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A little history on Recel

Recel was a Spanish pinball manufacturer that operated primarily during the 1970s and early 1980s. The company was one of the leading producers of pinball machines in Spain, emerging during a period when the country had strict import restrictions that limited the availability of American-made games. This protectionist environment allowed Spanish companies like Recel to thrive by producing their own pinball machines, often inspired by the styles and mechanics of American manufacturers like Bally and Williams.

Recel became known for its electromechanical (EM) and early solid-state (SS) pinball machines, with popular titles such as Mr. Doom (1979), Fair Fight (1979), and Atleta (1978). Their machines often featured colorful artwork, innovative playfield designs, and gameplay that was competitive with American counterparts. As Spain’s import restrictions eased and competition from larger international manufacturers increased, Recel struggled to maintain its market share. By the early 1980s, the company had faded from the pinball industry, but its contributions remain a key part of Spain’s pinball history, reflecting the era when regional manufacturers flourished due to unique economic conditions.

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Pinballs:

Mr

Mr. Evil

Mr. Evil was manufactured by Recel and was released 1978-01-01
Sea Scare_1978 01 01

Sea Scare

Sea Scare was manufactured by Recel and was released 1978-01-01
Icarus_1977 09 01

Icarus

Icarus was manufactured by Recel and was released 1977-09-01
Space Race_1977 01 04

Space Race

Space Race was manufactured by Recel and was released 1977-01-04
Poker Plus EM_1977 01 01

Poker Plus (EM)

Poker Plus (EM) was manufactured by Recel and was released 1977-01-01
Master Stroke_1977 01 01

Master Stroke

Master Stroke was manufactured by Recel and was released 1977-01-01
Twin Gain_1977 01 01

Twin-Gain

Twin-Gain was manufactured by Recel and was released 1977-01-01
Underwater_1976 06 01

Underwater

Underwater was manufactured by Recel and was released 1976-06-01
Fortune_1976 01 01

Fortune

Fortune was manufactured by Recel and was released 1976-01-01
Lady Luck_1976 01 01

Lady Luck

Lady Luck was manufactured by Recel and was released 1976-01-01