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Grand Prix

gameactive32 mentionsFirst seen Mar 16, 2007Last seen Mar 17, 2026

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Grand Prix is a classic electromechanical pinball game from 1976 that has become a notable entry in the pinball community's EM collection landscape. Known for its high spinner value and minimal strategic depth, it has been owned and played by multiple collectors and enthusiasts including Colin MacAlpine, Joe, and Rob. The game is frequently cited as an accessible introduction to pinball for non-enthusiasts and holds nostalgic significance for players who encountered it in the 1970s arcade era.

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Facts

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Claims (2)

  • factualhigh

    Grand Prix is one of Williams' last EM games

    Source: Nick BaldridgeEpisode 26 - Drop Targets
  • factualmedium

    Grand Prix is the EU market version of NASCAR pinball

    Source: Nick George CampbellDay 1 of THE GETAWAY Battle Week!

Recent Mentions (32)

  • Classic EM pinball machine, Zahler's favorite classic game, features addictive spinner shots and V-shaped playfield artwork

    Dirty Pool Podcast - Ep28 - Jason Zahler - The World's Best Pinball PlayerMar 17, 2026
  • Williams game cited by Nick as example of problematic relay placement near playfield; mentioned in context of wire tearing risk

    Episode 417 - Sing Along playfield tear down, Robo-Frenzy build progress, Bally Shoot-a-Line and Dixieland, Williams Skylab, 1946 Bally Double BarrelMar 14, 2018
  • Williams EM game with spinners and complex mechanics; featured in River City Flippers league; presents maintenance challenges for new EM collectors

    Episode 87 - Interview with Taylor Reese 5-31-15Jun 6, 2015
  • Williams EM game cited as example of their large drop target design; noted as one of Williams' last EMs

    Episode 26 - Drop TargetsApr 6, 2015
  • 1976 Williams electromechanical pinball machine; Adam Godfrey's first EM restoration; subject of detailed discussion covering gameplay, restoration, and design

    Episode 278 - Interview with Adam Godfrey 12-06-15Dec 14, 2015
  • EM game, Scott assembling, three of four hosts own or owned it; criticized for spinner-heavy gameplay

Contradictions

  • Existing: Grand Prix is a 1976 gamevsConflicting: Episode 2 references it as an 'older EM machine' used in Amazing Race finals with a date of 2025-12-22, which is anachronistic and suggests either a dating error or the mention refers to a different entity
    Resolved
    kept_existing · Mar 2, 2026

Related Glossary Terms

No linked glossary terms

Episode 145 – Sling PowerMay 13, 2020
  • Listed as eliminated from finals (not in use for finals play)

    California Extreme 2016 Pinball Tournament FinalsJul 25, 2016
  • 1976 Williams EM pinball machine; shares identical playfield layout with Liberty Bell but with different artwork and scoring

    Episode 362 - 1977 Williams Liberty BellMar 7, 2016
  • Williams EM previously owned by Bruce Nightingale; had ghost-in-machine issues unresolved for months

    Episode 45 – RedemptionJun 1, 2017
  • EM pinball machine with multiple stepper motors requiring maintenance and rebuilding

    Episode 178 - Rebuilding Stepper UnitsSep 5, 2015
  • Classic pinball machine; owned by Zach; experienced issues during Silver Ball Saloon tournament (GI backbox LED failure, chime box failure)

    Episode 72 – PhoenixJan 4, 2018
  • European market variant of Dale Jr./NASCAR; Formula One themed version for Formula One market

    #62 Dale Jr. NASCAR - The Classic Pinball PodcastSep 28, 2021
  • Game at ZapCon classics tournament that had technical issues and was ultimately discontinued from tournament

    Tucson Pinball Podcast – Episode 72 – You Have Much To Learn GrasshopperMar 9, 2024
  • EM machine (~50 years old) used in INDISC 2023 semifinals; features spinners, drop targets, double bonus mechanics, five-ball format

    INDISC 2023 - High Stakes Playoffs - SemifinalsDec 26, 2023
  • Pinball machine selected by Robert in earlier tournament rounds

    INDISC 2023 High Stakes Playoffs - FinalsDec 28, 2023
  • Overseas market version/re-branding of NASCAR game released by Stern

    Stern Pinball Nascar Re-Themed Into Talladega Nights Pinball!Jul 7, 2025
  • Machine in host's collection that was recently repaired after experiencing skipping issues

    SDTM: Ultimate Game of Thrones Pinball Tutorial Part 5Jan 11, 2018
  • Pinball machine; EU market version of NASCAR

    Day 1 of THE GETAWAY Battle Week!Nov 20, 2014
  • Pinball game featured at Free Play Florida tournament; Dominic became fixated on achieving high scores

    #3 - Dominic KacichAug 27, 2020
  • Steve Kordek Williams design (1976); three-inch flipper game; host's second-favorite machine; highly regarded, especially in Portland

    Episode 112 - Electromechanical Designer Crash CourseFeb 23, 2026
  • 1976 Kordek design; over 10,000 units manufactured

    R.i.p. Steve KordekFeb 19, 2012
  • 1970 Williams Electronics Inc. pinball machine featured in F1: The Movie; backglass artwork by Christian Marche with motor sport graphics

    PINSPOTTING EXTRA - F1: THE MOVIEJul 4, 2025
  • Racing pinball table (called NASCAR in some regions), mentioned as superior alternative to Victory

    38 Weeks Old. Next week: BrainsNov 3, 2015
  • EM-era machine (~500 lbs); Jeff jokes about difficulty of death saving it due to weight

    Episode 58 - DEATHSAVESNov 25, 2024
  • EM (electromechanical) game with lightning flippers; example of game with short average ball time (~15 seconds) despite being fun.

    Episode 16 - So You Wanna Buy a Pinball Machine?Feb 5, 2024
  • Classic Williams EM game by Steve Kordak (unverified); Formula One theme; Alex took it home with non-standard lightning flippers installed; example of modification outside standard four games

    Episode 1 - Lightning FlippersOct 23, 2023
  • Classic EM game; cited as accessible entry point for non-pinball enthusiasts

    Episode 299: Erik WurtenbergerMar 10, 2021
  • Electromechanical game Loflin played as teenager in 1970s; stated as personal favorite from that era

    TOPCast 15: James LoflinMar 16, 2007
  • 1976 game newly acquired by Rob; backglass condition 9.9; purchased from marketplace

    A day of Pinball Adventures & I take Barry to his new home!Dec 18, 2025
  • Older EM machine used as first game in Amazing Race finals format

    027 - Pokemon Pinball?Dec 22, 2025
  • Game Joe owned and subsequently sold

    Episode 89 – Hobbits, Leprechauns and Zombies oh my!!Apr 22, 2019
  • Electromechanical spinner game in Colin's collection, high spinner value, minimal strategy

    Episode 52 – How to win Pinburgh with Colin MacAlpineJul 16, 2018