Australian Pinball: The Hankin Story

Note: This is a guest post from Stephen Smith, who we had the pleasure of speaking with in early 2023 about one of the gems of his collection, Hankin's Empire Strikes Back. The five Hankin Pinballs games mentioned in this article will be on exhibition at the 2024 Pinball Expo in Chicago.
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The Emergence of Hankin Pinball

A Hankin & Co was formed in 1955 by Alec Hankin, a pioneering figure in the Australian amusement industry. Alec began his venture by operating amusement games in the Newcastle area, north of Sydney, New South Wales, establishing a foundation that would eventually lead to the creation of one of Australia's most iconic pinball companies. As the business grew, Alec’s sons, Peter and David, joined the company, and by 1965, they had opened their first amusement centre. Over time, Hankin expanded its footprint, establishing centres across Eastern Australia. When Alec passed away in 1974, he left behind a legacy that his sons would carry forward, culminating in the creation of Hankin Pinball.

David Hankin: The Visionary Behind Hankin Pinballs

In 1978, David Hankin launched Hankin Pinball with a bold vision of producing high-quality pinball machines that would stand out in both the Australian and international markets. At a time when the pinball industry was dominated by a few major players, Hankin’s entry was ambitious, to say the least. He brought together a team of skilled engineers, designers, and artists—many of whom were local talents, including the son of the local bank manager, who became a major designer for the company. 

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As the founder and driving force of Hankin Pinball, David Hankin was instrumental in creating some of the most iconic Australian-made pinball machines, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of arcade gaming. His vision, entrepreneurial spirit, and dedication to quality helped establish Hankin Pinball as a significant player in the global pinball market, even if only for a brief period.

Meeting David Hankin

My wife and I had the pleasure of meeting David Hankin earlier this year, where he shared invaluable insights into the Hankin story. He clarified that contrary to popular belief, only five Hankin pinball machines were ever produced, with much lower production numbers than previously reported. The five titles —Orbit 1, FJ Holden, Dennis Lillee’s Howzat, Shark and Empire Strikes Back—had a combined production total of approximately 1,300 units. As David humorously remarked, "If there were as many produced as reported, we would still be making them." David also debunked the myth of Hankin producing conversion kits, specifically for the 1978 titles Dark Rider and Liquid Lightning, which were not Hankin products.

Iconic Machines and Their Impact

One of Hankin Pinball Australia's most iconic contributions to the pinball world was its range of original machines, each designed with unique themes and gameplay mechanics.  

Orbit1 

Their first machine, Orbit1, released in 1978 and production run of ≈ 200, holds sentimental value as it shares its name with the Hankin Amusement Centres—a tribute to Alec Hankin’s legacy. Collectors with an interest in space-themed titles have tried seeking out this machine to complement their collection. Orbit1 features a classic space theme with vibrant artwork and mechanical sounds. 

FJ Holden 

Also in 1978, FJ Holden followed, with a production run of ≈ 200. The pinball resonated deeply with Australians, featuring the iconic FJ Holden car, a symbol of national pride and is often featured in movies, music and vintage car collections. The pinball even played the beloved Aussie anthem "Come on Aussie, come on," a song that still reverberates at sporting events today. 

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Dennis Lilliee’s Howzat

Dennis Lillee’s Howzat, released in 1980 and a production run of ≈ 350, brought the excitement of cricket to the pinball world. Named after the legendary Australian fast bowler Dennis Lillee, the machine captures the excitement and spirit of cricket, blending it with the fast-paced action of pinball. It features cricket-themed gameplay where players aim to score runs and take wickets and is a popular collector’s item for any cricket fan. This was the first wide body game made by Hankin. 

When we asked David the background for Howzat, he said that his accountant was also the accountant for Dennis Lillie and that is how they met and discussed the concept. Dennis was eager for the pinball to be made and in return David gave him one of the first ones off the production line.

Shark

The Shark pinball machine, also released in 1980 had a production run of ≈ 200. It is a classic wide-body that stands out for its thematic and engaging design. With a bold oceanic theme centred around the thrill of shark encounters, the machine immerses players in a deep-sea adventure. The gameplay is dynamic, featuring targets and ramps that mimic the predatory movements of a shark, creating an exhilarating experience as players navigate through the dangers of the deep. The "Shark" pinball machine is a sought-after collector's item, celebrated for its unique theme and solid build quality. When we asked David the background, he simply said that he liked the concept. Sharks are a part of Australia's cultural identity, symbolizing the wild and untamed nature of its oceans. 

