Barbiemania is infusing through popular culture at a rapid rate, with Greta Gerwig’s new Barbie film standing atop of the cinema box office. The movie has created a stir, causing an international shortage of the pink paint.
Since the first Barbie doll was released almost 65 years ago, the toy doll has become the owner of a fleet of vehicles – everything from Ferraris and Fiats to Porsches and VW Beetles. The vehicle finance firm Anglo Scottish has examined these iconic cars and assessed how much they are valued at. The output has been passed onto Digital Journal.
Barbie through the years
First appearing to the world on March 9 1959, Barbara Millicent Roberts (‘Barbie’) has had many cars over the years. Barbie was created by U.S. businesswoman Ruth Handler and named after her daughter. The diversity of Barbie over the years has seen the character go into space, run for president, and pursue multiple careers in STEM.
Barbie has also owned a lot of cars.
Austin-Healey 3000 MKII
Barbie got her first car in 1962 – an Austin-Healey Roadster. Usually seen with a more tasteful salmon pink paintjob, this lively convertible was lauded in commercials for its “exquisite precision design,” it had room for Ken in the passenger seat and was even available as a novelty car-shaped alarm clock.
Today’s estimated worth: £60,000
Mercedes-Benz 190SL
The second car in the Barbie garage kept the convertible aesthetic going. The 190SL is one of the most iconic Mercedes ever made. In today’s money, this would be the most expensive car in Barbie’s collection and is sought after by motoring enthusiasts around the world.
Today’s estimated worth: £130,000
Star-Vette
In the ‘70s, the Barbie team felt she deserved an ‘all-American’ muscle car The Star-Vette was marketed as “the dream machine for Barbie doll and all her friends!” Barbie possessed over 20 models, from the first on acquired in 1976.
Sold in purple and pink variations for Europe and the U.S. respectively, the Star-Vette was appropriately adorned with stars and stripes decals.
Today’s estimated value: £17,000
Star Traveller
The six-wheeler Star Traveller was based upon a GMC Motorhome, and it clocked in at over three feet long, came with a fully-equipped kitchen, improved camping equipment and tasteful décor with go-faster stripes.
Today’s estimated value: £20,000
Ferrari 328 GTS
With the release of the Barbie Ferrari in 1987, the world’s most-popular doll took her wheels to the next level. Marketed as the Red-Hot Barbie Ferrari, it came in red. In 1988, she added a white version to the collection.
Today’s estimated value: £90,000
Jeep Wrangler
In 1988, the toy became the owner of a 4×4 Jeep, and added a wrangler to the collection in 1999. Today’s range of Barbie toys features a ride-on battery powered Jeep!
Today’s estimated value: £10,000
Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet
The first Porsche in Barbie’s collection, this 911, added in 1992, maintained the convertible tradition. Complete with real working headlights and BARBIE plates.
Today’s estimated value: £70,000
Volkswagen Beetle
The most modest car in Barbie’s garage is the humble VW Beetle, first released in 2000. This vehicle continues to be manufactured today.
Today’s estimated value: £1000
Ferrari F2003
Barbie’s most expensive and rarest car ever is the Ferrari F2003 F1 car. Specially produced for a Barbie Collectors’ Convention, this Formula One car boasts a 930hp.
Today’s estimated value: £13,000,000
Fiat 500
In 2009, Barbie added a Fiat 500 to the garage.
Today’s estimated value: £3000
The combined value of these cars total almost £13,500,000 – even if the vast majority of its value is dictated by the F1 car.
