It’s been a favorite Christmas gift for kids for decades. Now, New York-based Hess Corp. is celebrating 50 years of its iconic toy truck collection with a trio of cool mini rides – a heavy-duty flatbed truck that does double duty as a transporter and a launch pad for its companion space cruiser and scout.
Founded in 1919, Hess introduced its toy trucks, helicopters, police cars, airplanes, space shuttles and rescue vehicles in 1964, making it one of the longest running toy brands on the US market. A new model is released each year and sold online and at Hess gas stations nationwide. Older models in good shape are considered collectibles and can sell for hundreds of dollars. In fact, the original – a Hess B-Tanker Truck – can fetch upward of $2,000 if it’s in great condition.
The new three-piece collection sells for $29 and is sure to be a hit with both kids and collectors. To celebrate the brand’s half-century mark, Hess also is offering 50 Years of Hess Toy Trucks, a commemorative anniversary book that chronicles the brand’s tradition and history. The 70-page hardcover edition showcases each year’s toy in detail with full-page color photographs, descriptions and rich historical content.
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