Aurora was among the most prominent names in American modeling from 1952 to 1977. The range was highly varied, featuring military and civilian aircraft, ships, tanks, missiles, figures (including monsters and more), science fiction themes, automotive models, animals, firearms, totem poles, HO train accessories, electronic kits, Coppersmith sets, prehistoric scenes, and much more.
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Good
$225
Rare kit from 1966 and one of Aurora's finest efforts. This large-scale model measures 2 feet long when assembled and is well detailed. Features a finely engraved hull with wood & plank detail, full deck fittings, separately molded fife rails and deck pin rails, cannons, detailed multi-piece masts with separately molded platform and crosstrees, molded deadeye assemblies, molded billowing sails, ratlines, running and standing rigging material, full rigging instructions, metal chains, flags and much more. There are five very large-format actual photo of the assembled ship from different angles included in the instructions as assembly and rigging aids. Never started. Inside, some parts are still in the factory sealed bags; the parts not sealed have been inventoried complete. Includes decals, color flag sheet, scale standing & running rigging thread and the excellent instruction book. On September 23, 1779, John Paul Jones on board the Bonhomme Richard (40 guns) sighted a British Convoy, escorted by the 50 gun Serapis. The battle was one of the most devastating every fought by sailing ships.
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Good
$145
First issue hardbox from 1969. In the late 1960s Aurora went to great lengths in improve new kit quality; this is one of those models. It features a full hull, retracting forward and aft hydrofoils, detailed dual .50 caliber machine guns, 40mm gun, 81mm Mortar & gunner figure, interior cabin details, clear superstructure windows, crew members and more. Includes a display stand. This kit has minor assembly. Inventoried complete with all parts present and includes decals, color flag sheet and instructions. There is no assembly but NOTE: one #8 bow door has a small spot of glue on the inside; not seen after assembly. Also, the two thin and tiny rectangular retainers are broken off flush with the door and missing. They can be easily made with Evergreen stock or are not seen if the door is closed.
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: VG
$75
Aurora hardbox that is dated 1963. The incredibly popular Aurora Knights series started with Aurora's purchase of the first three Knights from Crown. Each features a large, 1/8 scale, well detailed knight figure kit and display stand. Never started. Inventoried 100% complete with all parts and instructions present. The original yellow plum feather is included.
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Good++
$139
1958 'Famous Fighters' first and only release. This large 1/48 scale model of this early guided missile is molded in gloss white plastic and includes the booster engine & clear triangle-based display stand. Never started. Inventoried 100% complete with all parts, decals and instructions. The box has wear as shown and hobby shop stamp on the top.
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Exc+
$250
1958 first and only release. Large 1/48 scale missile includes an elevating launcher, many moving parts, a crew of four and more. Molded in the correct gloss white & gloss olive drab plastic. The kit has never been started. Inventoried 100% complete with all parts, decals and instructions present. The decals are in amazing 'near mint' condition and the instructions are 'near mint+.' The box is graded 'excellent+' with great color and gloss, four solid corners, no repairs, no tape or price tags & no marks from either, no litho tears or stains. The primary flaw is very light age spotting in isolated locations. If not for that, the box would grade higher. The Aurora "Missile Line" is legendary. In the late 1950s, the first missile model kits sold briskly, so Aurora and Revell both planned extensive lines. However, the missile modeling craze disappeared as quickly as it started. Models that were in the works were canceled or completed if they were far enough along. Those that were completed, like the Nike Hercules, were fine efforts but sold poorly and had very short lives, making them rare collector items today.
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: NM++
$185
Very rare because the box is in investment-grade 'Near Mint++' condition. The original owner carefully opened the kit but kept the factory seal on the box top, thus protectionist it. The hardbox is dated 1959. It is still a favorite among builders because it is the only early DC-8 in 1/100 scale and fairly accurate. Features full landing gear, early style turbo-jet engines, clear cockpit windows and can be easily built 'gear up' if you wish. Molded in white and clear with the large, clear, triangle-based Aurora 'World' stand. Never started. Inventoried 100% complete with all parts, decals and instructions present. The decals are perfectly flat and 100% intact; there is typical yellowing and some light brown age spots on the backing paper only (not on the actual transfers). The instructions are in remarkable 'near mint+' condition.
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Exc
$69
Rare 1964 first issue with paints, paint brush and a glass jar of Aurora Painting Fluid (thinner) included. The box art is by the famous John Steel and the box has great color and gloss. Includes the large-scale buffalo (American Bison) figure, display base and two prairie dogs. Never started; even the paints are in mint, untouched condition. Inventoried 100% complete with all parts and instructions present. Even includes the original factory tissue packing paper.
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Fair++
$39
Dated 1960, but I believe this is actually a later issue due to the 100 cent price extension and no 'Famous Fighters' logo on the short box sides. Molded in a brilliant gloss deep blue and clear with the clear triangle 'World' stand. These molds are from one of Aurora's first two kits - the F9F and F-90. Aurora simply went out and purchased the early Hawk F9F and F-90 kits and copied them almost exactly. Never started. Inventoried 100% complete with all parts, decals and instructions. The box has a split corner and heavy creases on the top, hence the 'fair++' grade.
