Python

Python
Debut series	Sweet Sixteen
Produced	1968 (Original) 2018 (Retool)
Designer	Bill Cushenbery (Real Car) Dean Jeffries (Hot Wheels Model) Brendon Vetuskey (Cheetah Re-Tool)
Number	6216

The Python was one of the cars released in the original 1968 Hot Wheels series. It was based on the "Dream Car" 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.)

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
1968	Sweet Sixteen	Spectraflame Blue		Unpainted / Metal			RL	6216
1968	Sweet Sixteen	Spectraflame Aqua		Unpainted / Metal			RL	6216
1968	Sweet Sixteen	Spectraflame Red		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 Gold		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 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 Purple		Metal			RL	6216	HK
1968	Sweet Sixteen	Spectraflame Aqua		Metal			RL		HK
1968	Sweet Sixteen	Spectraflame Green		Metal			RL		HK
1968	Sweet Sixteen	Spectraflame Blue		Metal			RL		HK
1968	Sweet Sixteen	Spectraflame Red		Metal			RL		HK
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 Orange		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			1,500 sets
	2018	HWC.com Original 16 Display	Spectraflame Bright Orange	Black Roof			Orange	RL			Named Cheetah

Preface
The 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 7^th, 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

The real Python