Python

==Description==
The Python was one of the cars released in the original 1968 Hot Wheels series. It was based on the Car Craft Dream Rod show car built by Bill Cushenbery. It was originally advertised as the "Cheetah" in Mattel's advertisements for the "New California Custom styled Hot Wheels," (seen in an original magazine advertisement from 1968.) The 'Original 16' Python Cars were packaged with a metal 'Collector's Button'.
== USA Versions ==
The Python has come out in the following 1/64 scale versions:
Notes:Clear Glass,
Colors are descending in rarity from common to rare.
Year	Series 	Color 	Tampo	Base Color / Type	Window Color	Interior Color	Wheel Type	cast #	Country	Notes / Variations	Photo
1968	Sweet Sixteen	Spectraflame Green 	 	Unpainted / Metal	 	 	RL 	6216 	 	 	75px
1968	Sweet Sixteen	Spectraflame Gold 	 	Unpainted / Metal	 	 	RL 	6216 	 	 	75px
1968	Sweet Sixteen	Spectraflame Red 	 	Unpainted / Metal	 	 	RL 	6216 	 	 	
1968	Sweet Sixteen	Spectraflame Rose 	 	Unpainted / Metal	 	 	RL 	6216 	 	 	
1968	Sweet Sixteen	Spectraflame Purple 	 	Unpainted / Metal	 	 	RL 	6216 	 	 	
1968	Sweet Sixteen	Spectraflame Blue 	 	Unpainted / Metal	 	 	RL 	6216 	 	 	
1968	Sweet Sixteen	Spectraflame Aqua 	 	Unpainted / Metal	 	 	RL 	6216 	 	 	
1968	Sweet Sixteen	Spectraflame Lime Green 	 	Unpainted / Metal	 	 	RL 	6216 	 	 	
1968	Sweet Sixteen	Spectraflame Antifreeze 	 	Unpainted / Metal	 	 	RL 	6216 	 	 	
1968	Sweet Sixteen	Spectraflame Hot Pink 	 	Unpainted / Metal	 	 	RL 	6216 	 	 	
1968	Sweet Sixteen	Spectraflame Brown 	 	Unpainted / Metal	 	 	RL 	6216 	 	 	
1968	Sweet Sixteen	Spectraflame Light Blue 	 	Unpainted / Metal	 	 	RL 	6216 	 	 	
1968	Sweet Sixteen	Spectraflame Olive 	 	Unpainted / Metal	 	 	RL 	6216 	 	 	
1968	Sweet Sixteen	Spectraflame Magenta 	 	Unpainted / Metal	 	 	RL 	6216 	 	 	
1968	Sweet Sixteen	Spectraflame Orange 	 	Unpainted / Metal	 	 	RL 	6216 	 	 	
1968	Sweet Sixteen	Spectraflame Creamy Pink	 	Unpainted / Metal	 	 	RL 	6216 	 	 	
1968	Sweet Sixteen	Spectraflame Yellow 	 	Unpainted / Metal	 	 	RL 	6216 	US 	 	
==Hong Kong Version==
The Python has come out in the following 1/64 scale versions:
Notes:Blue tinted glass,
Colors are descending in rarity from common to rare. 
