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1976 Tonka Gas Turbine Trucks

Tonka Gas Turbine models totaled only 7 in 1976. Shown in the 1976 Tonka dealer catalog were the #2585 Hydraulic Dump, #2635 Tanker, #2831 Lowboy & Dozer, #2845 Car Carrier, #2950 Snorkel Pumper, #2960 Aerial Ladder and #2997 Flatbed with Crane Boom. Tonka deleted model #2992 Ramp Hoist and Loader.

OBSERVATION As noted just above, model #2992 Ramp Hoist and Loader was removed from the 1976 Tonka dealer catalog. However, examples of a 1976 model #2992 do exist. Take a look.

1976 offers a new and less detailed looking Gas Turbine truck. I debated whether or not to feature anything manufactured after 1975. However, there was an interest immediately after this website went live so, for now, I've added the first two years of what I'm going to call second generation Gas Turbine trucks. Second generation trucks will be defined as those manufactured beginning in 1976.

Second generation Gas Turbine trucks can be quickly identified by the one piece plastic grille/front bumper/headlight component. In 1976, the grille/front bumper/headlight component was color matched to the painted cab. To give the grille/front bumper/headlight some detail, it was hot stamped using a silver colored foil that high-lighted the headlights and portions of the grille.

CHANGES FROM LAST YEAR: The Tonka logo changed to a red oval with a white border and Tonka also in white, centered in the oval. This decal was used in 1976 and 1977 across the entire Tonka product line.

CHANGES FROM LAST YEAR: Just in case the cab and tanker become separated on #2635 Tanker, one can still identify the year of production of the tanker. In 1975, the tanker sported a one piece decal on each side that read "Super Tonka Tanker". The tanker also had a white filler cap for 1975. In 1976, the tanker decal changed to "Tonka Super Tanker". The filler cap changed to yellow.

CHANGES FROM LAST YEAR: The load on the model #2845 Car Carrier changed from one red and one blue Mustang in 1975 to one red and one blue Ranchero in 1976.

CHANGES FROM LAST YEAR: The cab on the model #2845 Car Carrier changed from yellow in 1975 to red in 1976.

CHANGES FROM LAST YEAR: The extension ladder on model #2960 Aerial Ladder changed from white in 1975 to red in 1976.