TEXAS TOY MAN

Python or Cheetah? 1968 Hot Wheels

The original Hot Wheel model called the Cheetah was changed to Python of which only three Cheetah models are known to exist.

The Python car was based on the “Carcraft Magazine Dream Car” designed by Bill Cushenberry. The Python had a medal chassis, exposed metal engine, plastic interior and black metal roof. It was issued in a variety of colors and came with redline wheels. The cars manufactured in Hong Kong had no dashboard and also came with a smaller rear window and larger steering wheel than the cars manufactured in the US. The Hong Kong version also supported the open supercharged engine that sat on the chassis. The body hung over the front and rear chassis as well.

The US version had a small dashboard, small steering wheel, small front grill and the engine sat on the body casting. Note: The body hung over the front chassis – not in the rear.

If you have any additional information on the Hot Wheel Python, please leave me a comment so I can update my data.

If you’re looking for values of Hot Wheels I would recommend Tomart’s Hot Wheels price guide and if you like vintage toys you might check out my site Texas Antique Mall.com.

HOT WHEELS – MORE VINTAGE RED LINES

These are 4 of my favorite red line Hot Wheels that came out during the period of 1968-1969.  

The 3 from 1968 are the Custom Mustang, Silhouette and Python.   Hot Wheels are my favorite of all the diecast cars and I’m always on the hunt.

Even though they were designed originally for play-racing, they have turned out to be a favorite collectible for boys of any age.  And, I’m still hunting for that Volkswagon Beach Bomb – surf boards out the rear window.  Anyone with one of those is lucky in deed!!