![AuroraAFXMatador](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/cc/AuroraAFXMatador.jpg)
The
Aurora Plastics Corporation
The Aurora Plastics Corporation was an American toy and hobby manufacturing company. It is known primarily for its production of plastic scale models of cars, airplanes, and TV and movie figures in the 1960s. Its principal competition in modelin ...
introduced the A/FX (Aurora Factory Experimentals, later simply "AFX") line of slot cars, slot car track sets, and related accessories in 1971. The AFX brand continued production until the company was forced into receivership in 1983. Aurora designed the AFX cars with interchangeable car body shells usually compatible with each chassis they released during these years. The original 1971 A/FX chassis utilized an updated version of the existing pancake motor design of Aurora's "Thunderjet 500" line, popular in the 1960s. Aurora then released a longer version of the A/FX chassis in 1973, known as the "Specialty" chassis, which incorporated a longer wheelbase and gearplate (and often a more powerful armature) with bodies unique to that chassis. The car bodies designed to fit the shorter original chassis featured a clever snap-on design while the bodies for the Specialty chassis were affixed with a small screw.
In 1974, Aurora redesigned both the original and Specialty chassis and exposed the bottom of the motor magnets. The exposed magnets were attracted to the metal rails in the track during racing, creating downforce to help hold the car on the track while cornering. AFX "Magna-Traction" cars remained popular from their release in 1974 throughout 1983, even after faster chassis designs were introduced in house and by Tyco.
Aurora introduced the innovative "G-Plus" in-line motor chassis in 1976. This design allowed the manufacture of narrow, open wheel
Formula 1
Formula One (also known as Formula 1 or F1) is the highest class of international racing for open-wheel single-seater formula racing cars sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA). The World Drivers' Championship, ...
style bodies. A version of the chassis was also released that would fit most of the previous tab-mounted AFX bodies. Aurora never designed an in-line chassis for the longer Specialty chassis bodies. In 1977, Aurora initiated several attempts at AFX-based slotless car chassis designs. These included the Ultra-5, Speed Steer, and Scre-e-echers Magna-Steering. Another in-line chassis design similar to the G-Plus was also introduced as the Super Magna-Traction and SP1000. Trick variants of the Super Magna-Traction include Blazin' Brakes, Speed Shifters and Cats Eyes. Improvements in the form of add-ons to the still popular Magna-Traction chassis, the Magna-Sonic sound box and an overhead light flasher for police cars, were also initiated.
AFX body shells encompassed a variety of themes including the
Can-Am
The Canadian-American Challenge Cup, or Can-Am, was an Sports Car Club of America, SCCA/Canadian Auto Sport Clubs, CASC sports car racing series from 1966 to 1987.
History
Can-Am started out as a race series for group 7 sports racers with two r ...
racing series,
NASCAR
The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, LLC (NASCAR) is an American auto racing sanctioning and operating company that is best known for stock car racing. The privately owned company was founded by Bill France Sr. in 1948, and hi ...
and
Trans-Am
The Trans-Am Series is a sports car racing series held in North America. Founded in 1966, it is sanctioned by the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA).
Primarily based in the United States, the series competes on a variety of track types includin ...
series stock cars,
Formula 1
Formula One (also known as Formula 1 or F1) is the highest class of international racing for open-wheel single-seater formula racing cars sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA). The World Drivers' Championship, ...
, Funny Car
Drag Racing
Drag racing is a type of motor racing in which automobiles or motorcycles compete, usually two at a time, to be first to cross a set finish line. The race follows a short, straight course from a standing start over a measured distance, most c ...
, sports cars, off-road cars, and street cars, as well as custom designs.
Aurora contracted with race car drivers whose images and endorsements appeared on AFX Slot Car sets. These included
Peter Revson
Peter Jeffrey Revson (February 27, 1939 – March 22, 1974) was an American race car driver and heir to the Revlon cosmetics fortune. He was a two-time Formula One race winner and had success at the Indianapolis 500.
Background
Peter Revson w ...
,
Jackie Stewart
Sir John Young Stewart (born 11 June 1939), known as Jackie Stewart, is a British former Formula One racing driver from Scotland. Nicknamed the "Flying Scot", he competed in Formula One between 1965 and 1973, winning three World Drivers' Cha ...
