1985 First Hess Truck Bank: Honoring the Founder
The 1985 First Hess Truck Bank is the second time Hess re-issued a model to honor the company’s roots, following the 1984 introduction of the coin bank feature. This model is a direct re-release of the 1982–1983 “First Hess Truck”—a replica of Leon Hess’s original 1933 Chevy Fuel Delivery Truck—but now converted into a functional bank.
The Historic Truck with Added Dividends
The 1985 model retained the detailed, single-unit delivery truck design of the founder’s first vehicle. The addition of the coin bank feature blended the commemorative nature of the toy with a fun, interactive function for kids, continuing the “bank” sub-theme started in 1984.
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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, consistent with the original Hess livery. This was one of the last “green-bodied” Hess trucks for some time.
- New Feature: Coin Bank: A coin slot was added to the top of the truck’s tank. Children could access their savings by turning the fuel cap located next to the slot, which would open a center compartment in the back of the truck.
- Lights: Features working headlights and taillights.
- Interactive Details: Includes opening cab doors, a detailed interior, and a rubber oil-delivery hose on a reel.
- Packaging Note: For the first time since 1966, the box art for this model placed the featured truck in a full panel wintry, contextual setting—a tradition that would become standard for the next two decades.
Comparison to 1982–1983 Model
The 1985 model is easily distinguishable from its non-bank predecessors solely by the addition of the coin slot feature. The original 1982–1983 models did not include a bank.
| Metric | Detail | Collectible Value (MIB, Reference) |
|---|---|---|
| Original Retail Price | Not widely published, likely around $3.99 – $4.99 (batteries included). | N/A |
| Current Collectible Value | Mint condition, complete-in-box (MIB). | $75 – $150 |
| Note | Though it is a bank, it is based on the 1982–1983 truck, not the 1984 tanker model. | 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.
| Decade | 1980s |
|---|---|
| Model Type | Tanker, Bank |
