Auto World Store

Welcome to the world famous Auto World Store. Your one-stop online hobby shop! The South Bend address refers to the executive offices and design studios.

Auto World does not operate a retail store. However, most current items are available at www.AutoWorldStore.com. History Lesson on Auto World Store:

In The Beginning...
In 1958, Oscar Koveleski founded Auto World in the basement of his home, in Scranton, Pennsylvania. The small mail order hobby business soon grew to great proportions and became well known for its annual product catalogs, which we

re filled with every car-related item an adolescent hobbyist might desire. From plastic model kits, to large-and small-scale slot racing cars, gas-powered cars, hobby tools, scratch-building supplies, paint and spray guns --- Auto World was a one stop mail-order shop for young modelers everywhere. Lightning Strikes
In 1994, Thomas E. Lowe, an entrepreneur with a love of cars both big and small, founded a company named Playing Mantis. He then proceeded to resurrect the long lost Johnny Lightning brand of small scaled diecast cars, originally made by Topper Toys. Eventually, interest in slot car racing and plastic model kits began to resurface and Playing Mantis responded with Polar Lights automotive, figurative and sci-fi plastic model kits. Tom also decided to recreate two slot car racing chassis to market under the Johnny Lightning brand. One was marketed under the Thunder jet 500 name and the other was the very popular X-traction. In 2004, Playing Mantis was purchased by RC2 Corporation. The Second Time Around
Tom's continued passion for small-scale slot cars prompted him to start a new company, appropriately called "Round 2." He needed to come up with a new brand name for the Thunder Jet 500 and X-Traction lines. Something familiar, with a retro vibe... Tom knew that the Auto World name and logo would be instantly recognizable to long-time hobbyists, filled mostly with adults who had rediscovered some of their youthful pastimes. So, he contacted Oscar Koveleski and successfully purchased the rights to the Auto World mark, making it the new brand for Thunder jet and X-Traction slot cars. Auto World continues to work with top licensors, not only in the world of slot cars but also American Muscle 1:18 scale diecast replicas, AMT, MPC and Polar Lights model kit lines. "We are a busy team with plenty of ideas". One of those exciting plans is the creation of the NEW Auto World webstore! The Auto World store offers you hundreds of diecast vehicles, model kits, slot cars, race sets and accessories, plus limited edition exclusives that you can't find anywhere else. So... log-on to www.autoworldstore.com and start having some fun.

04/21/2026

American Rally Icon - Auto World Store Exclusive!

Born from Subaru's rally roots, the 2002 WRX brought real racing tech to the street. Turbo power all-wheel drive, and rally-tuned suspension made it a thrill on any road, be it paved or dirt.

Founded in 2016, the American Rally Association brings pro drivers and grassroots racers together on the toughest stages in the U.S. This exclusive Johnny Lightning release pays tribute to ARA and Subaru’s rally heritage, along with a couple little Easter eggs for true Subaru and rally enthusiasts!

This release is limited with only 2,496 made, 3% of which is a White Lightning chase variant!

PRE-ORDER yours now at https://www.autoworldstore.com/products/pre-order-johnny-lightning-2002-subaru-impreza-wrx-auto-world-store-exclusive-1-64-diecast-late-may-2026

03/25/2026

AUTO WORLD STORE EXCLUSIVE Pre-Order Available Now!

We are proud to introduce this Exclusive 1965 Ford GT40 Mk1, debuting our all-new Auto World livery. Inspired by the iconic team colors to have raced at Le Mans, Daytona, Sebring and many other tracks, this is the very first in a series of race car collectables to wear our unique new paint and will look right at home in any collection.

We've made 3% of this Auto World Store Exclusive release as Ultra Red chase car and only 10 available as an Ultra Raw chase version.

PRE-ORDER NOW at https://www.autoworldstore.com/products/pre-order-auto-world-1965-ford-gt40-mk1-auto-world-store-exclusive-1-64-diecast-due-april-2026?_pos=14&_sid=372f7fb7b&_ss=r

03/06/2026

The SW20 Toyota MR2 is a cult favorite among driving purists -- a mid-engine rebel that punches far above its weight. With its curvy 90's styling and exotic silhouette, it's more than just a pretty face: Toyota's turbocharged 3S-GTE delivers serious power, while its lotus-influenced suspension makes it dance through corners with razor-sharp balance. Revered for its JDM mystique and raw, rewarding drive, the MR2 remains forever iconic.