,
Mario Andretti
Mario Gabriele Andretti (born February 28, 1940) is an Italian-born American former racing driver. One of the most successful drivers in the history of motorsports, Andretti is one of only two drivers to have won races in Formula One, IndyCar, t ...
,
A. J. Foyt
Anthony Joseph Foyt Jr. (born January 16, 1935) is an American retired auto racing driver who has raced in numerous genres of motorsports. His open wheel racing includes United States Automobile Club Champ cars, sprint cars, and midget cars. He ...
, and
Richard Petty
Richard Lee Petty (born July 2, 1937), nicknamed "The King", is an American former stock car racing driver who raced from 1958 to 1992 in the former NASCAR Grand National and Winston Cup Series (now called the NASCAR Cup Series), most notabl ...
. Revson's untimely death in 1974 forced Aurora to cover his image with a sticker on already produced boxed sets.
Aurora released only one licensed track set in 1982, when they partnered with the popular ''
Fall Guy
Fall guy is a colloquial phrase that refers to a person to whom blame is deliberately and falsely attributed in order to deflect blame from another party.
Origin
The origin of the term "fall guy" is unknown and contentious. Many sources place ...
'' TV show. A licensed ''M*A*S*H'' set and fire engine set were planned for 1983, but Aurora suspended operations prior to release.
List of AFX Slot Car Chassis (1971-1983)
List of AFX Slot Cars (1971-1983)
List of Aurora/AFX Slot Car Sets (1971-1983)
Note: Vehicles pictured on the set packaging were not necessarrily the vehicles included; exceptions being themed sets such as those featuring police cars, tractor-trailer rigs, lighted cars, or a specific make or style of car.
List of A/FX Parts, Packaging, Track and Car Accessories
{, class="wikitable sortable"
, -
! Part # !! Year !! Description !! Type !! Photo
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, 1342, , 1972, , Power Pack, , Track Parts, ,
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, 1422, , 1979, , Data Race Control Center, , Track Parts, ,
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, 1423, , 1974, , Data Race Sound Tower, , Track Parts, ,
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, 1454, , 1971, , Russkit Hand Controller , , Track Parts, ,
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, 1455, , 1974, , LAP TIMER, , Track Parts, ,
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, 1457, , 1975, , Revamatic Sound Grandstand Units, , Track Parts, ,
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, 1461, , 1971, , High Performance Parts Kit , , Car Parts, ,
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, 1466, , 1975, , (8) Billboard Retaining Walls , , Track Parts, ,
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, 1489, , 1973, , RACE CASE WITH TRAY, , Car Parts, ,
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, 1493, , 1978, , Overhead Lap Counter, , Track Parts, ,
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, 1565, , 1976, , Track Elevation Supports, , Track Parts , ,
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, 1587, , 1976, , Modular Bridge Supports, , Track Parts , ,
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, 1589, , 1974, , Combination Tool and Circuit Tester, , Track Parts , ,
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, 1750, , 1971, , Display Cube , , Packaging , ,
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, 2403, , 1972, , (2) 9 inch "Y" track, , Track Parts, ,
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, 2416, , 1971, , (2) 7" Straight track, , Track Parts, ,
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, 2501, , 1975, , Track packaging card, , Packaging , ,
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, 2501, , 1979, , 9" Wiggle track, , Track Parts, ,
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, 2502, , 1971, , 9" Double cross track, , Track Parts, ,
![AFX 9in doublecross](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c5/AFX_9in_doublecross.jpg)
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, 2503, , 1972, , 9" "Y" track, , Track Parts, ,
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, 2506, , 1971, , 9" "Cobblestone" track, , Track Parts, ,
![AFX 9in cobblestone](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/10/AFX_9in_cobblestone.jpg)
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, 2514, , 1976, , (2) 9" Radius 1/8 , , Track Parts, ,
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, 2516, , 1971, , 7" Straight track, , Track Parts, ,
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, 2517, , 1975, , (2) 9" Straight tracks, , Track Parts, ,
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, 2519, , 1979, , (2) 9" Radius 1/4 Curve, , Track Parts, ,
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, 2523, , 1978, , Intersection track, , Track Parts, ,
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, 2524, , 1976, , 9" Straight criss-cross track, , Track Parts, ,
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, 2526, , 1975, , 9" Lap Counter track, , Track Parts, ,
