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Aurora Plastics Corporation was formed in March 1954 as an injection molded plastic toy maker by Joseph E. Giammarino and Abe Shikes in Brooklyn, New York.
In 1952, they introduced their first small sized plastic model kits of 1:48 scale aircraft models called "U-Ma-Kit".
In 1953, the "Brooklyn Eight" Series followed.
They moved to West Hempstead, Long Island in 1954.
In the late 1950s, the purchased the Playcraft firm located in England. They were also a plastic toy maker who also made slot cars.
By 1965 they had a series of 1:32 scale slot car kits in market.
Through 1968, Aurora was primarily known as a slot car manufacturer. Selling their Thunderjet models along with electrified track sets.
In response to Mattel's Hot Wheels cars, they introduced their slot car bodies without a motorized base. Instead, a metal base with 'free wheeling wheels' made of rubber (?) were used. Aurora called them by the "Cigar Box" name and made them until 1972. They could be found individually boxed or in (12) car sets. A carry case was also availabe. Some of the bodies were done in a chromed plastic finish.
In 1969, a new line up called "Speedline" was introduced with plastic wheels to roll faster on the available gravity track sets. A 'Loop and Bank' set was also introduced to feature the improved rolling power. Castings were also available in blister carded kits called "Hop-Up Kit". Later on manufacturering was moved to Singapore and the packaging named changed to "Freewheeling Racers".
Aurora's founders retired in 1969 and the company was sold to unamed outside investors who then sold the company to Nabisco in 1971.
During the early 1970s, cars could be found in 3 packs called "Super Speedsters".
Production of the diecast cars ceased in 1970 or 2(?).
In 1984, Tomy (Japan) purchased Aurora and was still making AFX/Aurora slot cars in 2006.
In the late 1990s, Playing Mantis introduced a series called "Polar Lights" which reissued some of Aurora’s most popular kits and diecasts
Sourced references -
HobbyTalk members @Zeezeerider
https://www.hemmings.com/blog/index.php/2007/03/08/from-the-history-books-aurora-cigar-box/
http://www.toycarcollector.com/aurora_cigar_box.htm
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aurora_Plastics_Corporation
http://www.auroraplasticscorp.com/index.html
Encyclopedia of Small-Scale Diecast Motor Vehicle Manufacturers - Sahakangas, Foster & Weber (2006)
In 1952, they introduced their first small sized plastic model kits of 1:48 scale aircraft models called "U-Ma-Kit".
In 1953, the "Brooklyn Eight" Series followed.
They moved to West Hempstead, Long Island in 1954.
In the late 1950s, the purchased the Playcraft firm located in England. They were also a plastic toy maker who also made slot cars.
By 1965 they had a series of 1:32 scale slot car kits in market.
Through 1968, Aurora was primarily known as a slot car manufacturer. Selling their Thunderjet models along with electrified track sets.
In response to Mattel's Hot Wheels cars, they introduced their slot car bodies without a motorized base. Instead, a metal base with 'free wheeling wheels' made of rubber (?) were used. Aurora called them by the "Cigar Box" name and made them until 1972. They could be found individually boxed or in (12) car sets. A carry case was also availabe. Some of the bodies were done in a chromed plastic finish.
In 1969, a new line up called "Speedline" was introduced with plastic wheels to roll faster on the available gravity track sets. A 'Loop and Bank' set was also introduced to feature the improved rolling power. Castings were also available in blister carded kits called "Hop-Up Kit". Later on manufacturering was moved to Singapore and the packaging named changed to "Freewheeling Racers".
Aurora's founders retired in 1969 and the company was sold to unamed outside investors who then sold the company to Nabisco in 1971.
During the early 1970s, cars could be found in 3 packs called "Super Speedsters".
Production of the diecast cars ceased in 1970 or 2(?).
In 1984, Tomy (Japan) purchased Aurora and was still making AFX/Aurora slot cars in 2006.
In the late 1990s, Playing Mantis introduced a series called "Polar Lights" which reissued some of Aurora’s most popular kits and diecasts
Sourced references -
HobbyTalk members @Zeezeerider
https://www.hemmings.com/blog/index.php/2007/03/08/from-the-history-books-aurora-cigar-box/
http://www.toycarcollector.com/aurora_cigar_box.htm
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aurora_Plastics_Corporation
http://www.auroraplasticscorp.com/index.html
Encyclopedia of Small-Scale Diecast Motor Vehicle Manufacturers - Sahakangas, Foster & Weber (2006)
