It’s November 1, so that means that the arrival of the Hess Toy Truck, a tradition that began back in 1964, is here. Previewed in early October with an image of gleaming pistons alongside the message that the truck “is coming with more power than ever,” the 2016 Hess Toy Truck and Dragster retails for $31.99 with free standard shipping and five Energizer® batteries included. The vehicle went on-sale exclusively via its official website at 10am Eastern time, with an immediate queue forming some 20 minutes+ deep in order to meet demand and avoid the crashing that plagued the 2015 launch – the first time that the trucks were offered as an online affair following the sale of the Hess Express Stations the year prior.
The 2016 truck marks the 52nd year for the toy – a tradition that began back in 1964 with the release of the very first Hess Toy Truck, served-up as an affordable, quality gift for families on the East Coast. Despite “truck” being in the name, the annual release hasn’t always been a truck, with past vehicles including helicopters, boats, RVs, race cars and more joining the fleet. Additionally, the trucks became so popular that they were nominated for the Toy Hall of Fame, and have a legion of loyal collectors around the world who keep the yearly tradition of giving and collecting alive.
Here’s all the official details:
The 2016 Hess Toy Truck and Dragster is a powerful, race-ready duo with sleek styling, drag-racing inspired sounds, over 50 brilliant lights, and an innovative design for wheelie-popping action!
The Truck is a mighty motorsport flatbed designed to transport the dragster to any racing event. Styled with a solid green lower body and green-accented white upper body, it is loaded with chrome detailing including a front grill, sunshield, side panels, and exhaust pipes. The cab houses 4 top-mounted buttons that activate 3 realistic sounds (ignition, horn, and an exciting race launch countdown) and the headlights, tail and running lights. A hidden ramp with slide-activated hydraulic sound ensures this duo can quickly get to the next dragstrip.
The oversized Dragster is the largest accompanying race car in the fleet’s history. Its innovative pull-back motor and tilt-activated weight transfer design allows the speedster to launch in either a flat or wheelie position. The racer features super bright LED headlights, a stylish spoiler, and chrome detailed hood-mounted air intake, side exhaust pipes and rear parachute box.
Toy Truck Features:
- 43 total lights that work in flash or steady mode, including super bright LED headlights
- 3 button-activated sound effects (ignition, horn, countdown)
- 1 Pull-out-ramp activated hydraulic sound effect
- Free-rolling wheels
- Chrome accents
- 3 Energizer ‘AA’ Batteries included
Dragster Features:
- 9 total lights, including super bright LED headlights
- Pull-back Motor with tilt-activated wheelie action
- Spoiler
- Chrome accents
- 2 Energizer ‘AAA’ Batteries included
Check out the site and get your Hess Toy Truck and Dragster before the sell out!
