Ford will have an unusual debut at the Chicago Auto Show this week. In addition to the best and brightest new cars, Ford and Chicago-based Stern Pinball will unveil a trio of new pinball games inspired by Mustangs old and new. This unique collision of American pop-culture icons is a part of the Mustang’s ongoing 50th anniversary celebration.
The three new Mustang games feature Mustang-themed artwork on the cabinet and backboard. The arcade-style games are “pro-level,” intended for public space use, and feature images of the Mustang Boss 302, Boss 351 and Boss 429, both the 1969-71 and the 2012-13 models. A limited-edition game also features the original 1965 and all-new 2015 models. Chrome Mustang badges decorate the speaker grilles. The games include interactive playfield sections and many automotive themes, including “gear shifts” that react to specific targets and real Mustang sound effects. Mustangs and pinball machines have teamed up in the past; in fact the original Mustang was featured on a Chicago Coin Company pinball machine in 1964.
“The first car I ever bought was a 1970 Mustang Sportroof with a 302, and I’m currently restoring a 1969 Mach 1,” said George Gomez, executive vice president for game design at Stern Pinball. “In designing these new games, we wanted to celebrate the freedom and fun of driving Mustang.”
Stern is not the only company licensed to help the Mustang celebrate 50 years. Mattel has a 50 Years of Mustang Hot Wheels collection available. Caddyshack is featuring a limited-edition Mustang golf cart, and Berg has produced a Mustang GT pedal car.
