1982-1983 Hess: The First Hess Truck
The 1982 Hess Toy Truck and its re-issue in 1983 are officially titled “The First Hess Truck.” This release marked a sentimental turning point in the collection, moving away from current corporate vehicles to pay tribute to the company’s history. It was the first time Hess modeled a toy after one of founder Leon Hess’s original fuel delivery trucks.
A Replica of the Founder’s First Truck
“The First Hess Truck” is a replica of a 1933 Chevrolet Fuel Delivery Truck used by Leon Hess when he began his fuel oil business. This design is markedly different from the articulated tanker trailers that made up most of the 1960s and 1970s releases, as it is a single-unit delivery truck.
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Key Features and Specifications
- Model: Single-unit Fuel Delivery Truck (Replica of a 1933 Chevrolet).
- Color Scheme: Dark green cab and body with yellow accents and white trim.
- Lights: Features working headlights and taillights.
- Interactive Design: The toy includes opening cab doors, a detailed interior, and a movable fuel hose on a reel at the rear of the truck.
- Size: Approximately 11 inches long.
The Collectible Distinction: The Switch
While the truck was sold for two years, 1982 and 1983, a small variation in the second year’s production makes the 1983 release distinct for collectors:
| Year | Identifying Feature | Collectible Rarity Note |
|---|---|---|
| 1982 | Features a Red switch on the bottom of the chassis. | This is the standard, more common version. |
| 1983 | Some models were produced with a Black switch on the bottom of the chassis. | The Black Switch variation is considered harder to find than the standard Red Switch model. |
Original Price and Standard Value:
| Metric | Detail | Collectible Value (MIB, Reference) |
|---|---|---|
| Original Retail Price | Not widely published, but significantly higher than the 1960s toys, likely around $3.49 – $4.99. | N/A |
| Standard MIB Value | Mint condition, complete-in-box (Red Switch or standard). | $100 – $150 |
| Black Switch MIB Value | Mint condition with the rare Black Switch. | $150 – $250 |
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 | 1980s |
|---|---|
| Model Type | Tanker |
