Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Good-
$120
Very rare and from 1958. Best originally created the line of Indianapolis 500 Winner kits; Aurora purchased them shortly after their introduction and reissued them for a short time. The model features driver and mechanic figures, some interior detail, spoke wheels and very nice decals. Molded in white plastic with real rubber tires It has never been started. It has been inventoried complete with all parts, decals and instructions. Please note that the box is 100% intact with no repairs, no split corners, tears or missing litho but is graded 'good-' because of the age foxing (brown tint) and general but very even wear as shown. Louis Schneider and 'Jigger Johnson' (driver and mechanic) drove the Bowes Seal Special to victory in 1931. The Miller Special had rear wheel drive, and eight cylinder 151.7 CID Miller engine and won the day averages 96.629 miles per hour. The track was dangerously unsafe that year due to a heavy drizzle that made driving over 80 mph dangerous - at one point, drivers were required to slow down to 80 mph and passing was not allowed other than the pit area. There were many spectacular accidents but the rain did relent and there were many speeds over 100 mph in the later part.
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: NM
$245
Hard-to-find first issue in the 1968-dated hardbox. This kit was issued in conjunction with the TV series 'The Invaders' and represents the spaceship on the series. The box has like-new color and gloss, solid corners and no tape, price tags or litho tears. A slight bit of wear on the right short side and a very slight (and hard-to-see) crease at the lower right are the only flaw worth noting. The kit features retractable landing legs, detailed interior with four figures, removable top and optional clear top. Inside, the kit is mint. The parts are the original gloss medium gray. The model has never been started and has been inventoried complete with all parts and instructions present.
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Good+
$140
Rare limited issue. Hardbox is dated 1965. Issued as a promotion with the famous TV show "12 O'Clock High," which centered on the exploits of USAAF B-17s flying over Hitler's Germany. Has many working features: detailed engine with removable cowling, full cockpit and retractable landing gear. Molded in gloss olive drab and clear. The kit has no assembly, but NOTE: the interior parts are painted with one thin coat of zinc chromate green. There is no other painting. Never started. Inventoried 100% complete with all parts, decals and instructions present. Other kits in this rare series include the B-17 Bomber Formation (3 kits with a special stand and battle-damaged decals), P-38 Lighting, ME-109 (Bf-109), P-47, B-25, B-26 and Fw-190.
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Sealed Mint
$170
Still factory sealed with the box in amazing, investment-grade "Mint" condition. The seal is 100% intact and the kit has no more wear than it left the assembly line. Dated 1960 and the first issue with this artwork. Note the 79 cent price extension and "Famous Fighters" in the border of the oval sunburst logo, which is unique to the 1960 release.
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: VG+
$325
Very rare kit with great box art by Mort Kunstler. This is the first and probably only issue dated 1967. Aurora did a beautiful job on this model, but it simply did not sell and was discontinued very shortly. The high price of $5 USD and the esoteric subject matter were to blame. This is a large-scale model with excellent detail. Features a one piece hull, complete propeller and rudder detail, one piece main deck, venetian blinds for the larger interior windows, extensive deck fittings which are all separately molded, all hand rails (in chrome), dinghy with interior & oars, spray shields, display stand, 5 figures and much more. The kit has never been started. The blue and white parts are still in the factory sealed bags. The brown and chrome parts are loose and have been inventoried 100% complete. Includes instructions and decals. The chrome plating in in 'as new' condition. This kit must be shipped insured.
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: VG++
$85
Rare first issue from 1956 with Jim Cox 'ground scene' artwork and the 1956-only Northern Lights rectangular logo. Aurora's subject choice here was very wise, as almost every one of our US pilots in WWII flew the SNJ or T-6 during training. Features 'good' cockpit, instructor and student pilot figures, rotating propeller and wheels, full landing gear and more. Molded in the correct gloss yellow and clear plastic. The kit has never been started and is inventoried 100% complete with all parts, decals and instructions. As it often happens with Aurora's 1956/57 kits (and this one), the instructions show older logo and decals do not have a stand decal. However, the clear triangle-based stand is included (not the rectangle one). Aurora began putting the 'Triangle' stands in kits well before the instructions and '56 logo were changed. It was common for Aurora to make such substitutions all the way through the 1960s as they were very conscious of waste and were determined not to throw out anything that could be used (like instructions, in this case).
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Good
$48
First issue dated 1962 with fantastic John Steel hardbox artwork. Please note the correct 'Famous Fighters in the border of the Aurora Sunburst logo and the 49 cent price extension. This is the rarest of all issues as it was only one year; in 1963 Aurora dropped the 'Famous Fighters' in the border. Molded in correct gloss dark blue and clear & includes the Aurora 'Triangle' base two-piece clear stand. The kit has never been started. Inventoried 100% complete including decals and instructions, both of which are in 'excellent' condition;.
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Exc+
$68
Dated 1959 with dramatic Jo Kotula artwork. Given the lack of 'Famous Fighters' in the oval logo, this issue is probably from about 1963. Molded in gloss olive drab and clear with the famous Aurora 'Triangle Globe/Map' clear base. Inventoried and NOTE: missing (1) propeller shaft. Otherwise complete with all other parts, decals and instructions present.
