Barbie's Classic Wheels By Rebecca Ann Rupp All items from the author's collection. B arbie, created by Ruth Handler, was inspired by her daughter Barbara's imaginative paper doll play. This inspirational spark would lead Mrs. Handler to collaborate with the Mattel Toy Company's research and development department to create Barbie, which ultimately evolved into multi-generational opportunities for young girls to explore the world through play and building their own collections. In this article we spotlight the exceedingly collectible Classic Wheels vehicle accessories. When Barbie debuted in 1959, Mattel and the Carson/Roberts Advertising Agency marketed the concept of a doll as a fashion model with a haute couture wardrobe. This soon changed after the toy company was inundated with letters inquiring about Barbie's personality and backstory. In response, boyfriend Ken was introduced in 1961. By 1962 Barbie had her own convertible sports car, the first of many vehicles that she would drive. The following year Ken was picking her up for their weekend dates in his own hot rod. Above: The author's diorama depicts the dolls catching a late movie at the campus drive in after the football game. The structure appeared in the Sears and Roebuck Company store and in their Wish Book catalog as the exclusive " Barbie Goes to College® " (1964). 96 WINTER 2021