Take a look at this link.  
[url]http://www.colt.com/colt/html/a2_coltfirearms.html[/url]

I have already seen the new M1911A1 at a gun store for $1072.  I haven't heard or seen anything about a Python or the Anaconda.  Does anyone know if they are being made just as the old ones were, i.e. on the same old tooling, with the same old specs?  Or has Colt attempted to update them and infect them with its recent quality control.

Pythons have never really stopped being made. They are only built in the Custom Shop, not regular production. Anacondas were discontinued but are being brought back into regular production.  

For a thousand bucks I personally would not bother with that 'new' Colt M1911A1. You can buy a much nicer 45 than that from another company with better features like non-snag, tritium sights, etc.

I have 2 Colt 45's and I'm not too impressed with either one....

For $1072  you can go out do some hunting around and research, and end up with a very nice vintage WWII real 1911.   Granted, it won't even be close to being in near as good shape, but it'll be a real one !