1982 Vs 1985: Unpacking the Original Price of Hess Toy Trucks from the Early 80s types.truckstrend.com
The Hess Toy Truck tradition is an iconic part of American holiday lore, eagerly anticipated by collectors and children alike since its inception. For decades, these meticulously crafted vehicles have captured imaginations with their intricate details, working lights, and often, surprising functionality. While the legacy of the Hess Toy Truck stretches back to its debut in 1964 with the Hess Tanker Ship, a common point of interest for collectors revolves around specific eras and the evolution of the trucks, including their original retail prices.
This article delves into the fascinating world of Hess Toy Trucks, specifically focusing on the models released in 1982 and 1985. While neither of these years marks the release of the very first Hess truck, they represent distinct moments in the brand’s storied history. We will explore the original retail prices of these specific models, compare their features, and discuss what made them unique contributions to the Hess collection, offering insights for both seasoned collectors and curious newcomers. Understanding these details provides a deeper appreciation for the economic context, design philosophy, and enduring appeal of these beloved collectibles.
1982 Vs 1985: Unpacking the Original Price of Hess Toy Trucks from the Early 80s
The Enduring Legacy of the Hess Toy Truck: A Brief History
To truly appreciate the 1982 and 1985 Hess trucks, it’s essential to understand the foundation upon which they were built. The Hess Toy Truck tradition began in 1964 when Leon Hess, founder of the Hess Corporation, decided to offer a high-quality, affordable toy truck as a holiday gift to customers. Unlike typical mass-market toys, these trucks were distinguished by their superior craftsmanship, working lights, realistic features, and durable construction, often featuring real rubber tires and chrome accents.
The initial 1964 Hess Tanker Ship retailed for a mere $1.29 and was sold exclusively at Hess gas stations. This unique distribution model, combined with the limited availability and the high quality of the toys, quickly fostered a tradition of anticipation and collectibility. Each year, a new, unique truck would be released, often reflecting real-world Hess vehicles or emergency response models, cementing its place as a cherished holiday staple. By the 1980s, the Hess Toy Truck had firmly established itself as a must-have item, with queues forming at stations on release day.
The 1982 Hess Training Van: A Compact Contender
The 1982 Hess Toy Truck, officially known as the Hess Training Van, marked a notable departure from some of the larger, more robust vehicles of previous years. Following the 1981 Hess Fire Truck, the Training Van presented a more compact, utilitarian design.
Key Features of the 1982 Hess Training Van:
- Design: A white van with green stripes, mirroring the colors of the Hess Corporation. It featured detailed decals, including the Hess logo and "Training Van" lettering.
- Functionality: Equipped with working headlights and taillights, a hallmark of Hess trucks. The side door slid open to reveal an interior with two seats and a steering wheel, adding to its play value.
- Scale: Smaller than many previous trucks, which made it unique.
- Battery Operated: Like all Hess trucks, it required batteries for its lighting features.
Original Retail Price:
The 1982 Hess Training Van retailed for an original price of $3.79.
At this price point, the Training Van offered excellent value for a toy of its quality and detail. Its introduction continued the tradition of offering a new, distinct model each year, keeping collectors engaged and excited about the annual release. Its compact size and functional details made it a beloved piece in many collections.
The 1985 Hess Bank Truck: Security and Innovation
Just three years after the Training Van, the 1985 Hess Toy Truck introduced another unique concept to the lineup: the Hess Bank Truck. This model brought a sense of security and utility to the collection, designed to resemble an armored bank vehicle.
Key Features of the 1985 Hess Bank Truck:
- Design: A distinctive gold and green color scheme, again reflecting the Hess corporate colors. It featured realistic details like side mirrors, front grille, and an imposing, armored appearance.
- Functionality: A key feature was its dual functionality: it was not only a toy truck with working lights but also a functioning coin bank. A coin slot was discreetly placed on the roof, and a removable panel on the underside allowed access to deposited coins.
