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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:

Torpedo_1976 01 01

Torpedo!!

Torpedo!! was manufactured by Recel and was released 1976-01-01
Top Racer_1976 01 01

Top Racer

Top Racer was manufactured by Recel and was released 1976-01-01
Criterium 75_1975 04 01

Criterium 75

Criterium 75 was manufactured by Recel and was released 1975-04-01
Criterium 75_1975 01 01

Criterium 75

Criterium 75 was manufactured by Recel and was released 1975-01-01
Top Speed_1975 01 01

Top Speed

Top Speed was manufactured by Recel and was released 1975-01-01
Criterium 80_1975 01 01

Criterium 80

Criterium 80 was manufactured by Recel and was released 1975-01-01
Check Mate_1975 01 01

Check Mate

Check Mate was manufactured by Recel and was released 1975-01-01
Criterium 2000_1975 01 01

Criterium 2000

Criterium 2000 was manufactured by Recel and was released 1975-01-01
Check_1975 01 01

Check

Check was manufactured by Recel and was released 1975-01-01
Bang Bang_1974 01 01

Bang! Bang!

Bang! Bang! was manufactured by Recel and was released 1974-01-01