Hess May Sell Off Gas Stations, But Signature Toy Trucks Will Remain

While Hess Corporation may be exiting from the energy marketing and refining end of its global business the business move will not affect what is perhaps its second-most-coveted consumer item after the petrol: the Hess Toy Truck.

"The toy trucks which have been a tradition for 48 years will continue," a Hess spokesperson said, adding that "this November, the company will continue to sell the trucks at their stores."

Since 1964, Hess Corporation has sold its classic toy trucks; offering a variety of collectible miniature trucks to consumers at the start of the holiday season each year in November.

Despite the corporation's impending closure of its 1,350 retail gas stations, consumers will still be able to find the eclectic toys at Hess convenience stores next year, the spokesperson said. The new toy trucks are only available at Hess stores.

According to the official Hess Toy Truck website, Leon Hess, the founder of Hess, came up with the idea of manufacturing a fun and affordable toy for families during the holiday season.

The first Hess Toy Truck—a tanker that could be filled with water and emptied through its delivery hose—went on sale for $1.29. Over the years, other models became available for sale including helicopters, a police car, an airplane and a space shuttle. There is also a Hess Toy Truck Float in the annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York.

On collector website GoHess.com, some of the original Hess trucks, which were made by the Marx Toy Company in the 1960s, are estimated to be worth $700 to $2,000. Currently, eBay also has the original trucks selling for similar prices.