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Exc
$179
Rare one-and-only 1960 issue that contains both the DH-4 and Curtis JN-4 Jenny. The box is in exceptional condition with 'excellent' color and gloss, four solid corners, no tape or price tags (and no marks from either), no stains, fading or torn/missing litho. Very light wear and edge wear are the only significant flaws. Aurora really went out of the way to make this a special kit; however, it did not sell well and was retired after one year. Features completely new box artwork, a DH-4 molded in gloss dark green and black, the JN-4 molded in gloss bright yellow and black, great custom decal sheets for both aircraft and special 'Barnstormer' instructions for each aircraft. The kit has never been started. It has been inventoried complete with all parts present and includes decals and instructions. The instructions sheets are both in 'near mint' condition and the decal sheets are both completely flat with the typical age yellowing as the only significant flaw.
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Fair
$37
Excellent builder kit. Nicely molded, smaller scale full-hull kit. Kit features molded rat lines, detailed deck and fittings, display stand and rigging instructions. Molded in green, wood tan and black. The kit has never been started. Inventoried 100% complete with all parts including flag sheet and instructions. NOTE: the smallest yard has 1/3 of the tip broken off and that tip is missing.
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Fair
$150
Very rare item for the advanced collector. This item was from the estate of Dave Cockrum, the world-famous Aurora box artist, sculpture and kit designer. However, he is even more famous for his long history with DC and Marvel Comics. When working at Aurora, Dave had access to 'The Room'. In it were test shots from almost every Aurora kit ever made; employees were welcome to come in and take a kit when they pleased. This Flying Sub came from that room. It is a rare test shot molded in the usual test shot color - white- and includes the clear parts. Although the kit is complete, it does not have a box or instructions like most all test shots.
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Exc++
$145
Rare 1960s issue retaining the same artwork as the 1956 issue. The hardbox is in amazing 'Excellent++' condition which is rare. This kit has arguably the most dramatic and fanciful B-29 artwork from the 'Golden Era' of modeling. Never started. Inventoried an the actual aircraft is complete with the decals and instructions but NOTE: missing the display stand. Responding to market information that boys wanted larger kits, Aurora introduced the B-26 followed by the B-29 and B-25, all of which sold well for many years. This is likely the 4th issue. I believe the 3rd issue is almost identical but has "Famous Fighters" in the oval logo. That would date this kit as 1963 and up till the 'Big A' box issue. Note the square 'Northern Lights' logo has been replaced with the Aurora sunburst oval logo.
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Mint
$179
This very rare model is dated 1958 and in amazing, investment-grade 'Mint' box condition. The original owner very carefully opened the model but left the shrink wrap protecting the box top and four sides. Remarkably, there is no more wear than it left the assembly line with. Features fantastic Jo Kotula artwork. The model inside is molded in a wonderful gloss dark green and clear. The kit has never been started. Inventoried 100% complete with all parts, decals and instructions. Instructions and decals are 'near mint' with slight yellowing as the only significant flaw.
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: VG
$65
This fantastic Jo Kotula box artwork is dated 1959, but the kit is from the mid 1960s due to the '130' price extension, lack of 'Famous Fighters' in the ovals and block logo on the instructions. Molded in silver and clear the the 'triangle' clear stand and stand arm. The kit has never been started. Inventoried 100% complete including decals and instructions. Please NOTE that the box top has very light age foxing on the right vertical side. It goes 1 inches to 1.5 inches in towards the center and is difficult to see, but it is there.
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Good-
$74
1961 first issue hardbox. Produced in big 1/16 scale, this kit and the other 'Old Timers' in the series represented a significant leap forward in quality for Aurora. This kit features full suspension, transaxle and driveline detail. It builds up a rolling chassis like the real car, and includes full exhaust and a detailed interior. Molded in gloss ivory, gloss black and with chrome plated parts and real rubber tires. The kit has never been started. Inside, it is exactly as it left the factory. The black and chrome parts are still in the factory sealed bags. The ivory and clear were never factory sealed and have been inventoried complete including the instructions. Aurora was renowned for turning a profit and for keeping expenses down. In researching new kit subjects, they came upon a forgotten jewel - the Hudson Miniatures line of 1/16 scale wooden kits. Hudson had discontinued this line due to lack of sales of wooden kits. But the Hudson models were second to none in quality, research and documentation. Aurora was quick to realize this and used the research and layout from these kits to create the subjects for this 'Old Timers' series. It is fortunate for us that they did, because in most cases this is the only injection molded kit of these rare and classic early automobiles.
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: VG+
$65
1962 hardbox issue with what is probably John Steel artwork. This was a good model for that time featuring full hull, display stand, working diving planes rotating propeller, working upper and lower rudders, detailed atomic reactor, removable reactor hatch and more. Never started and inventoried complete with all parts and includes decals and instructions. Please note that the box displays 'Excellent++' but is graded 'Very Good+.' That is because there is some heavy localized wear on the left short side corner and lower end of that panel.
