The Southern Hess “clones” that serious collectors are finally waking up to.
Every known model, year-by-year, with features, rarity, and real-world values.
| Year | Wilco Model | Notes / Features / Approx Value (MIB) |
| 1973 | Wilco Toy Tanker Truck | Rare holy-grail early model • Lights work • $300–$450 |
| 1986 | Wilco Tanker Truck Bank | 1935-style replica • Coin bank • $50–$100 |
| 1988 | Wilco Box Semi Truck Bank | Hess tires • Bank slot • Working lights • $40–$80 |
| 1989 | Wilco Truck & Racer | Carrier hauler • Friction racer • Lights • $30–$60 |
| 1990 | Wilco Fire Truck | Dual-sound siren • Flashers • Bank • MOST POPULAR • $35–$90 |
| 1991 | Wilco Holiday Tanker Truck | Horn + backup alert • Lights & sound • $35–$80 |
| 1992 | Wilco Truck & Racers (Lamborghini) | Two cars • All inserts • $30–$70 |
| 1993 | Wilco Truck & Racer (Porsche 911) | Race car hauler • $30–$65 |
| 1994 | Wilco Truck & Patrol Car | Emergency lights • $25–$55 |
| 1995 | Wilco Rescue Truck | Siren • Horn • Flashers • Huge play value • $30–$75 |
| 1996 | Wilco Gas Station Truck & Helicopter | Working lights • Helicopter accessory • $40–$90 |
| 1997 | Wilco Emergency Ladder Truck | Battery-op • Spotlight • $40–$90 |
| 1997 | Wilco Emergency Truck (alternate) | Lights & sounds • $30–$60 |
| 1998 | Wilco Truck & Cars | Tractor trailer • Multiple cars • Lights • $35–$80 |
| 2000 | Wilco Truck & Space Shuttle w/ Satellite | Space theme • $50–$120 |
| 2004 | Wilco 1/32 Scale Tank Truck | Rarest late release • Larger scale • $70–$150 |
Wilco Toy Truck Collector Notes
Brand Background
Wilco Gasoline was a brand operated by the A.T. Williams Oil Company, headquartered in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. These trucks were annual Christmas giveaways/sales at Wilco and later WilcoHess stations across the Southeast — direct cousins to the famous Hess trucks, built in the exact same factories.
Banks & Tankers
Many early Wilco trucks (especially 1980s) doubled as coin banks — look for the slot on the rear of the tanker or trailer. “Truck Bank” in the listing title almost always means it’s a Wilco!
Lights & Sounds
Just like Hess, Wilco trucks are packed with working headlights, taillights, sirens, horns, and flashing emergency lights (especially 1990+). Later models even added motorized parts.
Variants & Naming Confusion
Listings bounce between “Holiday Truck,” “Toy Truck,” “Gasoline Truck,” etc. — they all mean the same Wilco clone. 1997 is the only year with two completely different releases (Ladder Truck + regular Emergency Truck).
Rarity & Current Values
• 1973–1989 = ultra-rare (especially the 1973 tanker — the “white whale”)
• 1990–1995 emergency series = sweet spot (affordable + feature-loaded)
• 1996–2004 = harder to find again, especially the 2000 Space Shuttle and 2004 oversized tanker
Mint-in-box examples with working lights routinely sell for 2–3× loose ones.
Quick Pro Tips
• Every Wilco uses the
exact same batteries as its Hess twin →
Full Battery Chart here
• Still tons sleeping in NC/VA attics — check local estate sales!
• Original box + inserts + working lights = instant 100–200% premium
