1967 Hess Tanker Truck: The Legendary “Red Velvet” Edition

The 1967 Hess Tanker Truck is one of the most famous and sought-after toys in the entire Hess collection, distinguished not by the truck itself, but by an exclusive and problematic packaging feature: the Red Velvet display base.

A New Truck and a Collectible Flaw

After the 1966 Tanker Ship, Hess returned to a road-going vehicle with a newly designed 18-wheel fuel oil tanker. While the truck itself was a detailed model of a real Hess fleet vehicle, the packaging design made this release a one-year anomaly and instantly increased its collectible value.

Key Features of the 1967 Tanker Truck

  • Model: 18-Wheel Tanker Truck.
  • Design: A complete update from the 1964-65 model, featuring a split-window cab and a darker green color scheme with white and yellow accents.
  • Lights: Equipped with working headlights and taillights.
  • Accessories: Includes a detachable hose.
  • Origin: This was one of the few Hess toys from the early era that was made in the USA.

The Rarity of the Red Velvet Box

The high value of the 1967 model is entirely tied to its unique packaging component:

  • The Red Velvet Base: This toy included a red velvet-lined cardboard tray that served as the base of the box, intended to elevate the truck for display.
  • The Problem: The box design was not sturdy. Collectors note that the base was prone to separating or dropping out when handled, causing damage to the delicate velvet lining and the box itself.
  • Collectible Impact: A 1967 truck in mint condition is not enough; the condition of the original red velvet base determines its ultimate value, as an undamaged, complete set is exceptionally rare.
Metric Detail
Original Retail Price $1.99 (batteries included).
Collectible Value (MIB) Mint-in-Box, complete with a pristine, undamaged Red Velvet Base, often ranges from $2,550 to over $3,500.
Rarity Note The Red Velvet edition is generally considered more valuable than the original 1964 Tanker Truck due to the fragility and rarity of the box.

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

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