MUNCLE MIKES · CASTING GUIDE
Sir Rodney RoadsterDo not overlook the little roof
Sir Rodney Roadster is a compact hot rod with an exposed engine and a removable plastic roof. The orange example pictured here wears red flames and a brown roof, while its metal seats remain visible through the open sides. That small roof makes a big difference to completeness.
Yellow, orange and green
The 1974 Hong Kong release is recorded in yellow, with orange and green alternate colors. Red flames run over the body. The interior is cast into the metal base, so a visible metal cabin is not evidence of a missing plastic seat insert.
The exposed engine and low front corners need their own close-up. Chips on the thin edges can disappear in a bright photograph of the whole car.
Inspect the roof without forcing it
Ask whether the roof is original, replaced or repaired. Photograph its edges, supports and how it sits on the body. Do not force brittle plastic off the car merely to show that it can be removed.
A missing roof and a glued roof are different condition issues. Keep both separate from paint wear when comparing examples. The photographed car shows the fitted shape; it does not establish the history of another roof that looks similar.
Later wheels and finishes
A light-yellow blackwall version is documented in 1977. Later 1983 records include unpainted French versions with brown or beige roofs and a yellow Mexican version. These need their own base and decoration checks.
For a packaged car, inspect the roof through the blister and photograph the full card. For a loose example, save an underside view with the roof photographs.
The loose-car checklist helps record replacements before choosing from current loose cars.
