Veteran HO Slot Car racers have fond memories of the Scranton, PA mail order house, Auto World. Before personal computers, email and the Internet, HO racers ordered the latest and greatest HO speed parts by mail! After poring over the catalog, filling out the order form and mailing off a check we'd wait for what seemed like an eternity for our precious package to arrive.

Auto World closed its door many years ago. Oscar Kovaleski, the owner, retired and the HO slot car hobby was less one of its original marketing forces. Not only was Oscar an avid HO slot car racer himself, he also owned a McLaren M8B which he raced in the American CanAm series. His distinctive McLaren with an Aurora Model Motoring slot car track painted on the fenders was a fixture in the early years of the CanAm series. Aurora even honored him by reproducing his No. 54 car for their then new Aurora Factory Experimental (A/FX) line.

In recent years the American entrepreneur Thomas E. Lowe started a new company called Playing Mantis. Playing Mantis specialized in auto-related products including die-cast model cars, plastic model kits and HO scale slot cars. Playing Mantis marketed its line of slot car offerings under the Johnny Lightning brand name.

Playing Mantis was a great success and several years ago the entire company was acquired by Racing Champions, a maker of inexpensive metal die-cast model cars. Racing Champions had no interest in manufacturing and marketing slot cars, so the Johnny Lightning division of the company was sold back to Tom Lowe, with the understanding that he could sell off the existing stock of Johnny Lightning products, but when they were gone all subsequent new products could not use the Johnny Lightning name.

Tom Lowe is now focusing entirely on manufacturing HO slot cars. He has received Oscar Kovaleski's blessing to use the Auto World name for his new brand of HO Slot Cars. Tom has grand plans for his new Auto World brand. Gone though are the days of a mail order catalog. Instead Tom will focus on the manufacturing of new and unique HO scale slot car products. Marketing will be left to retailers and hobby dealers such as myself.

Along with producing new HO slot cars, Auto World will also release a series of race sets later this fall, in time for the Christmas season. Auto World race sets will include Tomy-compatible track. Expansion will be a snap for those racers wishing to build larger more challenging raceways.

The first new offerings from Auto World are HO slot cars using a new and improved version of the ThunderJet 500 and XTraction chassis that were so successful for Playing Mantis. These new chassis are smooth-running and much easier to drive than the original JL releases.

See the Auto World Slot Cars For Sale section to purchase these new models. All are in stock and ready to ship. Auto World also offers Rolling Chassis and Pit Kits to repair their slot cars.

See The Hop-Up Parts list at the bottom of this page for Pickup Shoes and Silicone Tires to improve the handling performance of your Auto World slot cars. I also stock several specialty Tools that make working on these chassis much easier.

Auto World HO slot car body shells can also be fitted to the original Aurora T-Jet, A/FX, G+Plus, Magna-Traction and all Tomy chassis. ThunderJet 500 releases have two body mounting screws that allow them to be fastened to the 1:76 scale Aurora T-Jet chassis, while the XTraction releases fit all other Aurora and Tomy 1:64 scale chassis.

First off in the line-up of new Auto World slot cars is the Bowtie Brigade series. The series consists of six (6) different models.

See the Auto World Slot Cars For Sale section to purchase any of the six (6) individual Bowtie Brigade models. The bodies in this series can also be mounted on any 1:76 scale Aurora T-Jet chassis.

Next in the line-up of new Auto World slot cars is the Mopar Mania series. This series also consists of six (6) different models.

See the Auto World Slot Cars For Sale section to purchase any of the six (6) individual Mopar Mania models. These body shells can also be fitted to any 1:64 scale Aurora A/FX, Magna-Traction, G+Plus or Tomy AFX slot car chassis.

Next in the line-up of new Auto World slot cars is the Dukes of Hazzard series. This series consists of four (4) different models.

See the Auto World Slot Cars For Sale section to purchase any of the four (4) individual Dukes of Hazzard models. These body shells can also be fitted to any 1:64 scale Aurora A/FX, Magna-Traction, G+Plus or Tomy AFX slot car chassis.

Next in the line-up of new Auto World slot cars is the ThunderJet 500 R1 series. This series consists of six (6) different models. Auto World is now producing releases in both new Clam Shell blister packaging and the standard Jewel Cases.

