Barbie 1983

Barbie 1983, not only captured the hearts of countless children, but also offered cherished collector's items for enthusiasts worldwide.  This particular year featured an array of dazzling outfits, hairstyles, and accessories, reflecting the ever-changing trends and styles of the time.

Barbie 1983

The Barbie dolls listed below were all copyrighted in 1983.  The copyright laws provided a legal framework to protect the integrity of Barbie dolls, allowing Mattel to maintain the authenticity and originality that made each of them famous.

Ballerina Barbie Doll

With her grace, elegance, and stunning attire, Ballerina Barbie brought the enchanting world of ballet into the hands of children everywhere. From her delicate ballet slippers to her shimmering tutu, Ballerina Barbie could do an arabesque, pirouette, kicks, and the splits.

The box pictured below was the United States version
sold exclusively at Mervyn's Department Store...

The box pictured below is the European version...

Doll Name:
Ballerina Barbie

Model #:
4983

Box Date:
©1983

Extra Features:
Poseable Body

Crystal Barbie 1983

Crystal Barbie captivated the hearts of collectors and enthusiasts alike with her shimmering beauty.  Dressed in an iridescent ball gown accented with a dark pink and purple waistband and ruffled skirt, she embodied timeless glamour.  Her change-around stole could be worn different ways to create new looks.

Doll Name:
Crystal Barbie

Model #:
4598

Box Date:
©1983

Accessories:
Comb and brush.
Matching necklace, earrings, and ring for Barbie.
The earrings could be worn as posts or with a crystal dangle.

Crystal Barbie is head to toe glamour,
with sparkly closed toe heels completing her ensemble.

A shiny Barbie necklace was also included in
the box for each little girl to wear.

Crystal Barbie AA
#4859
©1983

Barbie 1983 celebrated diversity through the creation of the African American Crystal Barbie.  Stunning in her own right, she came with the same ensemble and accessories as the Caucasian version.

Crystal Ken became an instant sensation in his white tuxedo and shiny vest.  With impeccable attention to detail, his vivid purple boutonniere, tie, and buttons only added to his dapper look.  Glittery socks and white shoes completed his ensemble.  

Fabulous Fur Barbie

Fabulous Fur Barbie is dressed and ready for daytime or nighttime.  She is wearing a blue glittery jumpsuit that is gathered at the waist and accented with a wide textured belt featuring a diamond shape in the center.  The star of her ensemble is her 4 piece faux fur coat that can be changed into 10 different looks.

This is the box of the Fabulous Fur Barbie sold in the
United States as a Mervyn Department Store exclusive...

Canadian release...

European release...

Doll Name:
Fabulous Fur Barbie

Model #:
7093

Box Date:
©1983

Accessories:
Comb and brush. 

Blue shoes to match her outfit.
The box shows open toe heels, but
many dolls came with closed toe heels.

Stud earrings with clear stone and matching ring.

Happy Birthday Barbie Doll

Happy Birthday Barbie 1983, the third doll in the series, captured the essence of elegance and charm.  She is wearing a pink dress adorned with white flocked dots, stand up collar, and sheer puffed sleeves.  Her full flowing skirt is ruffled at the bottom and a pink chiffon rosette is attached to her white waistband.  White open toe shoes complete her outfit.

Doll Name:
Happy Birthday Barbie

Model #:
1922
(The same model number was used for
Happy Birthday Barbie #1, 2 and 3).

Box Date:
©1983

Accessories:
Barbie carried a surprise gift for the birthday girl.

Both Barbie and the birthday girl got a ring.  The rings could
be personalized to match the birthday girl's birthstone color.

A pink medallion with a picture of Barbie on one side
was included to make a necklace for the birthday girl.

Party ideas and instruction booklet with tips on
decorations, games, and party food, along with instructions
to personalize the birthstone ring and make the necklace.

Loving You Barbie 1983

Loving You Barbie is a classic symbol of love and affection from head to toe.  While the vibrant heart pattern steals the show, the solid red bodice with a sweetheart neckline provides a bold contrast to the dress.  Large puff sleeves, detachable skirt, and white open toe shoes complete the romantic look.

Doll Name:
Loving You Barbie

Model #:
7072

Box Date:
©1983

The many accessories
of Loving You Barbie 1983:

Earrings and ring with imitation red stones.

A rare accessory was included...
matching panties.

Heart shaped case with etched Barbie face.

50 sheets of heart-shaped stationery

Pencil & stamper with "I heart you" written on it.

Heart shaped stickers.

Red brush and comb...

Loving You Barbie Gift Set
#7583
©1983
Comes with a child-size purse, along with
the accessories included in the original doll box.

Sun Gold Malibu Barbie

The Sun Gold Malibu Barbie doll is fully prepared for a day at the beach, as she dons a gold checkerboard patterned swimsuit.  Carrying a tote bag that folds out into a beach towel, she has three different colors of sunglasses to match her every mood.  With her sun-kissed tan and sun-streaked hair, she captures the essence of sun, fun, and fashion.  

Doll Name:
Sun Gold Malibu Barbie

Model #:
1067

Box Date:
©1983

It is not uncommon to see differences in the faces of Sun Gold Barbie, as some were made in Hong Kong and others in the Philippines.

Summer is in full swing, and Barbie is ready to kick off the season with a sensational beach party!  With the sun shining and the waves crashing, Barbie extends her shimmering hand to invite her dearest friends and family...

Sun Gold Malibu Barbie African American
#7745
©1983

Sun Gold Malibu Barbie Hispanic
#4970
©1983

Sun Gold Malibu Ken Hispanic
#4971
©1983

Great Shape Barbie 1983

With her vibrant workout attire, complete with bright turquoise leotards and colorful leg warmers, Great Shape Barbie became an instant hit.  This iteration of Barbie revolutionized the way young girls perceived beauty and fitness.

Doll Name:
Great Shape Barbie

Model #:
7025

Box Date:
©1983

Great Shape Barbie #7025 was also issued in 1983 with a play Walkman stereo, headphones, and tape included...everything else was the same.

Great Shape Barbie African American
#7834
©1983

Barbie & Ken Campin' Out Set

If anyone can make camping look stylish, it's Barbie.  She wears a white jumpsuit and red vest, while Ken is ready for the outdoors in white shorts and red shirt, both wearing white sneakers.  Endless storytelling possibilities were encouraged with a myriad of accessories...backpack and frame, sleeping bag, camping stove, frying pan, two yellow cups, coffee pot and lid, three dishes, two pots, field glasses, labels, lantern, and a tent. 

Doll Name:
Barbie & Ken Campin' Out Set

Model #:
4984

Box Date:
©1983

Barbie/Superstar head mold.
Ken/Superstar Ken head mold.

Irish Barbie
Dolls of the World
#7517
©1983

Swiss Barbie
Dolls of the World
#7541
©1983

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