The Rare 1967 Hess Red Velvet Tanker

This is probably one of my most favorite trucks out of the whole Hess collection mainly because of the colors and great detail that was put into this year's edition. Measuring 13.5 inches it would become the standard size for the older green and yellow tankers in the Hess collection. This is also the first truck in the series that came with a red velvet base that was also used as the bottom of the box. Often called the "Red Velvet" by most collectors the chrome detail on this truck is exceptional right down to the mirrors on the cab. Most people are not aware that there are actually 3 decal versions of this truck. Here are the decal differences in order of value starting with the least valuable first. The most common decal version has the "gasoline" decal on the passengers side of the cab, the second decal version has the "Fuel Oils" decal on the passengers side of the cab and finally the rarest of them all has the "Chemicals" decal on the rear tanker on the drivers side. This third one was only given to the Hess employees in the Virgin Islands and not available to the public. On all of the versions there is no "Marx" symbol on the battery door cover.  The box top has some differences from the other years as well with it being made of stronger cardboard, a shiny finish and the end of the box reads "Made in America". The set also came with a Season's Greetings card as well as a battery instruction card. What a great holiday toy that could be purchased at the stations for a mere $1.99! Today this item in mint condition sells for well over $2000.00 and is difficult to find all original.