I'm aware that both Bela and Decool also produce bootleg versions of the Speed Champions sets, but after looking at other listings I'm pretty sure this is Sheng Yuan branded. The Decool version features both of the vehicles from the original set and I've found no evidence Bela ever cloned this particular vehicle. There is no piece count listed on the unbranded instruction manual
Regardless of who produced it, this is an excellent quality clone, that builds into an very nice looking Hot Rod. This set came in 4 unumbered bags.
The flames that appear on the doors are printed rather than stickers, these are average quality prints. The colours certainly seem more muted than they should be.
The vehicle itself is primarily black with some yellow so we have colour flow from the flame decoration. Assembly on the main chassis is fairly straightforward, Although It's a slightly more unusual design with it's protruding engine and bigger rear wheels.
The finished model is truly a classic Hot Rod, It's one of my favourite designs so far in my limited Speed Champions experience. There is only room inside for one minifig (The entire vehicle is only 4 studs wide) There isn't a dedicated seat just a yellow based standard steering wheel piece. The number plate and engine logo are the only stickers. Both of the flame printed doors open and the roof is easily removable to get a driver in or out.
Aside from the Hot Rod, this set includes a minifig, a welding station and an engine hoist.
The bearded driver/mechanic minifig comes with a standard helmet with a clear visor. A green tool box and a wrench. His head is a single sided print.
His torso features an unbuttoned lumberjack shirt over a T shirt that featured the same modified Ford logo from the engine (Forol?) His blue leg piece has minimal print for a pocket. The only back print is the torso. He has black gloved hands.
The minifig is excellent quality. Nice clear print and the head colour is pretty much a perfect match to a LEGO minifig head.
The additional equipment included in this set is the Welding station, complete with a mask for the minifig and opening tool storage cupboard. We also get the simple brick built hoist mechanism with a replacement engine block.
These are nice little play features but I'm not sure I'll have much use for them.
All in all a solid little set. I had no missing pieces and the Hot Rod was a fun vehicle to build. This classic style vehicle would look right at home parked outside the Downtown Diner modular building, or even in the Corner Garage set that came out this year.
I have quite a lot in my build queue again, so please keep checking back as I will have more reviews posted soon.
Thanks for reading.
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