- Lights: As expected, it came with working headlights and taillights.
- Durability: Built with the characteristic Hess robustness, ensuring it could withstand play and serve its purpose as a bank.
Original Retail Price:
The 1985 Hess Bank Truck was sold at an original retail price of $5.99.
The price increase from 1982 to 1985 reflects a combination of general inflation, increased production costs, and potentially the added complexity and functionality of the bank feature. The Bank Truck’s innovative dual purpose made it particularly memorable and sought after, bridging the gap between a collectible toy and a practical item.
Comparing the 1982 Training Van and 1985 Bank Truck: Price, Design, and Collectibility
When we place the 1982 Training Van and the 1985 Bank Truck side-by-side, several interesting points emerge beyond their original price tags:
- Price Evolution: The jump from $3.79 in 1982 to $5.99 in 1985 represents a significant increase over three years. This showcases the gradual upward trend in Hess truck pricing, influenced by manufacturing costs, material quality, and market demand. Even with the price increase, both trucks remained remarkably affordable for the quality they offered.
- Design Philosophy: The 1982 Training Van was a straightforward, realistic miniature of a service vehicle. The 1985 Bank Truck, while still realistic, incorporated an interactive element (the bank feature) that enhanced its appeal and functionality beyond just being a rolling toy. This demonstrates Hess’s willingness to innovate and offer varied experiences with each annual release.
- Collectibility & Secondary Market Value: Both trucks hold a place in Hess collecting. The 1982 Training Van, being a simpler, classic design, is appreciated for its clean lines and representation of a common utility vehicle. The 1985 Bank Truck is often highly sought after due to its unique bank feature, making it stand out in the collection.
- Factors influencing current value: For both models, the current collector value is heavily dependent on condition (mint, near-mint, played-with), the presence and condition of the original box (especially the inserts and battery card), and whether the truck still functions (lights work). Trucks in their original, unopened boxes ("New In Box" or NIB) command the highest prices.
Factors Influencing Hess Truck Prices (Then and Now)
Understanding the original prices of these trucks also involves recognizing the factors that influenced them:
- Production Costs: Materials (plastic, metal, rubber), manufacturing processes, and labor costs all contributed to the base price. As technology advanced and materials changed, so did costs.
- Inflation: General economic inflation naturally led to increased prices over time.
- Feature Complexity: The addition of more intricate details, lights, sounds, or unique functionalities (like the bank feature) directly impacted production costs and, consequently, the retail price.
- Marketing Strategy: Hess always aimed to keep the trucks affordable as a holiday gift, balancing quality with an accessible price point.
- Secondary Market Factors (Current Value):
- Condition: Pristine, unused models with original packaging fetch premium prices.
- Rarity/Production Numbers: While not official, some years may have had lower production runs due to various factors, making them rarer.
- Nostalgia and Demand: Personal connection to a specific year, or a surge in interest for certain models, can drive up prices.
- Completeness: Having all original inserts, instructions, and an intact box significantly increases value.
Practical Advice for Hess Truck Collectors
Whether you’re looking to acquire a 1982 Training Van, a 1985 Bank Truck, or any other Hess model, here’s some practical advice:
- Do Your Research: Understand the specific features, variations (though rare for Hess), and common conditions for the year you’re interested in.
- Inspect Thoroughly: If buying in person, check for scuffs, missing parts, battery corrosion, and light functionality. If buying online, request clear, high-resolution photos from all angles.
- Prioritize Original Packaging: A truck in its original box (especially if the box is in good condition with inserts) is significantly more valuable than a loose truck.
- Beware of Fakes/Restorations: While less common with Hess than some other collectibles, be wary of non-original parts or poor restorations.
- Storage is Key: Store your collection in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent fading and material degradation. Remove batteries from trucks not actively displayed or played with to prevent corrosion.
- Join Collector Communities: Online forums, social media groups, and local clubs are great resources for advice, buying/selling opportunities, and connecting with fellow enthusiasts.
