diecastAUDIO » James Sweetring

Stick’s Redline Garage – The Python

Robert Stickels — Sun, 24 May 2009 12:34:19 +0000

The Python, originally labeled the “Cheetah,” was modeled after the fully functioning Car Craft Dream Rod show car built by Bill Cushenbery. Rumor has it that the name change was needed since Car Craft Magazine and Cushenbery would not release licensing rights to Mattel. Slight modifications were made by the Hot Wheels design staff for the final tool. Those changes included a blown motor, removal of the side pipes and a painted roof to simulate a vinyl top. This casting was available in 19 spectraflame colors, and had two wheel and motor variations.

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.

Stick’s Redline Garage – Sugar Caddy

Robert Stickels — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 13:35:40 +0000

Custom Cars big and small have always caught my eye. As some of you know my hobby is collecting and designing 1-to-1 customs. 50’s era customs are my favorite. Well the custom car world was in full swing in the states during the early 50’s and late 60’s. Builders such as Ed “Big Daddy” Roth, Bill Cushenberry and Daryl Starbird were household names in those pocket-size Rod & Custom magazines. Roth’s Beatnik Bandit and Cushenberry’s Silhouette were scaled down from full size prize winning customs to 1968 Mattel releases. So, I’ve always wondered where the ideas and thoughts came from with the origin of the Sugar Caddy.

Well, I would say that might point to the full-size bubble tops that came out of Daryl Starbird’s “King of the Bubble Tops” stables. Daryl’s “Pedicta” show car was just one of many customs he built on Ford, Chevy and Cadillac chassis that Mattel took notice of when designing the Sugar Caddy. Mattel already had an Eldorado casting, so why not modify it.

This casting was available in 12 spectra-flame colors and had a plastic interior that came in assorted colors. The Sugar Caddy is one of my favorites, designed by Ira Gilford, it sports an exposed engine, glass roof and spoiler door decals.

Note: The Orange Sugar Caddy with black roof and racing stripes is part of my collection, but I commissioned James Sweetring “AKA, Rooster” out of his Utah custom shop for this restoration. I’ve also included a shot of the original “Pedicta” as reference.

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