Machine Description

Gottlieb's 'Champ' pinball machine, released in 1954, embodied the golden age of electro-mechanical pinball design during the post-war boom period. As America's fascination with sports and competition reached new heights in the 1950s, 'Champ' capitalized on this cultural zeitgeist with its boxing and athletic theme.

The machine featured classic 1950s pinball design elements, including the signature Gottlieb wedgehead cabinet style and vibrant art package celebrating athletic achievement. Its playfield layout emphasized skill shots and precision timing, incorporating standup targets, pop bumpers, and the traditional scoring elements of the era. The simple yet engaging ruleset was characteristic of early electro-mechanical games, focusing on achieving high scores through consistent play rather than complex mission structures.

While not as widely recognized as some other Gottlieb titles of the period, 'Champ' represented the company's commitment to quality manufacturing and reliable mechanical engineering. The machine helped establish many of the fundamental pinball design principles that would influence games for decades to come. Production numbers are estimated to be moderate for the era, with surviving examples now considered collectible pieces that showcase the craftsmanship of 1950s pinball manufacturing.