Model kits have been tremendous with collectors and hobbyists for decades. In 1950, the Aurora Plastics Corporation was founded, and the company found success with model cars and airplanes -- but their model TV and movie figures really solidified their place with collectors. In the early 1960s, Aurora acquired the rights to the Universal Monsters. In 1961, Aurora showcased their first model prototype, Frankenstein's Monster to curious potential buyers. The monster was a hit, and people quickly started asking for more Universal Monster kits.
These models would also test a person's artistic ability, as you would have to paint the model after building it. Aurora also released several popular models based on comic book characters, including Superman, Batman, and even Archie!
The Creature from the Black Lagoon
One of my personal grail items, Aurora's 1963 Creature from the Black Lagoon took hobbyists by storm. The Gill-man is fully detailed and truly menacing. Complete models on eBay typically sell between $90 - $150, with varying paint jobs. But be aware, some of these models would be the 1990s re-release.
Finding an original 1963 model is hard to come by. A box without the contents sold for $229 in August 2022. In November 2018 Heritage sold an original model kit with the box, a missing base, and a broken right hand for $144. In May 2019, a lot of 16 model kits --including the Creature -- also sold on Heritage for $7,200.
The Bride of Frankenstein
This stunning kit should be on the top of everyone's want list. The Bride comes alive in this kit. The Bride lays on the doctor's table, strapped down and wrapped up like a mummy. The only visible part of her body is her head and signature hair.
The entire kit is a part of Doctor Frankenstein's lab and is one of the more unique Aurora kits. Complete kits without the box range in price from $99 - $379, while complete in-box models are once again harder to find. Within the last three months, two complete in-box kits have sold on eBay, but sold via "best offer".
Archie's Car Kit
Another personal grail, this kit features Archie's famed jalopy, as well as figures of Archie, Veronica, and Jughead's dog Hot Dog (yet no Jughead). Unlike the previous two kits, this one is easier to find, and to my knowledge was not re-issued after its initial three-year run.
While there are toys of Archie's Jalopy out there, this kit allows creators to make the junker their own. In October 2022 a complete kit with sealed parts sold for $420. In September 2022, a complete kit sold for $258. This kit has gone up in value, so this could be a unique investors piece. In 2008, Heritage sold a complete kit with sealed parts for a mere $45!
Do you collect Aurora kits? Tell us about them in the comments below.