The color choices vary between the two package types, so each of the six new body styles is available in a choice of two different colors depending on the packaging. The table below lists the new body styles along with their respective colors for both Jewel Case and Clam Shell packages.

See the Auto World Slot Cars For Sale section to purchase any of the twelve (12) individual ThunderJet 500 R1 models available in Clam Packaging and Jewel Cases. The bodies in this series can also be mounted on any 1:76 scale Aurora T-Jet chassis.

This second series consists of six (6) new models. Auto World is again offering these releases in both Clam Shell blister packaging and their standard Jewel Cases.

The color choices vary between the two package types, so each of the six new body styles is available in a choice of two different colors depending on the packaging. The table below lists the new body styles along with their respective colors for both Jewel Case and Clam Shell packages.

See the Auto World Slot Cars For Sale section to purchase any of the twelve (12) individual ThunderJet 500 R2 models available in Clam Packaging and Jewel Cases. The bodies in this series can also be mounted on any 1:76 scale Aurora T-Jet chassis.

This third series consists of six (6) existing ThunderJet 500 models in twelve (12) new color schemes. Auto World is offering these releases in only their standard Jewel Case this time. Clam packages may return in the future, but for now all new Auto World releases will be in Jewel Display Cases only.

There are two new color choices for each body style.

See the Auto World Slot Cars For Sale section to purchase any of the twelve (12) individual ThunderJet 500 R3 models available in Jewel Display Cases. The bodies in this series can also be mounted on any 1:76 scale Aurora T-Jet chassis.

This fourth series consists of six (6) all new ThunderJet 500 body styles in twelve (12) new color schemes. A new ThunderJet Ultra-G chassis is being introduced for the first time in this latest release. A ThunderJet Ultra-G chassis has a Removable Neodymium Button Traction Magnet for better cornering and handling.

Auto World is offering these releases in only their standard Jewel Case this time. Clam packages may return in the future, but for now all new Auto World releases will be in Jewel Display Cases only.

There are two new color choices for each body style.

See the Auto World Slot Cars For Sale section to purchase any of the twelve (12) individual ThunderJet Ultra-G R4 models available in Jewel Display Cases. The bodies in this series can also be mounted on any 1:76 scale Aurora T-Jet chassis.

The fifth T-Jet series consists of four (4) all new ThunderJet 500 body styles, along with the return of the very popular Chevy Suburban and Shelby Cobra Coupes. Each of the six (6) body styles in two(2) new color schemes.

The new ThunderJet Ultra-G chassis is being fitted again for this latest release. A ThunderJet Ultra-G chassis has a Removable Neodymium Button Traction Magnet for better cornering and handling.

Auto World is offering these releases in their standard Jewel Case only.

There are two new color choices for each body style.

See the Auto World Slot Cars For Sale section to purchase any of the twelve (12) individual ThunderJet Ultra-G R5 models available in Jewel Display Cases. The bodies in this series can also be mounted on any 1:76 scale Aurora T-Jet chassis.

Next in the line-up of new Auto World slot cars is the XTraction R1 series. This new series also consists of six (6) different models. Auto World is now producing releases in both new Clam Shell blister packaging and the standard Jewel Cases.

The color choices vary between the two package types, so each of the six new body styles is available in a choice of two different colors depending on the packaging. The table below lists the new body styles along with their respective colors for both Jewel Case and Clam Shell packages.

See the Auto World Slot Cars For Sale section to purchase any of the twelve (12) individual XTraction R1 models available in Clam Packaging and Jewel Cases. These body shells can also be fitted to any 1:64 scale Aurora A/FX, Magna-Traction, G+Plus or Tomy AFX slot car chassis.

This second series consists of six (6) new models. Auto World is offering these releases in both Clam Shell blister packaging and standard Jewel Cases.

The color choices vary between the two package types, so each of the six new body styles is available in a choice of two different colors depending on the packaging. The table below lists the new body styles along with their respective colors for both Jewel Case and Clam Shell packages.

