class Vehicle(object): def __init__(self): self.mobile = True class Car(Vehicle): def __init__(self): Vehicle.__init__(self) self.car_init() # BAD: Car.__init__ is not called. class SportsCar(Car, Vehicle): def __init__(self): Vehicle.__init__(self) self.sports_car_init() # GOOD: Car.__init__ is called correctly. class FixedSportsCar(Car, Vehicle): def __init__(self): Car.__init__(self) self.sports_car_init()