Last Tuesday, I mentioned that there was one last toy car that was important to me as a child. Let's take a look at it. It's Christmas and the Hess truck is here. As a kid I only ever had one Hess truck. My family were not car owners. Living in New York and having little money we usually used mass transit. Even with that I somehow had a Hess Truck. I loved it. It was unique among my toys. While I had Micro Machines and the Animal, this was one of only two large scale realistic car toys I had. The other was an old die cast fire truck. I don't know where it came from or where it went. By the time I received the Hess Truck the old fire truck was gone. I did not mourn it for long. I though it would be cool to look through all of the Hess Trucks and give my opinion of them. So check it out after the jump.
Let's start with a history lesson. The founder of Hess, Leon Hess, wanted to be able to provide people with a high quality, fun, and inexpensive toy for Christmas. In 1964 the first Hess Toy Truck was released.
1964-1965
The first Hess Truck was an authentically styled tanker. It had lights and a fill-able cargo tank that could be emptied through the hose. For a toy from the mid 60's this is really impressive. I can see the appeal to both children and adults.
1966
The second outing for the Hess Truck was also the first non truck version. This Tanker Ship is an exact replica of the "Hess Voyager" which was built in 1962. It has working lights, is free rolling, and has small details like anchors and propellers. It is one of the most popular pieces in the Hess toy Library. This doesn't do much for me. Maybe if I saw it as a child that would be different.
1967
After the Tanker Hess went right back to a truck. This model is an 18-wheeler. It has lights, a removable hose, and Hess details all over. I love the little splash of yellow at the front. It helps to make the truck stand out. I find this one to be just as appealing as the first.
1968-1969
This model is almost exactly the same as the previous. It has a few very subtle differences. If I had the previous model I would have passed this one up. If not I would be more than happy to own it.
1970-1971
This was another move from the standard gas truck. It had a rotating lighting dome, a movable water cannon. two detachable hoses, and a detachable ladder. It is considered one of Hess's best designs. As a child this would be a must have.
1972-1974
The same as the 1968 model. See above.
1975
1975 brought a new version of the Hess Box Trailer. It had working lights. doors, and came with miniature oil drums. A definite improvement on the previous truck designs. The miniature oil drums would have been a huge selling point for me.
1976
The same as the previous model with one small change. The barrels have Hess logos on them. I hate to admit that that would be enough for me to get this. I am a sucker for miniatures and the more detail the better.
1977
An updated version of the Hess Fuel Oil Tanker. It has a different paint scheme and lights. It is a call back to previous models. Although it does have a chrome grill, which is cool. After the previous years I would pass on this one.
1978
Aside from a few cosmetic changes this model was the same as the previous years.
1980
Hess did not release a truck in 1979. They returned in 1980 with a really cool new design. This is the Hess Training Van. It is a replica of the actual Hess Training Van used to conduct field training seminars at Hess stations. It has working lights, pop-up TV antennas, and for the first time in Hess Truck history lighted side logos. It is one of Hess's most popular models. I can see why. I would love to have this. I don't mean as a child. Although I would have gone nuts for it then. I mean now. I would proudly display this as a work of art.
1982-1983
Hess skipped 1981 as well. They returned in 1982 with the "First Hess Truck". A replica of the second-hand truck Leon Hess used when he first started making deliveries in 1933. It has a detailed interior, opening doors, working lights, open windshield, rear-view mirrors, and a movable hose. Definitely more of a collectors piece than toy. This would not call my attention as a kid.
1984
The same as the 1977 model except it's a piggy bank. See above.
1985
A bank version of the "First Hess Truck". See above.
1986
In 1986 Hess brought back the fire truck. This is an all new versions that is also a piggy bank. It has working lights and an extendable three section ladder that swivels. Another most have.
1987
The first white Hess truck. Things are going to get fun from here. This is the Hess 18 Wheeler Bank. It has working lights, chrome doorsteps, horns, exhaust stacks, side-view mirrors, sliding doors, and miniature barrels. This was the model I had. I think. It was long ago, but I am 85% sure this is the model I had. I loved it.
1988
I told you things were going to get fun. This the beginning of what I like to call the "Gimmick Trucks". 1988 saw the first two in one set with the release of the Hess Toy Truck and Racer. The car was a pull back friction powered racer. Another first was the inclusion of the year on the license plate. Making it easier for collectors to identify each model by year. This would have been an instant "gimme" as a child.