Empire Strikes Back

The final pinball machine produced by Hankin was Empire Strikes Back, released in 1980 and a production run of ≈ 350. This machine holds a special place in both pinball and pop culture history as the very first licensed Star Wars pinball game ever made. The licensing was arranged directly by David Hankin, who personally reached out to George Lucas.

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To David’s surprise, Lucas agreed to the licensing deal, which was facilitated through Roadshow Licensing Corp Pty Ltd, the Australian representative of Lucasfilm Ltd, the creators of the Star Wars saga. The original Flyer has Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker) inspecting the pinball machine. In fact, “Copyright Lucasfilm Ltd (1980). A.Hankin & Co (MFG) Pty Ltd. Authorised User” is stamped on every Empire back glass.

Empire Strikes Back is a tribute to the iconic Star Wars film of the same name, which was released in 1980. The machine's artwork on the back glass and playfield features beloved characters and scenes from the film, creating an immersive experience for players. The vibrant colours and detailed designs make it a collector's piece for both Star Wars fans and pinball enthusiasts.

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In terms of gameplay, "Empire Strikes Back" offers a challenging yet rewarding experience. The machine features classic electromechanical elements, including drop targets, bumpers and spinners, which are intricately tied to the film’s narrative. Players must navigate the pinball through various missions, much like the characters in the movie, aiming for high scores and unlocking special features that mimic key scenes. The game’s layout and rules are designed to keep players engaged, with the need for strategic shooting and precise timing adding to the excitement. 

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This machine has tremendous player appeal with lights around the backboard between two sheets of mirrored film, giving it a never-ending 'infinity' effect. Bright red strobing lights encompass Darth Vader’s head and gives the effect that he is in a ring of fire.

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Today, the "Empire Strikes Back" pinball machine by Hankin remains a sought-after gem within the pinball community. It is valued not only for its gameplay and thematic richness but also as a piece of pop culture history. For collectors, owning this machine is like owning a piece of the golden era of pinball, as well as a tangible connection to the Star Wars saga. As a testament to Hankin’s craftsmanship and the enduring appeal of Star Wars, the "Empire Strikes Back" pinball machine continues to be cherished by fans around the world.

Decline and Revival

Like many companies in the arcade industry, Hankin Pinball Australia faced challenges as the market shifted towards home gaming consoles in the 1980s. The rapid advancement of video game technology and the increasing popularity of home entertainment systems for instance Playstation and Nintendo led to a decline in the demand for traditional arcade machines. Despite producing some of the most memorable pinball machines of the era, Hankin struggled to compete in the changing landscape and eventually ceased production, marking the end of an era.

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However, the story of Hankin Pinball did not end there. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in pinball, driven by nostalgia and a renewed appreciation for the craftsmanship and gameplay that define these machines. Collectors and enthusiasts have sought out Hankin's machines, restoring them to their former glory and sharing them with new generations of players. This revival has seen Hankin Pinball Australia regain its place in the annals of arcade history, with its machines celebrated as vintage treasures that encapsulate the spirit of a bygone era.

Chicago Pinball Expo 2024

It is our delight that all five Hankin Pinballs titles pictured in this article will be on show at the 2024 Pinball Expo, Chicago, with great thanks and support from Rob Berk (Founder and Chairman) who made it happen. 

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The Empire Strikes Back pinball will be a highlight at the 2024 Pinball Expo, where it will be auctioned to the highest bidder. This event not only celebrates the machine itself but also honours the legacy of Hankin Pinball as a pioneering force in the Australian amusement industry.

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The Author

I have been a psychologist for over 40 years and a passionate collector and player of pinball machines for even longer. My love for pinball began in the late 1970s when I would spend hours at the local pinball centre with friends after school. To help pay for my university education, I purchased a pinball business, operating machines in milk bars and pizza shops. After selling the machines upon graduation to focus on my psychology career, my wife Cassandra and I reignited our pinball passion 10 years later, filling our games room with over 40 machines. My first Hankin pinball was Empire Strikes Back, completing my Star Wars pinball collection, and it led me to collect other rare Hankin pinballs, Orbit, FJ Holden, Howzat, and Shark. These highly collectible machines are a source of pride for me, and I love sharing the Hankin story and my enthusiasm for Australian pinball history with others. 

If you’d like to learn more or have any questions, feel free to contact us at HankinPinball@Gmail.com or come to my presentation at the Expo on Thursday at 10:30am. We hope you enjoyed this detailed account of the Hankin story.

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Stephen and Cassandra Smith from the land down under, known as Australia.