Expert: Rodger Knutson - 4/3/2008

Question
I saw your site and thought you could help. We have a Gottlieb pinball machine. It is called crosstown and has the opening subway doors. It has sat in our gameroom, covered for over 15 years. One time when we played it, it tilted, and then shut off. It has not been played since. (15 years). We have had it for over 20 years. It is in excellent condition, the paint is still vibrant, the back glass and colors all great condition. The bumpers, I think that is what you call them, look new with no cracks. When we did play it, the balls bounced very well when they hit them and all the lights and bells worked. We have the original schematics to the machine, as well as the key to the back of the unit. Our boys are grown and gone, and we are down sizing. We are going to sell it, but our research has different values, so unsure of an asking price. One guy offered $600, but that seems low. We saw a pinball machine in an antique store and they were asking over $1,500. Could you give us an idea of a fair price to ask? We live in the central valley in California (Visalia) located between Fresno and Bakersfield. Thanks!!

Answer
Julie,
The following person would like to talk to you, his e-mail and question are below, Rodger:
Hi Rodger and thanks,

The response to her:

Hi,

I saw your question to all experts and I would be interested in buying your crosstown pinball machine.  It is the first machine I played (at the corner candy store) and I miss the old style pinball machines in general.  If you could e-mail me back I would like to discuss it, if the machine is still available.

Gordon Appel
g.appel@amainternational.net

Hi Julie,
Ohhhh Baby what a nice pinball game! Gottlieb Cross Town made in the year of 1966, September I think they came out. It's a one player game and Gottlieb made 2,765 of these units. The 2007 Pinball list and price guide shows it average "very good condition" value at $1,200.00. Now something to remember here, these games don't trade everyday, there hot games right now and if you have a super nice complete working game I would stare much higher. Value guides are just that, guides, and prices and values change all the time. It might be worth it to have it fixed as it sounds link a very nice pinball machine.
I hope this helps you.
Sincerely
Rodger Knutson