Machine Description

Cross Country, released by D. Gottlieb & Co. in 1963, represents a classic example of early 1960s electro-mechanical pinball design. The machine capitalized on America's growing fascination with road trips and interstate travel during the golden age of the automobile, a theme that resonated strongly with players during this era of American optimism and mobility.

The playfield design featured a travel-themed layout with various scoring targets and bumpers representing different destinations and roadside attractions across America. Like most electro-mechanical machines of its time, Cross Country utilized mechanical score reels, chimes, and bells to create its atmosphere. The art package likely featured classic Americana imagery with highways, cars, and scenic landscapes that were characteristic of the period.

As an electro-mechanical pinball machine from the early 1960s, Cross Country would have featured the reliable mechanical systems that Gottlieb was famous for, including their distinctive pop bumpers and target mechanisms. While not as complex as later solid-state games, these mechanical marvels required precise engineering and craftsmanship to ensure reliable operation. The game's enduring appeal lies in its representation of a significant period in both American culture and pinball history.