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, 2527, , 1979, , 6" Straight track, , Track Parts, ,
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, 2532, , 1979, , Flex track, , Track Parts, ,
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, 2539, , 1971, , 9" "Squeeze" track, , Track Parts, ,
![AFX 9in squeeze](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b7/AFX_9in_squeeze.jpg)
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, 2542, , 1975, , (2) 15" Straight track, , Track Parts, ,
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, 2545, , 1975, , 12 inch RADIUS "DAYTONA" BANKED CURVE, , Track Parts, ,
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, 2550, , 1974, , Starter track, , Track Parts, ,
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, 2551, , 1972, , Pair 9" Adapter Tracks, , Track Parts, ,
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, 6052, , 1979, , (2) 9" SpeedSteer Curved track , , Track Parts , ,
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, 6776, , 1979, , SpeedSteer Pickup Shoes , , Car Parts , ,
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, 8501, , 1971, , GEAR PLATE & ARM. with GEARS, , Car Parts, ,
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, 8507, , 1971, , SPEEDWIND ARMATURE, , Car Parts, ,
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, 8509, , 1971, , REVERSIBLE GUIDE PIN, , Car Parts, ,
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, 8515, , 1971, , Idler Gear, , Car Parts, ,
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, 8516, , 1971, , GEAR PLATE, , Car Parts, ,
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, 8521, , 1971, , Pick-Up Shoes , , Car Parts, ,
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, 8524, , 1971, , Front Wheels , , Car Parts, ,
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, 8527, , 1971, , Rear Wheels , , Car Parts, ,
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, 8529, , 1971, , CLUSTER GEAR SHAFT, , Car Parts, ,
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, 8530, , 1971, , Cluster Gear, , Car Parts, ,
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, 8550, , 1972, , Plastic bag/card, , Packaging , ,
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, 8552, , 1972, , Super II Commutator Brush Tubes , , Car Parts , ,
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, 8555, , 1972, , Super II Rear Axle , , Car Parts , ,
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, 8559, , 1972, , Super II (2) Set Screws , , Car Parts , ,
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, 8560, , 1972, , Super II (1) Set Screw Wrench , , Car Parts , ,
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, 8567, , 1972, , Super II Plated Gear Clamp, , Car Parts , ,
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, 8569, , 1972, , Super II O-Ring Front Tires, , Car Parts , ,
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, 8571, , 1972, , Super II Reversible Guide Pin, , Car Parts , ,
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, 8572, , 1972, , Super II Cluster Gear and Shaft , , Car Parts , ,
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, 8601, , 1978, , Guide pin, , Car Parts , ,
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, 8602, , 1978, , (2) Pickup shoe springs, , Car Parts , ,
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, 8603, , 1978, , (2) Pickup shoes, , Car Parts , ,
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, 8604, , 1978, , (2) Motor brushes, , Car Parts , ,
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, 8605, , 1978, , (2) Motor brush springs, , Car Parts , ,
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, 8606, , 1978, , (2) Magnets, , Car Parts , ,
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, 8607, , 1978, , Armature, , Car Parts , ,
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, 8608, , 1978, , Gear plate clamp, , Car Parts , ,
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, 8609, , 1978, , Chassis, , Car Parts , ,
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, 8610, , 1978, , Gear plate and cluster gear, , Car Parts , ,
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, 8611, , 1978, , 14-tooth idler gear; 24-tooth idler gear; 15-tooth crown gear, , Car Parts , ,
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, 8612, , 1978, , Front axle; rear axle, , Car Parts , ,
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, 8613, , 1978, , (2) Front wheels; (2) rear wheels, , Car Parts , ,
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, 8614, , 1978, , (2) Front tires; (2) rear tires, , Car Parts , ,
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, 8615, , 1978, , 9-tooth pinion gear - Special chassis, , Car Parts , ,
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, 8616, , 1978, , Front axle; rear axle - Special chassis, , Car Parts , ,
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, 8617, , 1978, , (2) Front wheels; (2) rear wheels - Special chassis, , Car Parts , ,
