hess truck collectible

Hess Truck Collectibles have become a beloved tradition for many families during the holiday season. Since their introduction in 1964, these toy trucks have captured the hearts of young and old alike. Each year, Hess releases a new truck design that is eagerly anticipated by collectors and toy enthusiasts. Their bright colors and intricate detailing make them both fun to play with and gorgeous to display. Whether it’s a gift for a child or a special addition to a collection, the Hess Truck has become a staple of American culture.

History of Hess Truck Collectibles

Hess truck collectibles have been around for decades and have gained a cult following among truck and toy enthusiasts alike. The first Hess truck was introduced in 1964, and since then there has been a new Hess truck released almost every year. These collectibles have become a beloved holiday tradition in the United States, with many people eagerly anticipating the release of each year’s model.

Original Hess Truck Collectible

The original Hess truck featured a tanker truck design and was a big hit with children and adults alike. It had working headlights and tail lights, as well as a horn that could be activated by pushing a button. The truck also came with a removable funnel and hose that could be attached to the tanker.

What Makes Hess Truck Collectibles So Special?


What Makes Hess Truck Collectible Special

One reason why Hess truck collectibles are so special is that they are only sold at Hess gas stations. This gives them a sense of exclusivity that other collectibles simply don’t have. Additionally, the level of attention to detail that goes into each truck is truly impressive. The trucks are made with high-quality materials and come with a variety of working mechanical features that make them a joy to play with.

The Value of Hess Trucks


Value of Hess Trucks

Many people collect Hess trucks not only because they are fun to play with, but also because they can be valuable investments. Rare and vintage Hess trucks can be worth a significant amount of money, with some models selling for thousands of dollars. If you have a collection of Hess trucks, it is important to take good care of them to ensure their value holds over time.

Popular Hess Truck Collectibles


Popular Hess Truck Collectibles

While every year’s Hess truck release is highly anticipated, there are some models that stand out as particularly popular. The 1970 Hess tanker truck is a favorite among collectors, as is the 1980 training van and the 1986 fire truck and rescue team. Of course, new models are always adding to the popularity of the Hess truck brand.

How to Add to Your Hess Truck Collectibles Collection


How to Add to Your Hess Truck Collectibles Collection

If you’re interested in starting or expanding your Hess truck collectibles collection, there are a few ways to go about it. You can visit your local Hess gas station during the holiday season to purchase the latest release, or you can search online for vintage and rare models. Sites like eBay and Craigslist can be good resources for finding older trucks for sale by other collectors.

Caring for Your Hess Trucks


Caring for Your Hess Trucks

To ensure that your Hess trucks retain their value and continue to bring you joy, it is important to take proper care of them. Store them in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight, and avoid exposing them to moisture or extreme temperatures. If your trucks come with batteries, be sure to remove them when not in use to prevent leaking.

The Future of Hess Truck Collectibles


Future of Hess Truck Collectibles

While it was recently announced that Hess gas stations would be sold to another company, that doesn’t mean the end of Hess truck collectibles. In fact, it’s possible that the sale could lead to even more collectibles being released in the future. Only time will tell what the future holds for this beloved holiday tradition.

In Conclusion

Hess truck collectibles have been a popular holiday tradition for decades, and for good reason. These high-quality toys are fun to play with, valuable investments, and exclusive to Hess gas stations. If you’re interested in starting or expanding your collection, be sure to take good care of your trucks and keep an eye out for new releases to add to your shelves.

The History of Hess Truck Collectibles

When it comes to collectible toy trucks, the Hess Truck is one of the most iconic and sought-after pieces. It all started back in 1964 when the Hess Corporation began releasing their annual holiday toy truck. Since then, the tradition continues, and each year the new model is released, highly anticipated by collectors and children alike. Here’s a look at the history of Hess Truck Collectibles:

The First Hess Toy Truck

The first Hess toy truck was released in 1964, and it was an instant success. The truck was a replica of the tanker truck used to deliver gasoline to Hess gas stations. The toy truck featured working headlights and gave off a realistic engine sound, making it a popular toy for children. The first-year production was 150,000 units, and it sold out in a matter of weeks.

First Year Production of Hess Toy Truck

The Evolution of Hess Toy Truck

Over the years, the Hess Corporation evolved their toy truck designs, and each year the model became more intricate and detailed. The truck was modeled after different types of vehicles, such as a firetruck, a helicopter, a race car, and many more. The features have also become more advanced, such as the ability to launch a spaceship or the presence of LED lights.

Evolution of Hess Toy Truck

Hess Miniature Trucks

In 1998, Hess introduced the Miniature Trucks collection, which features smaller replicas of previously released models. The miniature trucks set is highly sought after by collectors as it gives them a chance to own Hess toy trucks that they may have missed when they were initially released.