Challenges in Collecting Vintage Hess Trucks
Collecting vintage Hess trucks, particularly those from the 1980s, can present a few challenges:
- Battery Corrosion: Many older trucks stored with batteries inside suffer from corrosion, which can damage the electrical components and plastic. Always check for this.
- Fragile Plastic/Decals: Over time, plastic can become brittle, and decals can peel or fade, especially if exposed to sunlight or extreme temperatures.
- Missing Parts: Small parts like mirrors, antennas, or battery covers can easily go missing.
- Finding "Mint in Box" (MIB) Condition: As these were primarily children’s toys, finding them in truly untouched, original condition with perfect boxes becomes increasingly difficult and expensive.
- Verifying Authenticity: While most Hess trucks are straightforward, ensure you’re getting a genuine product, especially if the deal seems too good to be true.
Table of Hess Truck Prices: 1982 vs. 1985
| Year | Model Name | Original Retail Price (USD) | Key Features | Approx. Current Collector Value (Loose, Good Cond.)* | Approx. Current Collector Value (MIB, Excellent Cond.)* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1982 | Hess Training Van | $3.79 | White van with green stripes, working headlights & taillights, sliding side door. | $20 – $40 | $50 – $100+ |
| 1985 | Hess Bank Truck | $5.99 | Gold & green armored truck, working lights, functions as a coin bank. | $30 – $60 | $75 – $150+ |
Note: Current collector values are highly variable and depend significantly on condition (mint, near-mint, played-with), the presence and condition of the original box, inserts, and battery card, and market demand. These figures are estimates and can fluctuate.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Was the 1982 or 1985 Hess Truck the first one ever released?
A1: No, neither the 1982 Training Van nor the 1985 Bank Truck was the first Hess Toy Truck. The very first Hess Toy Truck was the Hess Tanker Ship, released in 1964.
Q2: Why are Hess Trucks considered so collectible?
A2: Hess trucks are highly collectible due to their high quality, limited annual release, unique designs, and the nostalgic tradition associated with them as a holiday gift. Their durability and detailed features also contribute to their appeal.
Q3: How much do vintage Hess Trucks typically sell for today?
A3: The current value varies wildly based on the year, model, and most importantly, condition. Trucks in their original, unopened boxes ("New In Box" or NIB) command the highest prices, often ranging from tens to hundreds of dollars, with some rarer early models potentially reaching thousands. Loose, played-with trucks are significantly less valuable.
Q4: Where can I buy vintage Hess Trucks?
A4: Vintage Hess trucks can be found on online marketplaces (eBay, dedicated collector sites), at toy shows, antique shops, and sometimes through online Hess collector communities.
Q5: How should I store my Hess Toy Trucks to maintain their value?
A5: Store trucks in their original boxes if possible, in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent fading and material degradation. Always remove batteries from trucks that are not actively displayed or played with to prevent corrosive leakage.
Q6: Did the original price of Hess trucks include batteries?
A6: Typically, no. Hess trucks usually required batteries to be purchased separately, although some later models occasionally included them. The original packaging would usually state "Batteries Not Included."
Concluding Thoughts
The 1982 Hess Training Van and the 1985 Hess Bank Truck represent distinct, yet equally important, chapters in the rich history of the Hess Toy Truck collection. Their original prices of $3.79 and $5.99, respectively, reflect the brand’s commitment to offering a high-quality, affordable holiday toy, even as designs evolved and features became more sophisticated.
While neither of these trucks holds the title of "the first" Hess truck, they stand as testament to a beloved tradition that has endured for generations. For collectors, these 1980s models offer a nostalgic glimpse into the past, embodying the meticulous craftsmanship and innovative spirit that continue to define the Hess Toy Truck legacy. Understanding their original context, features, and price evolution enriches the appreciation for these cherished miniature vehicles, ensuring their story continues to be told for years to come.