1989
The return of the fire truck. This appears to be a re-release of 1986 truck. However Hess had finally learned the right way to do a re-release. The truck not only has a all new paint job it also has sounds. Which I believe was a first. It also still had all the features of the previous version. Including being a piggy bank. Re-release or not I would have been happy to have this.
1990
Ah, the 90's. I may have been born in 1983 but I am very much a child of the 90's. The Hess Tanker Truck was an all new design. It was covered in lights. It had 35 red, yellow, and white lights with numerous lighted Hess Logos. It also had two different sounds and is covered in chrome. If I didn't have the 1987 version than I had this one. Although I still lean towards 1987. Either way this is another most have. Simple lines and bright lights. What's not to love?
1991
The first Hess truck of 90's (1990 is technically the end of the 80's look it up) was the Hess Truck and Racer. Although similar to the 1988 version it is restyled. This car is also pull back and the Truck now has lights. This is another good one.
1992
Another really cool design. The Hess 18 Wheeler and Racer was the first Hess Truck to keep the smaller vehicle inside itself. It was also the first to have lights on the smaller vehicle. As before the car is a pull back friction racer. This was extremely popular. Even selling out at some stations within hours of it being stocked. Again I would have loved to have had this.
1993
We had trucks and boats but never a car. At least never just a car until 1993. The Hess Patrol Car was the first Hess Truck to be able to flash its lights and make sounds at the same time. It had two distinct siren sounds as well as red, blue, and yellow flashers. If that wasn't enough the headlights pulsated and the Hess logos lit up. A lot flash with this one, but a flash in the pan as far as I am concerned. The child in me says "meh".
1994
The Hess Rescue Truck is a weird one for me. While it has three types of sounds, lights and what I assume to be a working ladder it just falls flat. I don't know why. The tow truck style design with a ladder is just odd. I could very easily see this truck design being a pull back racer with a sportier design. As it is I would have passed.
1995
We are getting deeper into the "Gimmick Trucks". The Hess Toy Truck and Helicopter was a huge success. It sold a record 600,000 trucks in the first three days alone. Considering all the lights, sounds, and movable parts that isn't hard to believe. Not only is the helicopter gimmick cool but the truck has a great design as well. On of my favorites so far.
1996
The Hess Emergency Truck has horns, lights, backup alert, emergency sirens, a high beam search light, working ladder, and emergency flashers. None of that matters to me. It could just be an empty shell and I would still love it. The design is just so different. It almost reminds me of the Hess Training Van. Definitely a unique addition to the Hess family.
1997
The Hess Toy Truck and Racers was the first three in one Hess Truck. It has lights, working rear door that locks, and two push motor friction racers with lights of their own. I would have gone for this one based on the unique truck design alone. The racers are just a fun bonus. Not as cool as the previous year but not bad at all.
1998
The three in one formula was used again in 1998. The Hess Recreational Van came with a motorcycle and dune buggy.The motorcycle and dune buggy had friction-powered motors and working lights. The motorcycle was also able to do "wheelies" while the dune buggy had a detailed interior and role bar. I'm not sure if the Van had any lights but it did have working doors. This to me is a definite call back to 1980 and my all time favorite Hess Truck. Another one that I would love to have now as an adult.
1999
The Hess Toy Truck and Space Shuttle with Satellite was the 35th anniversary truck. It celebrated the arrival of the 21st century. The truck had head lights and running lights, the shuttle had working bay doors, lights, sounds, and an automatic satellite launching arm. The satellite itself had lights, sounds, and was detachable. I remember seeing the commercials for this. This was one of Hess's most popular trucks. I could take it or leave it.
2000
The 2000 Hess Fire Truck was the first tractor-drawn aerial ladder truck. It featured emergency sirens, horns synchronized with flashing lights, detachable side ladders, working swivel ladder, and a lot of smaller details. This is another winner for me. Simple but done well.
2001
2001 brought the first Hess toy of the new millennium (the new millennium started in 2001 not 2000 look it up). It also brought the first aerial vehicle to be the main toy. The Hess Helicopter with Motorcycle and Cruiser was a departure from previous years. It is the first non terrestrial vehicle to be a main toy since 1966. Hess went all out with this one. The helicopter had two spinning rotors, pivoting search light, external lights, emergency flashers, side and rear compartment doors, and push button activated ramps. The vehicles themselves had working lights and friction motors. This is another of my favorites and I am not alone. The Helicopter is a very popular model.