Year	Series 	Color 	Tampo	Base Color / Type	Window Color	Interior Color	Wheel Type	cast #	Country	Notes / Variations	Photo
1968	Sweet Sixteen	Spectraflame Orange 	 	Metal 	 	 	RL 	6216 	HK 	 	
1968	Sweet Sixteen	Spectraflame Purple 	 	Metal 	 	 	RL 	6216 	HK 	 	
1968	Sweet Sixteen	Spectraflame Red 	 	Metal 	 	 	RL 	6216 	HK 	 	
1968	Sweet Sixteen	Spectraflame Aqua 	 	Metal 	 	 	RL 	 	HK 	 	
1968	Sweet Sixteen	Spectraflame Green 	 	Metal 	 	 	RL 	6216 	HK 	 	75px
1968	Sweet Sixteen	Spectraflame Blue 	 	Metal 	 	 	RL 	6216 	HK 	 	75px
1968	Sweet Sixteen	Spectraflame Gold 	 	Metal 	 	 	RL 	 	HK 	 	
1968	Sweet Sixteen	Spectraflame Olive 	 	Metal 	 	 	RL 	 	HK 	 	
1968	Sweet Sixteen	Spectraflame Creamy Pink	 	Metal 	 	 	RL 	 	HK 	 	
1968	Sweet Sixteen	Spectraflame Copper 	 	Metal 	 	 	RL 	 	HK 	 	
==2018 Retooled Versions==
The The Python has come out in the following 1/64 scale versions:
Col #	Year	Series 	Color 	Tampo 	Base Color / Type	Window Color	Interior Color	Wheel Type	Toy #	Country	Notes / Variations	Photo
 	2018	HWC.com Original 16 	Spectraflame Red 	Black Roof	 	 	 	RL 	FNC29	 	1,500 sets 	
 	2018	HWC.com Original 16 Display	Spectraflame Bright Orange	Black Roof	 	 	Orange 	RL 	FNC23	 	Named Cheetah 	
PrefaceThe Python® is one of the original 16 Hot Wheels die-cast models Mattel deliberated on and eventually released in the spring of 1968*. This dissertation will focus on the chronological aspects of the Python® and reflect on each and every change that occurred from its inception.*The date May 7th, 1968 is the official date derived when the subject matter was researched, “When were Hot Wheels® released to retailers”. Furthermore this is mentioned, documented and discussed in several Mattel publications.This Python® die-cast model actually began its' existence at Mattel as the Hot Wheels® "Cheetah™"! However, this name regrettably was not intended to be and was on no account officially released to the general public. **Nevertheless, there is one diminutive exception to this decree! There were a few prototypes which managed to escape the destruction process from both production facilities and hence the artifacts exist to this day. These Cheetahs™ are considered extremely rare and desirable to collect.
Image is courtesy of Bruce Pascal
**So what is the one Cheetah exception you ask? Well, I’m sure you will find this hard to believe but it is factually stated in Bruce Pascal’s reference book, “Hot Wheels Prototypes” on page 84.There exists a red Cheetah™ prototype in which Bruce Pascal acquired with plenty of edge wear as shown in the example above. This was initially acquired by someone who sent away for a cereal company endorsement in 1968. Mattel was engaging in these types of mail in promotions frequently in an effort to sponsor their toy lines. In this particular case, the Hot Wheels® promotion Mattel was sponsoring somehow provided the customer with this mint prototype red Cheetah™ Hot Wheels® car! What an unbelievable choice toy car this came to be! Obviously the Cheetah™ was well loved judging by the edge wear it acquired through the years. By the way, this is the only Cheetah™ to date adorning the long tail pipes. This makes it even more desirable!
== Gallery ==
Python real.jpg|The car before it was modified into a python
52281b84e0738c57a12c58dd47a5aff8.jpg|The real python
Python HW from 0 to 50 Kris Palmer (2).JPG|Resin Prototype (Kris Palmer)
35 Years of Speed Randy Leffingwell Cheetah.JPG|Cheetah vs Python base (Randy Leffingwell)
100 5197.jpg|3 orange Python LTP, white/grey/brown interior
100 5203.jpg|3 orange Python, all with LongTailPipes
100 5196.jpg|Python Badge with and without hook
Python.jpg
Category:1968 Hot Wheels
Category:Original 16
Category:Harry Bradley Designs
Category:Licensed Hot Wheels
Category:2018 Hot Wheels
Category:Brendon Vetuskey Designs
Category:American Cars
Category:Cars with exposed Engines
Category:HotWheelsCollectors.com Series
Category:Retooled Versions
Category:Two-Seaters