Christian Tabart

Christian Tabart, trading as Christian Automatic, was a French pinball manufacturer and designer based in Montgeron active from 1984–1986 who specialized in conversion kits that re‑themed Gottlieb machines with original artwork, revised playfields and updated rule sets to offer creative, localized pinball content during a period of declining new production in Europe. The company released three known conversions—Sahara Love (based on Gottlieb’s Sinbad), Le Grand 8 (based on Panthera), and L’Hexagone (based on Genie)—produced in modest runs (roughly 100–150 units), notable for hand‑drawn art, occasional wide‑body layouts and collaborations with Italian artisans on cabinets, electronics and artwork. Today Christian Tabart machines remain sought after by collectors and pinball enthusiasts for their inventive re‑theming, distinctive French style and important place in 1980s European pinball history.