1987 Hess 18-Wheeler Bank: The Barrel Truck Return

The 1987 Hess 18-Wheeler Bank marked a return to the articulated trailer format after the single-unit Fire Truck of 1986. This model is notable for fully embracing the established Hess color scheme of the late 1980s and featuring the popular combination of an accessory and a coin bank function.

The Fourth Hess Bank and the White-and-Green Standard

The 1987 release was the fourth Hess toy to be sold as a bank. It essentially took the functionality of the 1975–1976 Box Trailer, updated the cab, and added the banking feature, officially cementing the white and green livery for the flagship truck models moving forward.

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Description
Additional information

Key Features and Specifications

Model: 18-Wheeler Box Trailer (Fuel Oil Bank).
Color Scheme: The truck features the classic late-80s Hess colors: a dark green cab and a white trailer body.
Lights: Equipped with working headlights, taillights, and running lights from the front of the cab to the rear of the trailer.
Coin Bank Feature: The bank is cleverly hidden within the trailer. A coin slot is located on the top of the trailer, and the accumulated money is accessed via a red knob on the opening rear door.
Accessories: The sliding side doors on the trailer open to reveal three miniature plastic oil barrels, continuing the theme established in 1975 and 1976.
Size: The assembled truck measures approximately 14 inches long.
Production Note: This was one of the first toys to be produced in both Hong Kong and China, reflecting a shift in manufacturing.

Metric	Detail	Collectible Value (MIB, Reference)
Original Retail Price	Not widely published, typically around $4.99 – $6.99 (batteries included).	N/A
Current Collectible Value	Mint condition, complete-in-box (MIB) with all three barrels.	$70 – $120
Rarity Note	The 1987 model has variations based on its country of origin (Hong Kong vs. China), though a pristine example with undamaged accessories is the primary driver of value.	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.