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Exc
$44
1957 hardbox issue with the Parents' Magazine seal. Please note that this is an earlier issue with 'Famous Fighters' in the oval border of the Aurora logo and is has the '.29' cent price extension. This small scale kit has dramatic Jo Kotula box artwork and is nicely molded kit with clear canopy, full landing gear and display stand. This is a model of the very early YF-102 prototype with the straight (non-area rule) fuselage. The kit has never been started. Inventoried 100% complete including decals and instructions. Around this time, Aurora issued a series of inexpensive (usually 29 cent) small scale kits that were designed to sell at almost any type of retail location. The line was successful and further expanded - when Aurora purchased the Comet molds, they fit in nicely with this established line.
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: VG+++
$325
Very rare and 100% correct first issue from 1954 with the proper swastika box art and swastika decals. This one is even rarer as it is never started and complete. The model is molded in the correct gloss black and clear, with the rectangle-based clear stand, matching instructions, decals and even the original factory tissue packing paper. The decals are in stunning 'near mint' condition, flat and have only the slightest touch of yellowing. The instructions are 'excellent' with slight yellowing, light wear and a 3/4" long closed split on one fold crease. The box has excellent color and gloss, four solid original corners (no repairs), no price tags or tag marks, no tape or tape marks (other than the thin factory sealing tape of course), no fading, stains or torn/missing litho. Flaws include general even wear, especially to the left corners and edge as shown. This kit has a fascinating history. The FW-190 was among the first (or was the first) kit made at the new West Hempstead factory in 1954. It immediately followed the famous "Brooklyn 8" (Aurora's first 8 aircraft kits). It was Aurora's first WWII aircraft kit to be originally issues with landing gear and bombs but still retains the small clear rectangle stand which was also shown on the instructions. This first issue shows the swastika on the box art and decals; however, Aurora quickly realized that they could not sell the kit in Europe. So they used an ink stamp to black out the offensive mark on the box top and initially cut it out of the decal sheet; however, they were quick to make a completely new decal sheet with the 'iron cross' replacing the swastika. These alterations are often called the 'second issue' although it carried the same part number and everything else was the same. The third issue came out in 1957; the same box art was used, but there were many other changes. The left-hand international insignia panel was eliminated; the yellow rectangle 'blotted out' the old logo and the oval 'Famous Fighters' logo was used instead; the swastika on the tail was neatly painted out and a small iron cross added; 'Famous Fighters of All Nations' was moved to the upper right with much smaller font; "Focke-Wulf 190" was placed at the upper left; the text below the tail feathers was changed to "1/4 Scale Model All Plastic Assembly Kit." The instruction sheet was also changed to reflect the new 'triangle' base stand, iron cross tail decal and logo change; the decal sheet was the same as the second issue but with a triangle-shaped stand decal added.
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: VG
$129
Dated 1958 with fantastic Jo Kotula artwork; however, the lack of 'Famous Fighters' in the oval boarder logo means that this kit is from the early 1960s. Molded in a stunning gloss dark green and clear plastic and includes the Aurora two-piece clear 'triangle' base display stand. The kit has never been started. Inventoried 100% complete with all parts, decals and instructions. Instructions and decals are both in remarkable 'excellent+++' condition. Please note that the box top displays as 'near mint' but is graded only 'very good' because there are tape residue (not tears, residue) at the center of the two long sides.
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Exc++
$325
First issue early 1950s from the Aurora Brooklyn factory. Molded with correct light gloss blue and clear plastic with correct Brooklyn stand, decals and instructions. Even has original packing tissue paper. Decals are in beautiful condition and are still flat. Box is excellent with light scuffing as the only flaws. Never started. Inventoried 100% complete with all parts, decals and instructions. The Aurora issues of the 1/48 scale P-38 are interesting to say the least. The first issue is the Brooklyn kit with the P-38/B-24 box artwork. Inside, the plastic is light blue with minimal surface detail and a clear canopy and rectangular stand that says 'Aurora Plastic Corp. Brooklyn, 4, N.Y.'. There are no landing gear, gear doors or mass balances. The second issue has identical box art, plastic color, decals and rectangular stand, but the box and instructions says 'West Hempstead' instead of Brooklyn. The clear stand mold has had 'Brooklyn' milled out, and there is no location on the stand. The third issue has the same artwork, but the full color 'Aurora Line' logo is used - but the big changes were on the inside. Aurora modified the molds, adding a pitot tube, elevator mass balances and landing gear struts, wheels and doors. The decals and stand remain the same, but the new instructions reflect the changes to the molds. This time the kit is molded in an attractive metallic blue. The fourth issue dropped the Jim Cox artwork in favor of a new P-38 flying from right to left across a threatening sky. The plastic still metallic light blue and the decals and stand remain unchanged. The new details were retained. The fifth issue was 1959. The oval 'Famous Fighters' logo was used with Jo Kotula artwork of two P-38s. The detail level of the kit remained the same, but it was molded in olive drab and clear. The newer 'Triangle' base was added at this time. Further issues kept this box artwork, but the oval logo changed as well as the price extensions.
