The Silhouette, designed by Harry Bradley, was inspired by a show car crafted by Bill Cushenberry in 1962. Ford Motor Company purchased Cushenberry's original creation in 1963, featuring it in their Ford Custom Car Caravan road show.
Among the 1968 Hot Wheels line-up, the Silhouette stands out with its captivating design and unique signature dome - one of only two castings to boast this feature. Today, it remains one of the most cherished and well-remembered Hot Wheels cars.
Production of the Silhouette took place in both U.S. and Hong Kong plants, and due to its popularity, it was manufactured for at least three years in a variety of colors. While there are various casting differences between them, interestingly, the engine remains the same on both U.S. and Hong Kong models - equipped with a dual injector engine.
Hong Kong models sport some distinct features, including longer and thinner exhaust pipes, a separate black steering wheel from the dash, and tinted blue domes. On the other hand, U.S. models have clear domes and the steering wheel matches the interior color, molded as one piece.
All Silhouettes have a painted base matching the car color, and both U.S. and Hong Kong models offer various interior colors. Early production Hong Kong Silhouettes came in purple or antifreeze paint, with matching purple interiors and silver painted headlights. The first run production models were issued with deep-dish wheels.
If you or someone you know happens to have any redlines Hot Wheels from the 1960s-1970s, I'd love to hear from you! Just shoot me a message! #1960s1970sredlines #redlineshotwheels #vintage #hotwheelscollector #hotwheelscollection #hotwheels #silhouette #WednesdayWisdom
In the Late 60's we would get the Hot Wheels by the case and hand out one car with every fill up of 5 gallons or more at my Dad's Gulf gas station. If I was older I would most likely have kept a box for myself.