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Exc++
$39
1960s issue hardbox issue that is molded in dark green plastic with the small parts in black. This issue includes the ground mechanic and small ground base with chocks. Never started. Inventoried 100% complete with all parts, decals and instructions. This is part of the famous Aurora WWI series of 1/48 scale aircraft. The series began in 1956 and Aurora added new kits into the early 1960s. The line proved incredibly popular, so these kits were included in the 'mold upgrade' in the 1970s before Aurora went out of business. Please note that the box top displays as a stunning 'mint' condition; however, it is graded 'excellent++' because there is a small section of light tape residue at the lower center of each of long side. The tape has long since fallen off due to age.
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: NM+
$44
1960s hardbox issue in investment-grade 'Near Mint+' condition. This is the 4th known issue of this classic kit, and the second one to share the 102-100 kit number. This is only the second box artwork used for this kit; John Steel replaced Jim Cox for the 'new look' from Aurora in the early to mid 1960s. Never started and inventoried complete with all parts and includes decals and instructions. This is part of the famous Aurora WWI series of 1/48 scale aircraft. The series began in 1956 and Aurora added new kits into the early 1960s. The line proved incredibly popular, so these kits were included in the 'mold upgrade' in the 1970s before Aurora went out of business.
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Exc
$89
1959 issue with fantastic Jo Kotula artwork and 'Famous Fighters' in the sunburst oval logo. Molded in gloss olive drab and clear with the famous Aurora 'Triangle Globe' clear display stand. Inventoried 100% complete with all parts, decals and instructions present.
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: VG++
$125
1963 hard box issue in 'Very Good++' condition with John Steel artwork. Very well detailed and features movable tracks and bogie wheels, crew, movable bulldozer blade, ammunition loader and much more. The kit has never been started. It has been inventoried complete with all parts and includes instructions. The instructions do not show any decals either on the assembly portions or the photos of the completed model. I have seen this kit with and without decals; this is an issue with no decals. NOTE: the instructions have two closed tears.
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Exc
$85
Dated 1964 with fantastic John Steel box artwork. Features one-piece, full hull kit, complete propeller & rudder detail, 4 Terrier missiles and launchers, ASROC launcher, decals and display stand. Never started. Inventoried 100% complete with all parts decals and instructions present.
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Good
$80
1958 issue with fantastic 'Under The North Pole' box artwork by Jo Kotula. Molded in the correct high gloss black plastic. This kit has never been started. Inventoried 100% complete with all parts, decals and instructions present.
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: VG++
$99
Rare 1959 first issue hardbox; please note the 'Famous Fighters' in the border of the oval 'Sunburst' logo. This is an excellent model for that time and features full hull with propeller and rudder detail, separately molded superstructures & upper decks, motor launches, rotating main turrets with elevating guns, separately molded secondary armament & AA guns, gun directors, cranes, searchlights and more. Includes a display stand and name plate. Never started. Inventoried 100% complete with all parts and instructions present.
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Sealed NM
$58
Still factory sealed. Nicely molded smaller scale full hull kit. Kit features molded rat lines, detailed deck and fittings, display stand and rigging instructions.
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Exc
$58
1969 Big A hardbox issue with an 'excellent' condition box. Hard to find 1/48 armor kit that has very good detail for that time. Features over 100 pieces, choice of long or short barrels (not offered in earlier issues) working bogies and tracks, rotating turret, elevating gun, driver, commander & soldier figures and more. Includes decals for US Army and West German Army. Never started. The actual tank has been inventoried with all parts present and includes decals and instructions but NOTE: missing display base.
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: NM+
$59
Ross Abare issue Gotha in amazing investment-grade, 'Near Mint' condition. Mr. Abare, a rare kits dealer in the earliest days of the hobby, contracted with Aurora to produce a copy of the original 1958 kit. However, Aurora had the printers use the mid 1960s oval logo without the 'Famous Fighters' in the border- thus forever separating the Abare issue from the original issue. Mr. Abare was reportedly quite upset, as he wanted exact copies. Molded in deep burgundy and black plastic. Never started. It has been inventoried complete with all parts and includes decals and instructions.
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Sealed Mint
$115
Still factory sealed and in remarkable, investment-grade 'Mint' condition. This 1966 hardbox issue is well detailed and features flexible treads, opening hatches, one tank crew member, ground troops and more.
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: NM
$64
Long hardbox issue dated 1966 and in remarkable, investment-grade 'Near Mint' condition. The only flaw is very light wear, almost completely restricted to the edges. In those days, it was said by reviewers that Aurora made the best tank kits - this one is no exception. Features all moving bogies and drive wheels, flexible black treads, elevating main gun, rotating turret, one tankman, three soldiers and decals. The kit has never been started. It has been inventoried complete with all parts and includes decals and instructions. Decals and instructions are both in 'near mint' condition as well.
