Fandango

Bally's Fandango, released in 1976, represents one of the last electro-mechanical pinball machines produced during the twilight years of the EM era, just before the industry's transition to solid-state electronics. The machine captures the vibrant spirit of Spanish and Latin American dance culture, with artwork and themes celebrating the fandango dance style.

The machine featured classic EM gameplay elements including pop bumpers, drop targets, and spinning targets, all synchronized through complex mechanical relay systems. The playfield layout was designed to create flowing shot patterns that mimicked dance movements, with players attempting to complete various dance-themed sequences for higher scores. The backglass artwork typically displayed dancers in traditional costumes, contributing to the machine's festive atmosphere.

Fandango came at an interesting historical moment in pinball history, as manufacturers were preparing for the upcoming solid-state revolution. While not as well-known as some other Bally titles of the era, Fandango represents an important piece of pinball history as one of the final examples of pure electro-mechanical engineering in pinball design. Production numbers were relatively modest, making surviving examples increasingly valuable to collectors who appreciate the craftsmanship of the EM era.