There’s no better example of this than the automotive toys. Matchbox and Hot Wheels cars were cool, but if you had a heavy-handed, they would be buried under the fridge. Tonka Trucks, which were larger replicas of modern vehicles that let you drive before you had a driver’s license, put you behind the wheel long before it was time to get a permit. These mid-century vehicles still fetch a high price at auction. You can find the most valuable Tonkas with a bit of luck.
Vintage Tonka trucks worth pulling out of the toy box
| Model | Price |
| No. No. | $2,000 |
| Robin Hood Flour Private Brand Box Truck | $1,700 |
| Allied Van Lines Semi Truck | $425 |
| Ladder Truck | $145 |
| Smokin’ Semi Truck | $120 |
Tonka Trucks are not the original toys of this company. They’re bright yellow, durable and made from plastic. In the 1950s, the first Tonka Trucks were miniature versions of the cars that you would see on the street. Vintage Tonkas are in high demand because they were abused by the kids who played with them. Keep your eyes open for these vintage Tonkas.
Tonka No. 28 Stake Truck and Trailer
A No. The No. 28 Stake truck from the 1950s was one of the most expensive Tonka trucks to hit auction recently. The truck was in excellent condition and came with an animal, a trailer and its original packaging. This was a rare find. It is very hard to find a 1950s toy with its original packaging and all the pieces.
If you are looking for your own, look out for the original packaging and parts. This will increase their value significantly. This particular truck was purchased by a collector for just under $2,000.
Tonka Robin Hood Private Label Box Truck
One white Tonka truck in 2022 sold for $1700 on LiveAuctioneers despite some paint cracks. This vintage Robin Hood Flour Tonka is so valuable because it’s from the Private Label Line. Private label Tonkas are a special category of collectors.
These trucks are available in a variety of styles. They were made by private companies and in limited quantities. These trucks are very valuable because they were limited. Keep your eyes open for Tonkas that have real-life logos.
Tonka Allied Van Lines Semi-Truck
Tonka Trucks are meant to be used and played with. The earliest models have taken a lot of abuse. It’s not easy to find Tonkas that are in good condition from the 1950s or 1960s. It is almost impossible to find Tonkas with their original boxes, and perhaps even receipts.
Sometimes, however, you will find a truly beautiful piece at auction. This 1957 orange semi-truck has a rounded cab and is in excellent condition considering its age. This sturdy moving van is made of steel. It only has a few areas where the paint is peeling. It’s in great condition and is worth $425.
Tonka Smokin’ Semi Truck
In the 1990s Tonka became everyone’s favourite toy. You weren’t playing right if you didn’t crush Hot Wheels with your yellow Tonkas when you were a child. A well-loved Tonka may be the best, but it’s not the most valuable. You can make money by selling vintage Tonkas that have never been opened. A great example is this ‘Smokin’ Semi’, a ’90s toy that has been re-issued with a ’90s look. It’s a big toy that is still in the original packaging with plastic bands. It was purchased on eBay for $120. If you can find one that is similar and unused, then you may be able to get a Benjamin Franklin.
Tonka Ladder Truck
Tonka is most likely associated with yellow and black construction vehicles. Tonka’s ’90s toy trucks were not all bright yellow. Their fire truck was a fan favourite. The ladder trucks from the 1990s are great replicas, and they made us all feel like we could put out fires everywhere. Tonkas are not in perfect condition because we used them so much. However, those that have survived and are still in good shape can be worth $50 to $100. One of these red ’90s Firetrucks still with all those annoying stickers was sold on eBay for $145.
Vintage car toys: What to look for
Not everyone’s grandparents were Tonka Trucks fans as children. It’s possible that they enjoyed playing with car toys which were readily available or popular. There are some things that you can look out for when looking at Tonka Trucks, which may also be present in other toys from the mid-century. These characteristics are worth looking for in old toys.
- Look for the original packaging. If your toy is in its original box, it’s more likely to sell than one that doesn’t. The most complete set is what collectors are looking for, including those with bells and whistles.
- Search for unopened toys. It’s hard to find toys from the 1940s, 1950s, and even earlier. You may find deadstock toys at an antique shop. In this case, the toys are worth quite a bit.
- Look for the manufacturer’s mark. If you are buying a toy made by a well-known company, it is important to check the toy’s markings. These marks can often be used to determine age, and this is very important when collecting.
Tonka Trucks have always been fun
You’ve probably enjoyed playing with your Tonka Trucks in all sorts of imaginative scenarios, whether you were born during the 1940s or 1990s. Tonkas from the past are well-made and road-ready. They’re not like those yellow and black plastic trucks that we used to ram into our siblings at every opportunity. Tonka Trucks won’t be going away anytime soon. If you’re a frequent visitor to vintage and thrift shops, it’s worth knowing what to look for when buying a valuable, old Tonka Truck. It could mean the difference between getting a few dollars or a check with a few zeros.