2002
This is an interesting one. The Hess Toy Truck and Airplane was an odd followup to the helicopter. While the truck is not all that remarkable the plane is an attention getter. It is a biplane with a motor driven propeller. Of course the truck has lights and I assume sound but the plane is the prize. It is just such an odd choice. It really clicks with me. I can see some crazy old pilot "barn storming" in it. While not one of my favorites it is a one I would have wanted as a child.
2003
After two some what experimental models 2003 saw a return to basics. The Hess Toy Truck and Race-cars is a massive free-rolling 18-wheeler. The truck itself has a lit interior to show of the racers, as well as the usual lights, and ramps. The two racers have working lights and reverse pull friction motors. To me this is another display piece. I like the idea of having the inner trailer lights. I'm not sure I would have wanted it as a kid though.
2004
In 2004 Hess celebrated the 40th anniversary of the Hess truck. The Hess Sports Utility Vehicle and Motorcycles was an interesting choice. I would have thought Hess would have gone with something more traditional. I am glad they didn't. The truck has many cool details like a sunroof, a spoiler, chrome bumpers, and a push button tailgate. The tailgate becomes a ramp for the motorcycles. This was the first time two motorcycles were included. The bikes had lights and friction motors. I would have lost it, as a kid, for this.
2005
In 2005 Hess released the first truck since 1986 to sport a red paint job. The Hess Emergency Truck with Rescue Vehicle was a mix of old and new. While not exactly a fire truck it did call back to the previous models with it's coloring and ladder. To add a bit of modern fun it came with a second smaller vehicle. As always the truck had lights and sounds. The smaller vehicle had lights and a friction motor. The styling of the truck leaves me cold. It reminds me of a Fisher Price toy. I'd have passed on this one.
2006
Hess really loves helicopters. The Hess Toy Truck and Helicopter is further proof of that. It is the third Hess truck to have a helicopter theme. This Hess truck had the most individual working light, all of which where found on the tractor trailer. The helicopter had working rotors and rear stabilizers. Design wise I feel this is a step up from the previous year. Not one of the best but I would have enjoyed it.
2007
The Hess Monster Truck with Motorcycles was another first. It was the the first Monster Truck and the first truck to have a flame motif. The truck had sounds, lights, a raised body, and many cool details. The two motorcycles had lights and friction motors. This would have been a must have for me.
2008
The Hess Toy Truck and Front End Loader was a nice deviation from the previous two and three vehicle sets. Instead of a slick race car, fast motorcycle, or high flying copter you got a stout work horse. The truck is covered in chrome and lights. 38 working lights in total. It also had authentic sounds and a working tailgate. The front end loader has 18 lights, a moveable bucket arm with working shove, and a working motor for forward and reverse motion (Another Hess Truck First). I absolutly love this design. The truck looks powerful and the loader is cool in it's own right. Just seeing all those lights makes me feel like a kid.
2009
This is another weird one. While not mentioned on the box this was the Hess Truck's 45th anniversary. The Race Car and Racer is a car in a car. The larger white car houses the smaller green car. Both have lights and and chrome details. The smaller car is described as being faster. I don't know if that means the larger white car has a motor or not. Either way the green one does. Not a must have.
2010
The 2010 Hess Toy Truck is the first one to feature a jet. I feel it is a visual call back to the shuttle carier of 1999. The truck features lights, sounds, chrome, and a hydralic lifting platform for the jet. The lights work in a few different ways. They can be steady, flash, or work in sequence. Not as cool as the Bi-Plane from 2002 but not bad at all.
2011
We have reached the end. The 2011 Hess Toy Truck and Race-car is a simpler design. You get a heavy duty, flatbed utility style truck and a stock car style racer. The truck has the usual bevy of lights, sounds, and chrome. The racer has the same plus a pullback friction motor. I actually really like this one. The stock car style racer is a new design and the truck is unique in it's own way. If you have any young children in your life they will probably enjoy this. I know I would have.
Well I hope you enjoyed this. It was a lot of work, but I enjoyed every minute of it. Next week we are venturing away from toys, and child hood memories. It should be fun.
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