Trucks Brand New Trucks Brand for Sale
Do you love trucks? Do you enjoy collecting special items? If your answer is yes, then it’s highly likely that you’ve heard of the collectible Hess trucks. These trucks are released every year on Black Friday and have become a staple of the holiday season for many collectors. Each year, Hess creates a new and unique design for their trucks, making them highly sought after by collectors. In this article, we’ll take a look at the different collectible Hess trucks by year and their specific design features. So, sit back, relax, and get ready to learn about these iconic trucks.
1. The Early Years (1964-1971)
The Hess Truck tradition began in 1964 when Leon Hess, the founder of Hess Corporation, decided to offer a toy truck to customers during the holiday season. The first Hess Truck was a tanker truck that came with enough fuel oil to fill its tank. These early trucks are highly sought after by collectors today due to their rarity.
2. Expansion and Innovation (1972-1980)
In 1972, the Hess Corporation introduced the first box truck in its series. Throughout the 1970s and into the 1980s, Hess Trucks expanded their line and became more intricate. The 1975 Hess Truck was the first to have working lights and doors that opened and closed. Collectors look for Hess Trucks from this period to add them to their collections due to their innovative design and features.
3. The Golden Age (1981-1990)
The 1980s saw the introduction of fully-functional Hess Trucks, complete with batteries and remote control abilities. The 1988 Hess Truck had a working crane and gooseneck trailer, making it one of the most popular and rare collectibles. Many enthusiasts consider the 1980s to be the golden age of Hess Trucks.
4. Innovation Continues (1991-2000)
The 1990s saw further advancements in Hess Truck design, including sound effects and increased mobility. The 1995 Hess Truck featured a detachable helicopter, while the 1999 model had a motorized launch vehicle. The Hess trucks designed during these decades are considered to have impressive detail and functionality, making them popular among collectors.
5. The Millennium Collection (2000-2009)
The turn of the millennium saw the introduction of special edition trucks. The 2000 Hess Truck was one of these, featuring a commemorative hologram of the year 2000. In 2003, the Hess Corporation created a miniature version of the 2002 Hess Truck called the Miniature Emergency Truck. This miniature version quickly became a must-have collectible item.
6. The Modern Era (2010-2019)
Much of the 2010s Hess Trucks introduced new technology, including LED lights and sound effects that can be activated via a button remote. The 2013 Hess Truck was particularly unique, featuring three different vehicles: a tractor trailer, a flatbed truck and a loader. This first collector Hess Truck of the new decade was an instant success among collectors.
7. The Last Hess Truck (2020)
The last Hess Truck ever produced was in 2020, symbolizing the end of a tradition of manufacturing collectible toy trucks that spanned six decades. The collectible tanker truck came with dual motor technology and jet and truck sound effects. Collectors of Hess Trucks will likely look upon this truck with fondness and nostalgia.
8. How to Store Collectible Hess Trucks
Proper storage of collectible Hess Trucks is crucial to their integrity. One of the most important tips is to avoid exposing the trucks to direct sunlight which can fade their colors and age the plastic material. It’s also important to keep the trucks in a dry area to avoid mold or moisture damage. Storing Hess Trucks in their original packaging is ideal for preservation, while display cases can protect, preserve and showcase the collection.
9. Where to Find Collectible Hess Trucks
While limited edition and rare collectible Hess Trucks can be found at yard sales or flea markets, the most reliable source of Hess Trucks is the official Hess Toy Trucks website during the holiday season. Collectors can also find them on auction sites such as eBay. It’s important to pay attention to the condition and authenticity of the trucks and to always buy from reputable sellers.
10. Appreciating the Value of Collectible Hess Trucks
The value of Hess Trucks can vary depending on their rarity, age, condition, and whether they are still in their original packaging. Collectors can use price guides or consult experts in the field to determine the value of their collection. Collectors can also choose to sell their Hess Trucks in private sales or auction houses to those who appreciate the nostalgia and history behind these iconic American toys.
Exploring the Collectible Hess Trucks by Year
The Hess Corporation, a well-known oil company based in the United States, has been producing collectible toy trucks for over 50 years. These trucks have become so popular among collectors that they are now highly sought after and fetched premium prices. In this section, we will be exploring the Hess Truck collection by year to take a closer look at each truck’s unique features, production quantity, and value.
The 1964 Hess Tanker Truck
The 1964 Hess Tanker Truck is the first collectible truck produced by the Hess Corporation. It was a replica of the company’s tanker truck that was used to deliver gasoline to its customers. The truck had a battery-operated siren and a functioning headlight that made it a favorite among children. However, due to its rarity, this collectible truck is now difficult to find, and it could be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
The 1975 Hess Box Trailer Truck
The 1975 Hess Box Trailer Truck is another highly popular collectible truck. It was the first truck to come with a trailer and was sold for $1.29. The trailer had two doors that could be opened, and the truck had working headlights and taillights. It is still incredibly valued by collectors and can be worth anywhere between $100- $2000, depending on the model’s condition.
The 1980 Hess Training Van
The 1980 Hess Training Van was designed to promote safety on the roads. The van had multiple working parts, including an adjustable ladder and side panels that opened, revealing an emergency kit. The collectible toy had a limited production run of only 80,000 units and can now fetch up to $1000 in mint condition.