See the Auto World Slot Cars For Sale section to purchase any of the twelve (12) individual XTraction R2 models available in Clam Packaging and Jewel Cases. These body shells can also be fitted to any 1:64 scale Aurora A/FX, Magna-Traction, G+Plus or Tomy AFX slot car chassis.

This third series consists of six (6) existing XTraction models in twelve (12) new color schemes. Auto World is offering these releases in only their standard Jewel Case this time. Clam packages may return in the future, but for now all new Auto World releases will be in Jewel Display Cases only.

There are two new color choices for each body style.

See the Auto World Slot Cars For Sale section to purchase any of the twelve (12) individual XTraction R3 models available in Jewel Display Cases. These body shells can also be fitted to any 1:64 scale Aurora A/FX, Magna-Traction, G+Plus or Tomy AFX slot car chassis.

This fourth series consists of six (6) existing XTraction models in twelve (12) new color schemes, each with working headlights! Auto World has introduced their new X-Traction Flamethrower chassis in this fourth release.

Auto World is offering these releases in only their standard Jewel Case this time. Clam packages may return in the future, but for now all new Auto World releases will be in Jewel Display Cases only.

There are two new color choices for each body style.

See the Auto World Slot Cars For Sale section to purchase any of the twelve (12) individual XTraction Flamethrower R4 models available in Jewel Display Cases. These body shells can also be fitted to any 1:64 scale Aurora A/FX, Magna-Traction, G+Plus or Tomy AFX slot car chassis.

This fifth series consists of six (6) Dukes of Hazzard XTraction models in twelve (12) new color schemes. Six cars each in Clean and Dirty versions are available. Auto World has introduced their new X-Traction Ultra-G chassis in this fifth release.

Auto World is offering these releases in only their standard Jewel Case this time. Clam packages may return in the future, but for now all new Auto World releases will be in Jewel Display Cases only.

There are two new color choices for each body style.

See the Auto World Slot Cars For Sale section to purchase any of the twelve (12) individual XTraction Ultra-G Dukes of Hazzard models available in Jewel Display Cases. These body shells can also be fitted to any 1:64 scale Aurora A/FX, Magna-Traction, G+Plus or Tomy AFX slot car chassis.

This sixth series consists of six (6) XTraction Ultra-G models in twelve (12) color schemes. Three new body styles have been added to Auto World's extensive inventory; the Dodge Viper GTS-R, Corvette C5R and 2007 Dodge Charger. Auto World has also included their new X-Traction Ultra-G chassis in this sixth release.

An X-Traction Ultra-G chassis includes a small, removable neodymium button magnet at the rear of the chassis to improve traction and downforce.

Auto World is offering these releases in only their standard Jewel Case at this time. Clam packages may return in the future, but for now all new Auto World releases will be in Jewel Display Cases only.

There are two new color choices for each body style.

See the Auto World Slot Cars For Sale section to purchase any of the twelve (12) individual XTraction Ultra-G models available in Jewel Display Cases. These body shells can also be fitted to any 1:64 scale Aurora A/FX, Magna-Traction, G+Plus or Tomy AFX slot car chassis.

This seventh series consists of six (6) XTraction Ultra-G models in twelve (12) color schemes. Four new body styles have been added to Auto World's extensive inventory; the Dodge Viper GTS-R, Corvette C5R and 2007 Dodge Charger. Auto World has also included their new X-Traction Ultra-G chassis in this sixth release.

An X-Traction Ultra-G chassis includes a small, removable neodymium button magnet at the rear of the chassis to improve traction and downforce.

Auto World is offering these releases in only their standard Jewel Case at this time. Clam packages may return in the future, but for now all new Auto World releases will be in Jewel Display Cases only.

There are two new color choices for each body style.

See the Auto World Slot Cars For Sale section to purchase any of the twelve (12) individual XTraction Ultra-G models available in Jewel Display Cases. These body shells can also be fitted to any 1:64 scale Aurora A/FX, Magna-Traction, G+Plus or Tomy AFX slot car chassis.

The Super III is an all-new chassis design for Auto World. Unlike earlier AW chassis that were simply reproductions of vintage Aurora products the Auto World Super III chassis is a modern in-line motor design with adjustable neodymium traction magnets

Important Note: The Super III chassis has its own unique body mounting points, so Super III body shells will not fit Aurora or Tomy chassis, nor will they fit Auto World's own XTraction chassis.

