The Vintage Color Magic Barbie Doll

As an avid Barbie Doll collector it quickly becomes apparent which dolls are of the most value. To many collectors the actual dollar value of the dolls within their collections does not necessarily matter. It is more about how many other collector would love to have a certain doll in their collection. This is true of the Vintage Color Magic Barbie Doll.

Details on this Doll

The Vintage Color Magic Barbie Doll, introduced to the market in 1966, has the body and face of the American Girl Barbie Doll, issued in 1964 and 1965, and featured bendable legs. What made this doll special was the fact that it had the ability to change colors. Well, at least parts of it did. Basically, there were two different color change packets included with the doll that when mixed with water allowed the doll to change the color of not only her swimsuit, but the color of the hair as well. The doll is available with two hair colors. The doll with the Golden Blonde hair would change to Scarlet Flame. The doll with the Midnight hair would change to Ruby Red. There have been instances of finding the doll Never Removed from Box (NRFB) with the Midnight hair changed over to Ruby Red.

The Included Items

The doll is packaged with a One-piece Multicolor Diamond Print Swimsuit, matching Multicolor Diamond Print Headband, Turquoise Bobby Pin, 4 Hair Ribbons, 3 Colored Bobby Pins, Light Blue Tulle Belt for the Swimsuit, Color Changer Packet A & Packet B; a Sponge Applicator, and instruction booklet.

Pricing and Availability

The Vintage Color Magic Barbie Doll is extremely hard to find. It is one of the most sought after dolls to by Mattel. Out of the box (OOB) or Without Box (WOB), the doll is not worth as much as still in the box. This doll normally sells for $200 to $400, out of the box, depending on condition. If the doll is in the box and better yet NRFB, this doll can sell for anywhere from $800 to $1,200. That is for those that are looking to purchase one. To the true collector, if she or he were able to add one to their collection, this item would be priceless, due to its extreme rarity.

Beware of the Reproduction

In looking to purchase one of these dolls, please be aware that the vintage version has a 1958 stamp on her head rim and body. The reason that this is important is because in 2004, Mattel released a Color Magic Reproduction. The reproduction version of the doll did not have the ability to change colors. The reproduction version is worth about $35 in comparison to the vintage version. Though it is not a bad addition to any collection, it is just not the original.

Where to Buy

The best place to locate a Color Magic Barbie Doll is at online auction sites, such was eBay or GoAuction.com. Another place to check is other secondary retailers.

Source:

Vintage Color Magic Barbie Doll
http://www.fashion-doll-guide.com/Vintage-Color-Magic-Barbie-Doll.html

Color Magic Barbie 2004 Limited Edition
http://www.barbiecollector.com/showcase/product.aspx?id=1003269&t=modern&t2=series&x=series&y=s150080&sort=name