1972 Hess Tanker Truck: The Updated Tanker

The 1972 Hess Tanker Truck marked the collection’s shift back to the oil delivery vehicle after the successful two-year run of the Fire Truck. While visually similar to the 1968 and 1969 tankers, the 1972 model included several subtle yet important distinguishing details that collectors look for.

Subtle Updates Define the Fifth Toy

The 1972 Tanker was a slight restyling of the earlier 1968-1969 model, continuing the tradition of modeling the toys after vehicles used by the Hess Corporation (now Amerada Hess Corporation). The production for this model was initially for 1972, but it was later re-released in 1974 after a gap year.

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Description
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Key Features and Specifications

The 1972 tanker retained the white and green color scheme but incorporated several new mold details:

Model: 18-Wheel Tanker Truck.
Color Scheme: White tanker body with a dark green cab. The yellow color on the cab fenders started to appear more orange than the pure yellow used in the 1960s.
Decal Placement: The “Hess” side decals were positioned slightly further from the end of the trailer than the 1968/69 versions (around 1 1/16″ from the ends).
Structural Changes: Collectors look for new mold details distinguishing it from older models:
The trailer feet were changed to a rounded shape.
Rivets were added near the on/off switch on the underside.
The exhaust stacks were now the same height as the cab, unlike the taller stacks on the 1960s models.
A 1/16″ gap exists between the rear of the catwalk and the tanker body, a minute detail that differentiates it from the 1974 re-issue.
Functionality: Featured working headlights and taillights.

Metric	Detail
Original Retail Price	Approximately $1.99 – $2.49 (batteries included). N/A
Current Collectible Value	Mint condition, complete-in-box examples. $200 – $400
Note	This model was not released in 1973 due to the oil embargo. N/A

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.