Auto World is offering these releases in only their standard Jewel Case.

There are two new color choices for each body style.

See the Auto World Slot Cars For Sale section to purchase any of the twelve (12) individual Super III models available in Jewel Display Cases.

Auto World is also offering Rolling Chassis in both ThunderJet 500 and XTraction varieties. These are Complete Ready To Run (RTR) chassis. All you need to add is a body of your choice. Unlike the chassis that come with their complete RTR slot cars, which have wide front tires, the Auto World Rolling Chassis include narrow free-wheeling front wheels and tires.

Each Auto World Rolling Chassis is a complete working chassis, less a body. These chassis can also be used to replace old worn out Aurora T-Jet and A/FX chassis.

An Auto World XTraction static chassis without a motor, electricals or body shell is also available for collectors who simply need a chassis to display their rare bodies. These chassis will work with Aurora A/FX body shells, most Aurora G+Plus bodies and current Tomy A/FX body shells as well.

This is a nice way of getting an inexpensive non-working rolling chassis for larger collections. Chassis include front and rear axles, chrome wheels and rubber tires, but none of the electrical parts or magnets.

Auto World is also offering Pit Kits to keep their cars running at peak performance. Two Pit Kits are available, one to repair ThunderJet 500 chassis and the other for their XTraction chassis.

Each of these Auto World Pit Kits includes the following repair parts.

Pickup Shoes (2 Pair)

Pickup Springs (2 Pair)

Front Tires (Pair)

Rear Tires (Pair)

Motor Brushes (2 Pair)

Guide Pins (2)

Auto World Deluxe Pit Kits include all of the parts needed to build a complete running slot car. Two Deluxe Pit Kits are currently available. The ThunderJet 500 kit comes complete with a Corvette Stingray body. The XTraction kit includes a Back to the Future DeLorean body.

A Deluxe Pit Kit makes a great gift for a young racer who wants to learn how to assemble his/her own race car.

Over the coming months I'll be adding a full range of hop-up parts for the Auto World chassis, including polymer magnets and hot motors. For right now though I'm stocking improved pickup shoes and silicone tires for both the ThunderJet 500 and XTraction chassis.

These two items, particularly slip-on silicone rear tires vastly improve the performance of any Auto World box-stock chassis.

These Polymer motor magnets will increase the magnetic field the motor runs in and will greatly improve the performance of any Auto World or Johnny Lightning ThunderJet 500 chassis.

Polymer motor magnets will increase the magnetic field for improved motor performance as well as increasing magnetic downforce for better chassis handling. Fits any Auto World or Johnny Lightning XTraction chassis.

A small amount of weight added to the front of an Auto World chassis will improve handling in the turns. Place the weight on the flat section of the chassis near the front axle.

Placing lead weight at the rear of the chassis will also improve traction and tame an otherwise tail-happy car.

Lead weight is sold in sheets with a strong adhesive backing, and can easily be cut to size with a utility knife or scissors.

I also stock specialty tools designed to work on your Auto World ThunderJet 500 and Aurora T-Jet chassis. These CNC precision-machined tools are well made and will last a life-time. Avoid damaging your Auto World ThunderJet 500 by using tools designed specifically for this popular reproduction chassis.

Auto World has just released their first race set. This set has Tomy-compatible track, so you can easily expand it using standard Tomy AFX Track. Their initial set includes two (2) X-Traction chassis.

This set is targeted more towards the slot car collector than it is young children, due to the more difficult to drive X-Traction slot cars included with this set.

If you're looking for an inexpensive starter set for your youngster, the Tomy AFX Super Coupes set would be a much better choice.

The first Auto World race set includes 24 feet of Tomy-compatible 2-lane track, two (2) X-Traction slot cars; the General Lee Dodge Charger, and Rosco's White Police Cruiser.

Note: This set is for adults and collectors only. Most youngsters will be disappointed and frustrated with the difficult to drive slot cars included in this set.

The two cars in this set are no longer being produced by Auto World for sale separately, so when my existing stocks run out the only way to get these slot cars will be by purchasing this race set.