Slot cars originated in the early 1900s. Back then, they actually ran on rails rather than in slots. Different variants came and went over the next 40 years. It was only in the 1950s that the slot cars we know today became available. Some of the first models to come out were Aurora slot cars.

Irrespective of size, Aurora slot cars had a large market share than any of its competitors more half a century ago. One of the most unforgettable models would probably be the Thunderjet 500 which came out in 1963. Aurora attempted to provide something for everybody and offered highway slot car systems, postage stamp trains and even 1:32 scale slot cars.