Pop culture by definition and by simplest terms are those things recognized by the masses by their appeal or familiarity and are generally liked, remembered and drives a following. With Auto World’s latest release, Pop Culture (SC418), the cars have liveries that cover some of the most memorable pop culture icons from automotive history. We’ll dive into a brief coverage of each when we cover these cool car renditions of the logos and themes from each of these pop culture icons.
#1A 1966 Volkswagen Beetle – White/Lime – Turtle Wax
At first i wasn’t sure which pop culture icon I was covering here, VW or Turtle Wax! But let’s cover the Turtle! Way back in the 1930’s a guy named Ben Hirsch invents liquid auto polish in the family bathtub and later in 1944, Plastone Auto Polish is produced. In 1946 the name and slogan is changed to Turtle Wax with the “Hard Shell Finish” and cars have been gleaming on weekend car shows ever since. Not many products have remained unchanged with the same mascot and slogan for 70+ years! By the way Auto World, perfect car for the Turtle Wax livery!
#1B 1966 Volkswagen Beetle – Green/Lime – Turtle Wax
#2A 1972 Datsun 620 Pickup – Primer Red/Gray/Black – JDM Legends
I had do a bit of research on this one as I was not as familiar with JDM Legends, beyond the restoration work they are known for. Founded in 2009, the shop focuses on Japanese cars, not only offering restoration services, but a parts line and expertise for those working to restore or repair their own classic Japanese collector cars. Auto World’s pick of the Datsun 620 pickup is the perfect fit for the JDM shop truck.
#2B 1972 Datsun 620 Pickup – Primer Black/Gray/Red – JDM Legends
#3A 1977 Dodge Van – Yellow/Flat Black – Rat Fink
Rat Fink is the creation of Ed “Big Daddy” Roth and first appeared in the late 1950’s and gained popularity in the 1960’s as a grossed-out anti-hero to Mickey Mouse. Big Daddy built a whole cast of Fink family characters that revolved around hot rod culture and the garage humor around cars, mechanics, racers and girls.
#3B 1977 Dodge Van – Light Blue/Flat Black – Rat Fink
#4A 2004 Chevy Corvette C5R – Light Blue/White/Orange – Gulf
I can’t think of many other iconic racing liveries as well known as that of Gulf Oil. Going back to the Ford GT40s of 1968, to the Porsche 917s of 1970, there are few cars that stand out like the light blue and orange of the racing Gulf Oil cars. Gulf Oil was founded in 1901 and was known for innovations like the first drive up gas station and the bright orange Gulf logo recognized by their customers. It was merged with Chevron in the mid 1980’s. Auto World captures that historic racing theme with two iconic Gulf liveries on the C5R Corvette.
#4B 2004 Chevy Corvette C5R – Light Blue/Orange/White – Gulf
Here is the packaging for the 2025 Auto World ThunderJet-XTraction-4Gear SC418 Pop Culture release.
And here are a few group shots of this release.
Trends and fads come and go, but true icons of pop culture that pass the test of time are a true rarity. The four selected by Auto World’s Pop Culture slot car release are great examples of those rare gems that have a lasting impact on our memories and our pop culture. Look for this release at your local hobby shop or favorite web store late July/early August 2025.