MUNCLE MIKES · CASTING GUIDE
Peeping BombEarly headlights move; the Shell version’s do not
Peeping Bomb’s original headlight covers retract using a lever in the cockpit. The later Shell release shown here has that mechanism removed. Identifying the version first saves a fixed-cover car from an unnecessary attempt to pry it open.
The original uses a cockpit lever
The 1970–71 Peeping Bomb was made in the United States and Hong Kong. Both versions have medium capped front wheels and larger capped rears. US cars have clear glazing and black interiors; Hong Kong cars have blue glazing, usually with black interiors, though white is documented.
The lever retracts the headlight covers. Chrome-colored headlight paint belongs to production examples. Orange paint is documented on development cars, but added paint alone cannot authenticate another car as a prototype.
The Shell retool closes the openings
For the 1973 Shell promotion, the headlight openings were tooled shut and the lever mechanism was removed. The Hong Kong base was also adapted for through-hole wheels with protective details around the axles.
The light-blue car pictured here illustrates that later version. It should not be used as a photograph of the original moving headlights.
Inspect the mechanism without prying
On a sound early example, use the cockpit control gently and stop if it resists. Do not lift the covers directly or dismantle the body for a routine condition check.
Look at the windscreen edge, engine and rear-light bar as well. Thick and thin rear-light bars are documented on the early casting. The Carabo guide covers another period model whose moving feature needs careful handling.
The cockpit shows what the nose cannot
Use the cabin and nose as a pair of checks. A boundary in the fixed front molding is not an invitation to pry. Photograph the windscreen edges and exposed engine detail too; the headlights should not distract from damage elsewhere.
