1966 Hess Tanker Ship: The Hess Voyager
The 1966 Hess Tanker Ship, The Hess Voyager, is a crucial and unique entry in the Hess Toy Truck collection. It was only the third release in the series and the first-ever non-truck vehicle, marking a temporary, but memorable, departure from the road-going models.
A Sea Change in the Collection
The Hess Voyager is a detailed replica of an actual Hess oil tanker ship launched in 1962. Its release celebrated the maritime aspect of the Hess Corporation’s fuel business, showing customers the full scope of their operations, from sea to shore. The ship’s intricate details and distinct theme make it a popular and valuable piece for serious collectors.
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Key Features and Specifications
The Hess Voyager was a highly realistic model, especially known for its comprehensive lighting:
- Model: Tanker Ship (Replica of the actual Hess Voyager).
- Color Scheme: White and green with highly detailed decals.
- Lights: Featured a complete set of authentic maritime navigation lights, including a white bow light, white stern light, red port light, and green starboard light.
- Size: At approximately 18 inches (17-5/8″ to 18-1/4″) long, it is one of the longest toys ever released by Hess.
- Mobility: The ship is free-rolling, featuring miniature concealed wheels along its underside.
- Details: The toy included various small, detailed pieces such as a propeller, rudder, anchors, flags, and radar dish.
| Metric | Detail |
|---|---|
| Original Retail Price | $1.89 (batteries included). |
| Collectible Value (MIB) | Mint condition, complete-in-box examples with all small parts (masts, anchors, flags) and working lights often range from $1,500 to over $2,500. |
| Rarity Note | Due to the many small, fragile parts (lifeboats, radar, masts, flags), finding a 100% complete and intact Voyager is a significant challenge for collectors, which drives its high market value. |
Disclaimer
Hess®, Hess Toy Truck®, and related trademarks are the sole property of Hess Corporation. We do not claim any ownership rights or affiliation with the Hess Corporation. All historical pricing and collectible valuations are estimates for informational and reference purposes only and do not constitute a guarantee of current market value.
| Decade | 1960s |
|---|---|
| Model Type | Tanker |