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, 8622, , 1978, , (2) Front tires; (2) rear tires - Special chassis, , Car Parts , ,
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, 8678, , 1973, , Rear Narrow Axle, , Car Parts , ,
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, 8703, , 1974, , Guide pin, , Car Parts , ,
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, 8705, , 1974, , (2) Pickup shoe springs, , Car Parts , ,
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, 8711, , 1974, , Gear plate and cluster gear, , Car parts, ,
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, 8712, , 1974, , 14-tooth idler gear, , Car parts, ,
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, 8713, , 1974, , 24-tooth idler gear, , Car parts, ,
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, 8714, , 1974, , 15-tooth idler gear, , Car parts, ,
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, 8715, , 1974, , Front axle, , Car parts, ,
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, 8716, , 1974, , (2) Front wheels, , Car parts, ,
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, 8717, , 1974, , (2) Front tires, , Car parts, ,
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, 8718, , 1974, , Rear axle, , Car parts, ,
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, 8719, , 1974, , Rear wheels, , Car parts, ,
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, 8720, , 1974, , (2) Rear tires, , Car parts, ,
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, 8723, , 1974, , X2C Oiler, , Car parts, ,
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, 8731, , 1973, , (6) Chassis Gear Plate - Special chassis, , Car Parts , ,
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, 8732, , 1973, , Pinion Gear - Special chassis, , Car Parts , ,
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, 8733, , 1973, , 20-tooth Gear - Special chassis, , Car Parts , ,
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, 8734, , 1973, , 26-tooth Gear - Special chassis, , Car Parts , ,
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, 8735, , 1973, , 15-tooth Crown Gear - Special chassis, , Car Parts , ,
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, 8736, , 1973, , Front axle - Special chassis, , Car Parts , ,
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, 8737, , 1973, , (2) Front wheel - Special chassis , , Car Parts , ,
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, 8738, , 1973, , (2) Front tires - Special chassis , , Car Parts , ,
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, 8739, , 1973, , Rear Axle - Special chassis , , Car Parts , ,
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, 8740, , 1973, , (2) Rear wheels - Special chassis, , Car Parts , ,
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, 8742, , 1973, , (2) Rear tires - Special chassis, , Car Parts , ,
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, 8770, , 1974, , Chassis, , Car Parts , ,
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, 8771, , 1974, , (2) Magnets, , Car Parts , ,
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, 8772, , 1974, , Gear plate clamp, , Car Parts , ,
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, 8773, , 1974, , (2) Motor brush springs, , Car Parts , ,
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, 8774, , 1974, , (2) Motor brushes, , Car Parts , ,
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, 8775, , 1974, , (2) Pickup shoes, , Car Parts , ,
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, 8776, , 1974, , (6) SPEC CHASSIS, , Car Parts , ,
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, 8777, , 1974, , Armature, , Car Parts , ,
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, 8782, , 1975, , (2) Guide Pins, , Car Parts , ,
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, 8788, , 1975, , Std. Chassis Wheel Set, , Car Parts , ,
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, 8869, , 1976, , AFX Axle set, , Car Parts , ,
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, 8885, , 1976, , G PLUS Comm Brushes, , Car Parts , ,
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, 8888, , 1976, , G PLUS Pickup Shoe springs, , Car Parts , ,
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, 8897, , 1976, , G PLUS GUIDE PIN, , Car Parts , ,
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, 8995, , 1976, , Super G+ Tune-Up Kit , , Car Parts , ,
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, 9011, , 1979, , (2) Glow Guardrails, , Track Parts, ,
[Beers, 144-145]
See also
*
Aurora Plastics Corporation
The Aurora Plastics Corporation was an American toy and hobby manufacturing company. It is known primarily for its production of plastic scale models of cars, airplanes, and TV and movie figures in the 1960s. Its principal competition in modelin ...
*
Slot Car
References
External links
* http://www.afx-aurora.com/en/afx-aurora.htm
Slot Car History
* http://scottsafx.weebly.com/
* http://bernardsslotcarmuseum.com
* http://www.trackhobbies.com/AFX.html
Slot car brands
Slot car manufacturers
1983 disestablishments