Product Overview
This is an original 1968 Hot Wheels Redline Python, one of the legendary first sixteen cars ever produced. Originally named the "Cheetah" during prototyping, this model is based on a custom car designed by Bill Cushenbery. This is a Hong Kong casting, identifiable by the blue-tinted glass and the four torsion bar holes in the base. It features the classic black matte painted roof and an exposed chrome engine.
Technical Details
Release Year: 1968
Original 16: Yes
Color: Spectraflame Red
Base: Silver Zinc-Plated (Marked: © 1967 Mattel Inc, Hong Kong)
Interior: White/Cream
Windows: Blue Tint (Standard for Hong Kong castings)
Wheels: Original bearing style Redlines
Condition Report
Paint: Fair to good vintage condition. The red Spectraflame retains a decent metallic shine but shows heavy "toning" (dark oxidation spots) across the hood and sides. There is edge wear and chipping on the nose and rear fins. The matte black roof paint is mostly intact with minor thinning.
Glass: The blue-tinted windshield is intact. It shows standard surface scuffing and play wear but no deep cracks.
Chassis and Wheels: The base shows standard vintage oxidation. The wheels have lost most of their original chrome foil on the hubs, but the red lines remain visible. Axles appear slightly "cambered" (tilted) but are not fully collapsed.
Engine: The Hong Kong-specific chrome engine block is present and retains a moderate shine.