The Silhouette premiered in January 1963 at the San Mateo Autorama, and by 1969 it became a Hot Wheels casting. It was probably the most remembered car of this era, especially in a metallic red that matched the original candy color – minus the dark faded highlights (see pictures below). Minor modifications were made to Cushenbery’s original design by the Hot Wheels staff when designing the die-cast version. Those changes included a taller blown motor with dual carbs, med wheels in back with smalls up front and removal of the side pipes.

This casting was available in 16 spectraflame colors and featured a matching color base. The Silhouette, like the Python, is one of my favorites as a collector as they are available in good supply as well as being an affordable casting to collect.

Note: all resto’s carry repro wheel from the redlineshop.com.

The Python was available in two manufacturing variations – a USA and Hong Kong casting. There were slight modifications to each origin of production, see below for comparison. On the USA version, the body hangs halfway over base in front, but has no overhang in back. In addition, the engine sports twin carbs. On the Hong Kong version, body hangs over the base in front and back with a supercharged engine sitting on the base.

The Python is one of my favorite Redline castings as they are available in good supply and are affordable to collect. The Purple Python in my collection is original, but was acquired with a missing the painted roof and without wheels. For now it wears a set of “repro-sneakers” until I can get a good set of originals to add. The pink with black roof is also part of my collection, but I commissioned James Sweetring (aka “Rooster”) out of his Utah custom shop for this restoration.

Click any image to see the larger versions

Note: all resto’s carry repro wheel from the redlineshop.com.