In 1966 Budgie issued a new group of miniatures based on commercial vehicles, the first was No.56 Hertz Truck and based on an American GMC box van in Hertz Truck Rental livery.

 

The model, which was made in the Hoddesdon foundry, could have had a very short life as almost all the Budgie moulds not in the Modern Products factory were lost in a fire in the same year, but the Hertz Truck was one of the few survivors. This meant that it could be re-issued in 1968.

 

No.56 Hertz Truck was a well made model with a one-piece body. The detail included 'GMC' at the front and 'Truck Rental' cast on each side. Two colours were used, pale blue and bright green with yellow 'Hertz' decals applied to raised panels on both sides.

 

The twin-level base covered the entire underside of the vehicle. Painted metallic silver, at the front it included the headlights whilst at the rear it supported the drop-down ramp. A rivet at the centre secured it to the body.  'No.56', 'A Budgie Model' and a very small 'Made in England' were cast on it.

 

The wheels were black plastic on rounded axles.

 

No.56 Hertz Truck was issued in blue blister-packs and the triple pack No.95b Town Set. In the US it was also sold in World Toy House packs.

 

It was withdrawn in 1970.