The key’s on the left, but the plunger is still on the right. This extremely rare Checkpoint Redline pinball cabinet, built in 1991 by Data East, is one of those pieces of Porsche ephemera that every p-car fanatic really needs for their totally rad collection. It’s not easy to find one of these in working order, and while this example has been lightly restored, it is still all-original. I can’t stress enough just how amazing it is to even see one in this kind of shape, let alone with an opportunity to buy it. Only about 3500 units of this machine were built in 1991, and who knows how many of those have been beat up beyond recognition.
Real pinball heads will know that this was the first cabinet design to feature a dot-matrix digital readout, and the first to include a radar speed detector in the ball launching chute. It’s a simple two flipper, triple pop-bumper, roll-under spinner cabinet with one 4-bank, one 3-bank, and one single drop target. If you know your cabinets, you want this one. If you know your Porsches, you want this one. If you know both, you’re as nerdy as I am.
Porsche-Themed ‘Checkpoint’ Pinball Cabinet For Sale On eBay
This thing is Porsche-littered from top to bottom with P-car motif around every corner, and enough small details that will keep you finding new things to enjoy about it every time you play. The 911 on the back glass is a weird piece, as it has traditional upright fenders and headlamps, but the side inlets, boxed rockers, and rear wing of an M506 911 Turbo slantnose. As I recall, a small segment of Sunderwunsch 911 Turbos were outfitted this way for the Japanese market, which makes sense as Data East is a Japanese company. The Speedster is much more traditional, but still oh so beautiful. Inside the playfield, you’ll see Fuchs-style wheels, a tachometer, a 1:64th 911 hanging out on the right side, and the tally keeper spells out CARRERA.
This particular piece is available out of Seattle from 80s and 90s era auction site Rad For Sale. In the interest of full disclosuer, I am a co-founder of Radwood, as well as Rad For Sale. Bidding has already started and is, as of this writing, sitting at $750. I’ve only seen a small handful of these sell in the last decade, but when they do, they’re usually well into the four-figures. It’ll take a few bids to get this one where it should be, so get to it Porsche people!
From the auction listing:
There is something special about the tactical feedback a pinball machine provides. Controlling the ball with the flippers and slamming in a combo is rewarding on most machines, however this Porsche themed, RADwood Era machine will surely scratch that nostalgia itch and add super RAD vibes to any room!
Restored in 2019, this 1991 Data East “Checkpoint” pinball machine is in excellent, fully functional condition. This innovative machine was the first to use a dot matrix display, which has been replaced with a new unit. The game features 911’s, 356’s, and a Testarossa, although you are clearly rallying a 911, as there is an ignition key (start) on the left side of the cabinet.
Other features include a cool “spinning Fuchs” wheel in the game title on the back box, shaker motor, and choice of music play. Recent restoration included LED lighting and new old stock back glass.
Stoke your customers out with this automotive themed cabinet in any waiting area or be the envy of your friends and add this to you home or (wo)man cave!
The machine comes with authentic Porsche keychain and original Data East manual. Happy bidding!