The 1986 Hess Fire Truck Bank
The 1986 Hess Fire Truck Bank was the first collectible truck to be produced with a savings bank function. The truck had a removable coin bank that could store up to $250 in change. Only 1.6 million units were produced, and it is worth around $50 in its original condition.
The 1993 Hess Patrol Car
The 1993 Hess Patrol Car is one of the most sought-after collectible trucks in the entire Hess Truck series. The patrol car was a replica of the New York City Police Department’s patrol car, complete with working headlights, taillights, and a siren. The truck had a production run of only 1 million units and is now valued at around $200 in mint condition.
The 1998 Hess Recreation Van
The 1998 Hess Recreation Van was the first Hess Truck produced to be an actual vehicle, as it was a giant RV, complete with a car and a boat. The recreational vehicle had multiple working parts, including a drop-down tailgate, a fold-out ramp, and even a boat cradle. This collectible truck is highly valued among enthusiasts and can be worth up to $1000 in its original condition.
The 2003 Hess Truck and Racecar
The 2003 Hess Truck and Racecar was another favorite release among collectors. The truck came with a high-performance race car, which could be removed from the trailer to race on its own. The race car had working headlights, and the truck had a functioning backup alert. This collectible truck is highly prized by collectors and can be worth anywhere between $50-$500, depending on its condition.
The 2009 Hess Race Car and Racer
The 2009 Hess Race Car and Racer was another collectible truck released by Hess Corporation with a high-performance car theme. The race car had LED headlights, and the truck had working taillights. This collectible toy had a production run of 1.6 million units and is worth around $75 in its original condition.
The 2014 Hess Toy Truck and Space Cruiser
2014’s collectible toy truck had a space theme and drew inspiration from a futuristic vessel. The truck had multiple working features, including 22 LED lights, three exhaust thruster sounds, and a detachable space shuttle. The collectible truck had a production run of 1.6 million units and is worth around $40 in its original condition.
Conclusion
The Hess Truck collection has been fascinating to collectors worldwide for over 50 years, and the popularity of these trucks only continues to grow. Each release brings something new and exciting to the table, making them prized possessions for collectors. Whether you are a long-time collector or new to the collection, there is always a new, exciting truck to add to the collection. Remember to purchase it while you can or get them from the aftermarket before the prices keep rising.
History of Collectible Hess Trucks
Collectible Hess Trucks have been known to spark a lot of interest among toy collectors and enthusiasts alike. They have been around since 1964, when they were first released as a holiday toy for customers of the Hess gas stations. Since then, Hess trucks have become a popular collectible item, with people looking forward to new releases every year.
Hess Truck Features
Each year, Hess releases a new version of their toy truck, with unique features and designs. The trucks are modeled after real-life Hess trucks used by the company, and each release is a limited edition item that quickly goes out of stock. Features of a typical Hess Truck include:
| Features |
|---|
| Lights and Sound |
| Working Parts |
| Realistic Design |
| And More |
The collectible Hess Trucks are built to last. They are often made with high-quality materials such as metal and plastic, and they feature intricate designs like opening doors, moving parts, and working lights. The colors, paint job, and logo on each truck are also unique, which makes the trucks highly sought-after among collectors.
Increase in Value
Like other collectible items, Hess trucks gain in value over time, especially if they are kept in their original packaging. Rare and older models can fetch several hundred dollars, while new release models are priced around $30-$40 dollars. The limited-edition nature of the trucks also makes them more valuable, as they become harder to find as time passes.
Collecting by Year
Many collectors choose to focus on collecting Hess Trucks by year. Each year, the company releases a new model, and each model represents a unique period in the history of Hess. Collectors can accumulate a rare collection based on the year and features of each truck. Some of the collectible Hess Trucks by year include:
1970 Hess Fire Truck
The 1970 Hess Fire Truck is one of the most sought-after collectible Hess trucks. It was the first year that Hess introduced a fire truck into their line of toy trucks. It features a bright red design, with working headlights and taillights.
1990 Hess Tanker Truck
The 1990 Hess Tanker Truck is another popular collectible item. It features a sleek design and a working hose that can actually spray water. This particular model is often sought by collectors due to its unique design and functionality.
2010 Hess Toy Truck and Jet
The 2010 Hess Toy Truck and Jet is a limited edition model that was released to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Hess Toy Truck. It features a sleek design, with a detachable jet that can be launched from the back of the truck.
2019 Hess Tow Truck Rescue Team
The 2019 Hess Tow Truck Rescue Team was the last model released before Hess gas stations were rebranded. It features a detailed red-and-white design, with a tow truck and a rescue truck. Both the trucks have working lights and sound.
Conclusion
Collectible Hess Trucks are a unique and valuable addition to any collection. Whether you are interested in collecting by year or by model, these limited-edition toy trucks are sure to impress. With intricate details, working parts, and unique designs, Hess Trucks are a fun and exciting way to celebrate the history of the Hess Corporation.
Here is the relevant link for “collectible hess trucks by year”:
Explore the list of collectible Hess trucks by year to satisfy your inner collector and learn more about these iconic toy vehicles.
Happy Collecting!
Thanks for taking the time to read about the collectible Hess trucks by year. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting in this hobby, there’s no denying the joy that comes with finding that perfect addition to your collection. Remember, the value of your collection isn’t just in the price tag, it’s in the stories and memories behind each truck. So keep hunting, keep trading, and most importantly, keep having fun. Don’t forget to check back later for more updates on the latest Hess releases and rare finds. Happy collecting!