Q: are you the same Auto World that was run by Oscar Koveleski in the 1950s, 60s, 70s, 80s and 1990s?
A: The original Auto World company was started in 1958 by Oscar Koveleski and R. A. “Smitty” Smith. The company was best know for it’s exciting mail order catalog, packed full of model kits, slot cars, tools, unique hobby products and more. The catalogs catered to the dreams of young hobbyists all across America. The first catalog was published in 1958 and the last one was published in 1991. Auto World also had a famous store in Scranton, PA that many modelers still have fond memories of visiting.
The Auto World name is now owned by Round 2 LLC, South Bend, Indiana. Round 2 manufactures die cast vehicles (Ertl), slot cars (X-traction, Thunderjets and 4 Gear), AMT, MPC and Polar Lights model kits. Tom’s vision for Auto World has always been to resurrect the name and once again associate it with a place where people can enjoy “one stop shopping” for their hobby-related product needs. The Autoworldstore.com web site will continually grow, adding more and more products from many different brand names, effectively become a virtual online version of the popular Auto World catalog.
Q: Auto World had a cool store in Scranton, PA back in the day. Do you have plans to open a new Auto World brick and mortar store location?
A: Yes we do and have! Auto World will be openned a 7,000 square foot hobby store in Mishawka, Indiana in the fall of 2011. Click here to see photos and get more information about the retail store! Our long term goal is to operate “The World’s Largest Automotive Hobby Shop” - one that you can visit on the web or in person.
Q: Why aren’t all of the products that Round 2 / Auto World manufactures for sale in your on-line the store?
A: Most of the products we produce are limited in production quantities so they may simply be sold out.
Q: There are several places to buy your products online. Are your prices the lowest? Why should we buy from you?
A: Our prices may not be the lowest. We are not trying to compete with hobby shops that carry Round 2’s AMT, MPC, Polar Lights model kits and slot cars on price. Rather, our “niche” will be to offer you a nostalgic shopping experience while giving you great customer service. Best of all, we will offer exclusive products available only at the Auto World Store (both web and actual store). We take great pride in offering special versions and limited editions of Round 2’s products to our collector. There are other incentives like free goodies that might be included with your order, such as free limited edition posters or Auto World Store keychain flashlight. When you consider the ability to buy products unavailable anywhere else, and combining that with bonus incentive, you may agree that it beats getting the lowest price on a regular model kit, slot car or die cast vehicle purchased from someplace else.
Q: How do I get replacement parts for my model?
A: Go to www.round2models.com
Q: How much is shipping?
A: Right now are shipping is based on dollar amount spent.
- $0.00 - $25.00 = $9.97
- $25.01 - $50.00 = $12.97
- $50.01 - $100.00 = $14.97
- $101.00 - $199.99 = $16.97
- $200.00 and up = Free Shipping
Q: Where can we ship to?
A: At this time we ship only to the Continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico.