Hess Miniature Trucks

Collecting Hess Toy Trucks

Collecting Hess Toy Trucks has become a hobby for both children and adults alike. Collectors search for variations in the models, such as different box designs or small changes that make the truck unique. Some highly sought-after variations can be valued in the thousands of dollars.

Collecting Hess Toy Trucks

The Appeal of Hess Toy Trucks

One of the reasons Hess Toy Trucks has become such a popular collectible is due to the strong brand impact the Hess Corporation has on the public. For years, Hess gas stations were a staple on highways, and consumers developed a loyalty towards the brand. The release of the annual Hess Toy Truck only adds to the nostalgia for the brand, making collector’s items highly valued among the public.

Where to Find Hess Toy Trucks

For those looking to start a collection of Hess Toy Trucks, there are various options available. The annual toy truck is typically sold at Hess gas stations, but the company also sells them on their website and other retailers such as Walmart and Amazon. There are also numerous online communities and forums where collectors can trade or sell their Hess Toy Trucks.

The Future of Hess Toy Truck Collectibles

The Hess Toy Truck tradition continues strong over five decades since the first model was released. With each year, collectors anticipate the next model, eager to add to their collection. As long as the Hess Corporation continues to produce new models, Hess Toy Trucks will remain a highly sought-after collectible.

The Value of Hess Toy Trucks

The value of Hess Toy Trucks varies depending on the rarity of the model and its condition. Older models tend to be more valuable, but certain years can be particularly valuable due to rare variations. It is recommended that collectors invest in keeping their never-opened models in pristine condition to maintain its value in the future.

Conclusion

The tradition of the Hess Toy Truck collection has been an essential part of American culture for several decades. Its rich history, unique design, and high-quality features continue to attract collectors of all ages. For those who grew up with the Hess Corporation on the highways, the toy truck models are a nostalgic reminder of a bygone era and have become a highly valued symbol of American history.

The Value of Hess Truck Collectibles

Hess trucks have been collected by enthusiasts for several years now since the first model was introduced in 1964. Those that have been preserved are worth more than the new releases as many collectors longingly seek to fill in gaps in their collection.

Here are five factors that determine the value of a Hess truck collectible:

1. Age

The age of a Hess truck collectible plays a significant role in its value. The earlier editions tend to be more valuable, such as the first models released in 1964 or the 1975 truck that introduced battery-operated headlights and taillights. These editions are highly priced due to their rarity; the first model alone is valued at around $2,000.

1964 Hess Truck Collectible

2. Limited Editions

As previously mentioned, the Hess corporation releases a collectible truck once a year. If the company releases a limited edition truck, collectors are quick to snap them up. It is not unusual for these limited editions to sell out within hours of release. Some of the most sought after limited edition trucks include the 1990 tank truck, the 1991 tractor-trailer, and the 1993 patrol car. These trucks have been known to fetch prices of more than $1,000 on the open market.

1991 Hess Truck Collectible

3. Condition

No matter how rare or old a Hess truck collectible is, if it is in bad condition, then it will have a lower demand amongst collectors. A Hess truck collectible that is still in the original packaging and has been preserved well with minimal scratches or marks will fetch a higher price than one that has been played with, broken, or damaged in any way.

4. Rarity

Some Hess trucks have been produced in smaller quantities than others, which make them relatively scarce and valuable. The 1977 Hess fuel oil truck was their only delivery van in eight years, making it an infrequent addition to collections. Similarly, the 1987 Hess truck and racer contains a rare, white jet-fuel tanker, which only adds to its collectible appeal.

1977 Hess Fuel Oil Truck

5. Market Demand

The value of any collectible is ultimately determined by the market demand for it, which typically fluctuates over time. If there are few people looking for a particular Hess truck collectible, such as the less popular trucks produced in the 1980s and 1990s, then the price will be lower. However, if the market demand for a particular Hess truck collectible spikes, such as was witnessed in the case of the 2014 Hess anniversary truck released to celebrate its fiftieth anniversary, then the prices are likely to skyrocket.

Hess Truck Collectible Value
1964 Hess Tanker Truck $2,000+
1975 Hess Box Van Truck $700+
1982 Hess Training Van $50+
1990 Hess Tanker Truck $1,200+
2014 50th Anniversary Hess Toy Truck and Space Cruiser with Scout $550+

Sources: hesscollectortruck.com, idigitalsuccess.com

Learn about the history of the Hess truck through Collectors Weekly’s extensive guide on the topic.

Thanks for Joining the Fun!

We hope you had as much fun reading about the Hess Truck Collectible as we did sharing it with you. The joy we feel collecting these trucks is truly unmatched and contagious. If you’re already a fan, we hope you keep on collecting and enjoying these timeless toys. If you’re new to the hobby, we encourage you to check out a Hess Truck Collectible and experience the excitement for yourself. Come back soon for more articles, and happy collecting!