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Released in 1970 by Eldon, the Computer Truck was a battery-operated toy vehicle that allowed children to program its movement using directional blocks. Marketed as a toy that “reflects today’s age of electronics,” it let kids pre-plan the truck’s route and watch it follow the programmed sequence automatically.
The toy consisted of a silver plastic truck powered by two C-cell batteries and a set of eight programming blocks that determined movement. Kids arranged the blocks in sequence to create a route, selecting commands such as right turn, left turn, reverse, stop, and go. Once the pattern was set and the start button was pressed, the truck followed the programmed course automatically.
As the truck moved, each corresponding block lit up on the control panel when it was executed, visually showing which instruction was being executed. This created the effect of the truck “thinking” its way through the course and reinforced the toy’s computer-inspired theme. The path sequence could be changed repeatedly, allowing for different routes and repeated play.
The set also included three directional signs that could be placed around the play area to expand the sense of roadway play.
COLLECTOR CONSIDERATIONS
Computer Truck appears on the secondary market in varying condition. Complete sets are preferred, as the programming blocks and directional signs were often separated from the main unit over time. Working examples with functional lighting and smooth programmed movement are generally more desirable to collectors of early electronic and battery-operated toys.
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