. Assessing restoration wants requires cautious examination and, ideally, session with skilled pinball technicians. Understanding the scope of needed repairs permits potential consumers to issue restoration prices into their finances and make knowledgeable buying choices. Neglecting restoration wants can result in additional deterioration, diminishing the machine’s worth and playability. A radical analysis of restoration wants is crucial for anybody contemplating buying an Evel Knievel pinball machine, making certain a satisfying and rewarding possession expertise.
Regularly Requested Questions
This FAQ part addresses frequent inquiries concerning Evel Knievel pinball machines accessible for buy. Understanding these key factors assists potential consumers in making knowledgeable choices.
Query 1: How a lot does an Evel Knievel pinball machine usually price?
Pricing varies considerably based mostly on situation, rarity, and market demand. Count on to pay a number of thousand {dollars}, with exceptionally well-preserved or uncommon fashions probably reaching increased value factors. Restoration wants additionally affect the ultimate price.
Query 2: The place can one find an Evel Knievel pinball machine on the market?
On-line marketplaces, specialised pinball retailers, public sale websites, and categorised commercials symbolize potential avenues for finding these machines. Networking inside pinball fanatic communities might also yield leads.
Query 3: Are alternative elements available for these classic machines?
Whereas some authentic Bally elements could also be scarce, aftermarket elements and copy elements are typically accessible via specialised suppliers. Finding authentic elements usually requires extra in depth looking out throughout the pinball neighborhood.
Query 4: What are the important thing concerns when inspecting a machine earlier than buy?
Completely assess the machine’s situation, together with the playfield, cupboard, backglass, and digital elements. Confirm performance of flippers, targets, lights, and sounds. Authenticity also needs to be verified via producer markings and serial numbers.
Query 5: What are the long-term upkeep necessities for these machines?
Common cleansing, periodic alternative of rubber elements, and occasional changes to mechanical elements are typical upkeep necessities. Extra in depth repairs could also be needed relying on utilization and the machine’s age. Growing a relationship with a professional pinball technician is advisable.
Query 6: Does proudly owning an Evel Knievel pinball machine symbolize an excellent funding?
Like all collectible, funding potential is dependent upon numerous market elements. Effectively-maintained, genuine Evel Knievel machines, particularly uncommon fashions, have demonstrated potential for worth appreciation over time. Nevertheless, situation, rarity, and market developments in the end dictate future worth.
Cautious consideration of those factors ought to help potential consumers in making sound choices when evaluating Evel Knievel pinball machines on the market. Additional analysis and session with skilled collectors are really helpful.
This concludes the FAQ part. The subsequent part will delve into the historic context of Evel Knievel pinball machines and their place inside pinball historical past.
Suggestions for Navigating the Evel Knievel Pinball Machine Market
Efficiently navigating the marketplace for these collectible machines requires cautious consideration of a number of key elements. The following tips present steering for potential consumers, making certain knowledgeable choices and a constructive buying expertise.
Tip 1: Analysis Completely: Complete analysis is paramount. Examine totally different fashions, manufacturing numbers, and historic significance. Understanding the precise options and variations of Evel Knievel machines aids in knowledgeable decision-making.
Tip 2: Examine Rigorously: Prior to buy, an in depth inspection is essential. Assess the machine’s bodily situation, together with the playfield, cupboard, backglass, and digital elements. Confirm the performance of all gameplay components, together with flippers, targets, lights, and sounds.
Tip 3: Authenticate Diligently: Confirm the machine’s authenticity by checking for Bally producer markings and confirming the serial quantity in opposition to official data. Authenticity is paramount for collector worth.
Tip 4: Funds Realistically: Set up a practical finances that encompasses not solely the acquisition value but additionally potential restoration and transportation prices. Restoration can symbolize a major funding, particularly for machines requiring in depth repairs.
Tip 5: Negotiate Strategically: Negotiating the acquisition value is commonplace observe. Analysis comparable gross sales to ascertain a good market worth and negotiate accordingly. Be ready to stroll away if the vendor’s asking value considerably exceeds market worth or if vital undisclosed points are found throughout inspection.
Tip 6: Transport Safely: Transporting a pinball machine requires specialised data and gear. Have interaction skilled professionals for transportation to keep away from injury throughout transit. Improper dealing with could cause vital injury, diminishing the machine’s worth and playability.
Tip 7: Preserve Usually: As soon as acquired, common upkeep preserves the machine’s performance and worth. Periodic cleansing, alternative of worn elements, and occasional changes keep optimum enjoying situation and prolong the machine’s lifespan. Set up a relationship with a professional pinball technician for extra advanced repairs.
Adhering to those suggestions supplies elevated confidence in navigating the Evel Knievel pinball machine market. Cautious analysis, thorough inspection, and real looking budgeting contribute to a satisfying buying expertise and the acquisition of a cherished piece of pinball and common tradition historical past.
The next part concludes this exploration, providing closing ideas on the enduring legacy of Evel Knievel and his namesake pinball machines.
Conclusion
Exploring the marketplace for Evel Knievel pinball machines provided on the market reveals a multifaceted panorama the place situation, rarity, performance, and authenticity converge to find out worth. Potential consumers should rigorously consider these interconnected elements, recognizing that restoration wants can considerably affect the general funding. The machine’s historic context as a product of Bally Manufacturing within the Seventies, coupled with its connection to a cultural icon, underscores its distinctive place throughout the collectible pinball market.
The enduring enchantment of Evel Knievel pinball machines transcends mere leisure. These machines symbolize tangible hyperlinks to a bygone period of daredevil stunts and American showmanship. Buying such a machine affords not only a recreation however a bit of historical past, a testomony to the enduring legacy of Evel Knievel. The continued curiosity in these machines ensures their place throughout the vibrant tapestry of pinball accumulating for years to come back. Diligent analysis and cautious consideration stay paramount for these in search of to accumulate and protect these items of pinball and common tradition historical past.
