Hess trucks are widely popular among collectors as they are known for their intricate designs and high-quality craftsmanship. However, there are some Hess trucks that are considered rare and highly sought-after by enthusiasts. These rare models are highly coveted by collectors and can even fetch a high price in the market. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the rare Hess trucks out there and what makes them so special.
Rare Hess Trucks: The Ultimate Collectibles
Hess trucks have been a favorite Christmas toy for many children over the years. They have been around since 1964, and every year, Hess Corporation releases a new model. These models vary in design, with some being more sophisticated than others. As the years go by, some models become more difficult to find, resulting in increased popularity and a rise in value among collectors. In this article, we will discuss the rarest Hess trucks ever made.
The Chrome Truck (2006)
The 2006 Chrome truck is one of the rarest Hess trucks ever made. This limited edition was released as a tribute to the 40th anniversary of the Hess toy truck. Only 1,500 were produced, and each came with a unique certificate of authenticity. The truck is made of chrome-plated metal, and its sleek design makes it a fan favorite among collectors.
The Woodland Scenic Truck (1965)
The Woodland Scenic Truck is one of the rarest and most valuable Hess trucks ever made. This model was released in 1965, and only a few thousand were produced. The truck came with a set of accessories, including a hut, a bridge, and a signpost. These accessories are rare and highly sought after by collectors.
The White Fire Truck (1988)
The White Fire Truck is another rare and valuable Hess truck. This model was released in 1988, and only a few thousand were produced. The truck came with a ladder that could be extended, a fire hose, and other accessories. The attention to detail in the design makes this truck a favorite among collectors.
The Truck and Racer (1981)
The Truck and Racer is a rare and valuable Hess truck that was released in 1981. This model came with a green racing car and a toy truck. The truck had a trailer that could be detached, and the car could be removed from its base. This feature made it a popular toy among children, resulting in fewer surviving models.
The Tanker Truck (1977)
The Tanker Truck is a rare and valuable Hess truck that was released in 1977. This model came with a detachable trailer that had two compartments. One compartment held simulated oil, while the other held simulated gasoline. This truck remains a popular toy among collectors and is highly sought after.
The RV Truck and Camper (1970)
The RV Truck and Camper is a rare and valuable Hess toy truck. This model was released in 1970 and came with a detachable camper. The camper had a pop-up roof, sink, stove, and refrigerator. The truck was decorated with a red, white, and blue Hess logo, making it a favorite among collectors.
The Space Shuttle Transport (1999)
The Space Shuttle Transport is a rare and valuable Hess truck that was released in 1999. This model came with a space shuttle, which could be detached from the back of the truck. The truck had working headlights and taillights, making it a favorite among toy enthusiasts and collectors.
The Hess Patrol Car (1982)
The Hess Patrol Car is a rare and valuable model that was released in 1982. This model came with working headlights, a siren, and a flashing red light. The car was highly coveted among children and was therefore played with frequently, resulting in fewer surviving models.
The Fire Truck Bank (1997)
The Fire Truck Bank is a rare and valuable Hess truck that was released in 1997. This model was designed as a piggy bank, with a slot in the back for children to deposit their money. The truck had a working siren and headlights, making it a hit among children and collectors.
The Hess Helicopter With Motorcycle And Cruiser (2002)
The Hess Helicopter with Motorcycle and Cruiser is a rare and valuable toy truck that was released in 2002. This model came with a helicopter that could be detached, along with a working motorcycle and cruiser. The unique design makes this truck a favorite among collectors.
Conclusion:
These are ten of the rarest and most valuable Hess trucks ever produced. The limited numbers, unique designs, and attention to detail in these models make them highly sought after by collectors. If you are lucky enough to own one of these rare toys, you are sitting on a valuable piece of history. Keep it in good condition, and you may earn a significant return on your investment.
The History of Rare Hess Trucks
Hess trucks have been a fan favorite for over 50 years. These iconic trucks were first introduced in 1964 as a way for New Jersey-based Hess Gasoline stations to give back to their loyal customers. Since then, these trucks have become collectibles with many people vying to find the rarest ones. In this section, we will dive into the history of these rare Hess trucks.
The Early Days of Hess Trucks
When the first Hess truck was released in 1964, it was an instant hit. The 1964 Hess tanker truck was made of plastic and had working lights and a siren. This set the standard for all future Hess trucks and collectors eagerly awaited the release of each year’s new truck. Over the years, Hess trucks have been made out of different materials including metal, plastic and even wood. The early trucks are the most sought after by collectors.
