Picture Car Glossary
rollover vehicle
What is a rollover vehicle?
Updated June 2026 · Revolution Picture Cars
Also called roll car.
A rollover vehicle is a specially prepared picture car engineered to safely execute a controlled rollover stunt on camera.
Rollover vehicles are stripped of all glass, fitted with an internal roll cage, fire suppression, and breakaway body panels, and are typically launched by a pipe ramp or cannon mechanism rather than a natural road event. The stunt coordinator, SFX team, and fabrication shop jointly engineer the rollover system, and the sequence is executed only after multiple dry runs and sign-offs from all department heads and the production's safety officer.
Example
A car built to roll on cue carries a cage, harnesses, a fuel cutoff, and often a pipe cannon to initiate the roll at a repeatable point. It rolls once, and the build is consumed by the take.
Figures are illustrative, chosen to show the mechanics rather than to quote market rates.
Where you'll see it
Engineered by stunts and special effects in prep, and single-use.
Common mistake
Treating a rollover as repeatable. The build absorbs the roll, so a second attempt means a second vehicle prepped to the same specification.
Related questions
- How is a rollover vehicle prepared?
- With a cage, harnesses, a fuel cutoff, laminated or removed glass, and often a cannon or ramp to initiate the roll at a predictable point.
- Is a rollover performed by a stunt driver?
- Always, and under the stunt coordinator's plan with the safety brief completed and medical standing by.
Official sources
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