MUNCLE MIKES · CASTING GUIDE
Splittin’ ImageTwo cockpits, several very different releases
Splittin’ Image puts a cockpit on each side of one exposed engine. That outline survived several releases, so a familiar shape and red-striped wheels do not tell you whether you are holding an early car or a later return.
The original has clear canopies and an interior
Ira Gilford’s design arrived in 1969, with US production continuing through 1971. Clear glazing covers dark-brown or off-white interiors. Some early cars have silver headlight details and black trim above the rear lights.
Look through both canopies. Check for cracks or glue at their edges, then examine the plating on the central engine. Wear there is a separate condition issue from chips in the body paint.
The Shell car deliberately leaves the interior out
The 1973 Hong Kong Shell promotional version uses opaque black canopies and no interior. Its base was revised for through-hole wheels, adding rear crush protectors and anti-rub details around the wheels.
An empty cabin on this version is part of its construction. It should not be described as a missing original interior. Conversely, a damaged early car is not a Shell release just because you cannot see its seats.
Read the later base marks
The 1993 anniversary and 1994 Vintage releases can resemble the early car at a glance. China markings and anniversary details on the base help separate them, as do their later wheels with printed red stripes.
Copy the complete underside text when cataloging an example. A design copyright date is not necessarily the year that particular car was sold. Keep the related Splittin’ Image II design separate too.
For a companion concept car, the Twin Mill guide explains a different arrangement of engines and cockpit.
Transparent canopies beside the Shell version
The revised Shell base also changes the assembly-post locations. Compare the full underside and both canopy sections rather than dismantling the car to check for seats. Black paint added to an earlier car’s glazing would not authenticate a Shell release.
Keep scratches, cracked canopy edges and replacement glazing in separate condition notes. The two-cockpit layout can hide damage on the far side in a single profile picture.