Yearly Releases of Hess Trucks
Hess continued to release a new truck every year, with each one being slightly different from the last. This annual tradition continued until 2014 when Hess decided to stop selling the trucks in gas stations. During the yearly releases, collectors would go to great lengths to get their hands on each new truck. Some even lined up outside gas stations before they opened to make sure they got one.
Rare Hess Trucks
As with any collectible, some Hess trucks are rarer than others. The rarest Hess trucks are those that were not produced in large quantities, such as the 1965 Hess tanker trailer or the 2001 Hess helicopter with motorcycle and cruiser. Some other rare Hess trucks include the 1987 Hess tractor trailer, the 1995 Hess tanker truck, and the 2006 Hess toy truck and helicopter set. These trucks can be worth thousands of dollars to collectors.
Hess Truck Values
The value of a Hess truck depends on a few different factors, including its rarity, condition, and year of release. The rarest Hess trucks are the most valuable and can be worth thousands of dollars. However, even the more common Hess trucks can be valuable, especially if they are in mint condition. If you have a rare Hess truck in your collection, it’s important to have it professionally appraised to determine its true value.
Hess Truck Collectors
There is a large community of Hess truck collectors out there. These collectors are passionate about their collections and often attend trade shows and conventions to buy, sell and trade their rare Hess trucks. These events are a great way to meet other collectors and learn more about the history and value of Hess trucks.
The Future of Hess Trucks
Even though Hess gas stations no longer sell these iconic trucks, the future of Hess trucks looks bright. The Hess Toy Truck brand was sold to another company in 2020, which means they will continue to produce these beloved trucks for years to come. Collectors can look forward to new releases and potentially more rare trucks to add to their collections.
Tips for Collecting Rare Hess Trucks
If you’re interested in collecting rare Hess trucks, there are a few tips you should keep in mind. First, do your research and learn as much as you can about the history and value of these trucks. Second, purchase from reputable sellers to ensure that you’re getting an authentic Hess truck. Finally, store your Hess trucks in a cool, dry place to prevent damage and preserve their condition.
Conclusion
Collecting rare Hess trucks can be a fun and rewarding hobby. These iconic trucks have a rich history and continue to be a beloved part of American culture. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting out, there is always something new to discover in the world of rare Hess trucks.
Types of Rare Hess Trucks
When it comes to Hess trucks, there are many different types out there. Some are more common than others, and some are incredibly rare. Here are some of the rarest Hess trucks available:
The 1964 Hess Tanker Trailer
This is the original edition of the Hess truck, and it’s incredibly rare. It was only produced for one year, and there were only about 1500 made. The tanker was made of metal, and it was filled with a mix of oil and water that made it slosh around like a real tanker truck.
The 1966 Hess Voyager Tanker Ship
The 1966 Voyager Tanker Ship is another early edition Hess truck that’s highly sought after. This ship was the first of the “non-truck” vehicles that Hess produced, and it’s made of plastic. There were only about 6000 of these made, and they’re incredibly hard to find.
The 1988 Hess Truck and Racer
The 1988 Hess Truck and Racer was a unique edition that came with a separate race car that could be driven around a track. There were only about 150,000 of these made, which makes them relatively rare compared to some of the other editions. However, they’re still more common than the early editions.
The 2006 Hess Toy Truck and Helicopter
The 2006 Hess Toy Truck and Helicopter is a more recent edition, but it’s still rare. This toy comes with a separate helicopter that can fly off the truck, and it was only produced in limited quantities. There were only about 1 million of these made, which makes them rare compared to some of the other modern editions.
The 2011 Hess Toy Truck and Race Car
The 2011 Hess Toy Truck and Race Car is another modern edition that’s already becoming quite rare. This toy comes with a separate race car that can be driven around, and it also has working lights and sounds. There were only about 1.6 million of these made, which is relatively low compared to some of the other modern editions.
Edition | Production Year | Number Produced |
---|---|---|
1964 Hess Tanker Trailer | 1964 | Approximately 1500 |
1966 Hess Voyager Tanker Ship | 1966 | Approximately 6000 |
1988 Hess Truck and Racer | 1988 | Approximately 150,000 |
2006 Hess Toy Truck and Helicopter | 2006 | Approximately 1 million |
2011 Hess Toy Truck and Race Car | 2011 | Approximately 1.6 million |
Learn more about the history and value of rare Hess trucks by checking out this article.
Thanks for Exploring Rare Hess Trucks with Us
We hope you enjoyed the journey with us through the world of rare Hess Trucks. These miniature models are fascinating pieces of history, each holding its own story to tell. Keep exploring and learning about these iconic vehicles, and who knows? You may stumble upon a rare Hess Truck of your own one day. Thanks for reading, and be sure to visit again for more exciting articles like this one!