Johnny Lightning is proud to bring this slick-handling classic to your collection, finished in bold Toyota Racing Livery.

Pre-order yours now at https://www.autoworldstore.com/products/pre-order-johnny-lightning-1991-toyota-mr2-auto-world-store-exclusive-1-64-diecast-due-april-2026?_pos=1&_sid=983b9d5ec&_ss=r

03/02/2026

NEW PRODUCT HITTING SOON!

UNREAL! Our March 2026 Spotlight highlights our newest offerings hitting soon! For 1:64 we have some exclusive new releases for our latest Johnny Lightning tooling with a super elevated display, and another all new set for Auto World TRUE 1:64 Premium! Model kits are revved up and ready to kick off spring with 4 unreal new offerings showcasing new tooling, new licenses, and the return of some classic plastic!

March 2026 - Round 2 Product Spotlight UNREAL! Our March 2026 Spotlight highlights our newest offerings hitting soon! For 1:64 we have some exclusive new releases for our latest Johnny Lightning t...

NEW JOHNNY LIGHTNING CASTINGS! - February 2026 - Round 2 Product Spotlight

02/03/2026

NEW @ ROUND 2 – FEBRUARY 2026 PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT
This February, fall in love with your favorite hobby all over again, with the latest haul from Round 2! For 1:64 die-cast lovers we're releasing all new Auto World and Johnny Lightning sets with BRAND NEW TOOLING and new tooling variations included. For the automotive modelers look for 3 new releases from AMT and MPC, with a focus on race-ready, custom favorites!

NEW JOHNNY LIGHTNING CASTINGS! - February 2026 - Round 2 Product Spotlight This February, fall in love with your favorite hobby all over again, with the latest haul from Round 2! For 1:64 die-cast lovers we're releasing all new Auto...

9 NEW MODELS! Round 2 Product Spotlight – January 2026

01/02/2026

NEW RELEASES COMING SOON! Round 2 Product Spotlight – January 2026

Happy New Year! We’re kicking off January with new releases ready to rip into 2026! Starting in die-cast, Auto World is “truckin’ in” a new assortment for TRUE 1:64 and large 1:18 scale. Slot Cars launch into the year with new licensed pop-culture releases! Lastly, we’re unleashing 9 new automotive model kits with something for fans of classic and modern plastic! Get ready for Round 2’s biggest year yet!

9 NEW MODELS! Round 2 Product Spotlight – January 2026 Happy New Year! We’re kicking off January with new releases ready to rip into 2026! Starting in die-cast, Auto World is “truckin’ in” a new assortment for TR...

SCI-FI DECEMBER! - Round 2 Product Spotlight - December 2025

12/03/2025

NEW @ ROUND 2 – DECEMBER 2025 PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT
2025 is coming to a close, and we're hammering home a huge release of 12 MODEL KITS with new tooling, new licenses, and returns of some sci-fi and automotive faves! Auto World slot cars turn it up to 11 with a new Super III release that's sure to melt faces. Johnny Lightning strikes with a new set of Collector Tin cars with an all-new tool, and lastly Auto World 1:18 stuns with an ultra-rare MCACN unicorn!

SCI-FI DECEMBER! - Round 2 Product Spotlight - December 2025 2025 is coming to a close, and we're hammering home a huge release of 12 MODEL KITS with new tooling, new licenses, and returns of some sci-fi and automotive...

12/01/2025

CYBER MONDAY IS LIVE!
Check our Cyber Monday section on autoworldstore.com for UP TO 60% OFF model kits, die-cast, and slot cars!

12/01/2025

15% OFF STOREWIDE!
Get 15% OFF on anything in the Auto World Store NOW THROUGH WEDNESDAY with the code: CYBERMONDAY15

11/28/2025

BLACK FRIDAY IS LIVE!

Check our Black Friday section on autoworldstore.com for UP TO 60% OFF model kits, die-cast, and slot cars!

11/28/2025

15% OFF STOREWIDE!
Get 15% OFF on anything in the Auto World Store NOW THROUGH SUNDAY with the code: BLACKFRIDAY15

Only at autoworldstore.com

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Telephone

+18889102889

Website

http://www.AutoWorldStore.com/

Address

4073 Meghan Beeler Court
South Bend, IN
46628

Auto World Store

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