Question regarding Bill Thomas and the Cheetah

[dcashmer]

Hello,
I'm new to the board and I have a question regarding Bill Thomas and licensing rights to the Cheetah. There are very few model kits and diecast and only a handful of slot car bodies of the Cheetah. Why is that? Is there just no interest in making models of this car, or is it impossible to get licensing for it? If I were interested in obtaining licensing for the Cheetah, does anyone here know who I need to contact?

You can either reply to this post or email me direct at [email protected].

Thank you!

Dan

[Belair62]

Dan not sure of rights ...but a person by the name of Auxier ? or something like that was making Cheetahs...I still have my 1/24 and 1/32 Cox Cheetahs and a blue Monogram too !!!

[Paul_S]

Dan check here for info and models:
The Cheetah!!! (http://www.cheetahracecars.org/index.html)

Bob Auxier is still building cars. He is behind the Continuation Cheetah which is authorized by Bill Thomas. -from what I've read. I guess he had a silver Cheetah at Vettefest a year or so ago. CRC -Cheetah Race Cars (http://cheetahracecars.net) (crank the volume before hitting enter)

Here is another site of an original car owner: Cheetahs Always Win (http://www.cheetahcars.com/index.htm)

Paul

[dcashmer]

Thank you for the information. Does anyone know how to get in touch with Bill Thomas, or the organization that handles his licensing? This is what I really need to know.

Thank you again.

Dan

[Paul_S]

I'm not sure but CRC was/is in touch with him. Playing Mantis/Johnny Lightning has 1:64 scale cars. The first site I listed has items for sale from different people. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif

[dcashmer]

[ QUOTE ]
I'm not sure but CRC was/is in touch with him. Playing Mantis/Johnny Lightning has 1:64 scale cars. The first site I listed has items for sale from different people. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif

[/ QUOTE ]
Hi Paul,
Thanks for your help. Regarding Playing Mantis, I looked on the back of a Cheetah blistercard and there is no mention of the Cheetah or Bill Thomas. CRC is literally in my backyard, I'll give them a call. Many of the items for sale on the first website are no longer available. It looks like it hasn't been updated since 2002.

Thanks again for your help! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif
Dan

[indyjps]

how about full size models of cheetahs. ive seen a few companies out there. big fan of them, sounds like they were truly brutal rides

[SoCal fan]

If you go to links on our website Cheetahs Always Win (http://www.cheetahcars.com) then go to Marsh Models you will see a very nice model of a Bill Thomas Cheetah

[Belair62]

Cool website...love Cheetahs....take a second to fill out your profile so we know who we are talking to or we may have to start talking about Ford GT's or Cobras !!!J/K http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[SoCal fan]

Bill Thomas Race Cars went bankrupt in 1970 so why would you worry about licensing? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif

[sYc]

Even though long gone, the rights to both Bill Thomas and Nickey Chevrolet are held by Little Detroit collectibles.
http://www.littledetroitcollectibles.com/default.asp

[SoCal fan]

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gifWould the rights to the Cheetah be the same as the rights to "Bill Thomas Race Cars" ?
Fred

[copo9566aa]

Hi
A very good article about The Cheetah in MuscleCar Classic
Collector's Isuue! 1985 http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif
Many pages with many pictures like this one. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif
I'm not really familar with the Cheetah.

[Paul_S]

I haven't seen that article. Would you be able to scan more pics and/or the whole article to either post or e-mail? I'd like a copy. Let me know.

Thanks, Paul

[copo9566aa]

This is an article named Cheetah New GT Prowler
text and photos by Don Francisco
7 pages 15 B&W pictures
But this is not the original article
The original article is probably in a Hot-Rod Magazine. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif

[Rat_Pack]

SoCal, I just now read this post and to inform you a little about not getting licensing. Bill Thomas still owns the trademarks to the Bill Thomas Race Cars name and logo and also the Bill Thomas Motors name and logo: he also holds the licensing for the Cheetah name and design of the car. You do have to go through him to get any licensing done and right now there are only two companies that have been able to get his permission to make anything with his likeness, name, logo, etc. One is Lane Collectibles via Little Detroit Collectibles (diecast Camaros) and Auxier who builds the replica Cheetahs. Playing Mantis came to him after they had already done the tooling for their 1/64th scale diecast. He told me that he was a little upset with them asking forgiveness than permission but they worked out a deal.

The original Cox Cheetah model/slot car kit was authorized by him in the 60's when it first came out. There are some illegal reproductions being made and most of them are from overseas. I believe his Sons' will keep the trademark or copyrights to whatever is related to these once he passes on. I hope that is not too soon as is one heckuva a man to talk to http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/headbang.gif...........RatPack..........

[BBIGG BLOCK 396]

There is a fiberglass body on e bay that says it is a chetah replica!Pretty decent looking work from what I can tell http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayIS...p;category=7251 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=4523988797&catego ry=7251)


Bobby Dodson
Bobby Dodson

[Belair62]

Saw a supposed real Cheetah at World of Wheels Chicago last weekend !!!

[BBIGG BLOCK 396]

That is a cool looking body,I like them more than the Cobra body!If I was not working on so many projects I would like to make a hot rod out of one of those things.But if I bring anything else home before I get some things completed I am going to get flogged by the Wife!LOL

Bobby Dodson