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
...........RatPack..........