Machine Description

Night Rider, released by Bally in 1976, emerged during a pivotal time in pinball history - the twilight years of the electro-mechanical era. The machine capitalized on the massive popularity of custom van culture and CB radio craze of the mid-1970s, themes that resonated strongly with the American zeitgeist of the period.

The playfield design featured a distinctive open road theme with custom van artwork that epitomized 1970s style. As one of Bally's last electro-mechanical machines before the transition to solid-state electronics, Night Rider represented the pinnacle of mechanical pinball engineering. The game incorporated innovative mechanical features including a special 'van' target bank and multiple rollover lanes that simulated driving down a highway.

Production numbers for Night Rider were substantial for its era, with approximately 10,000 units manufactured. The game found particular success in venues that catered to the trucker and van enthusiast culture of the time. Its theme and artwork by Dave Christensen perfectly captured the freedom-loving spirit of 1970s road culture, making it a historically significant piece that documents this unique period in American popular culture.

Today, Night Rider is considered a highly collectible classic that represents the end of an era in pinball design. Its blend of Americana, mechanical sophistication, and cultural relevance makes it a sought-after machine among collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate both its historical significance and engaging gameplay.