What a coincidence, with the 2010 Winter Olympics going on right now as I post this, I happened to find this huge, box of vintage Barbie fun at one of my local thrift stores this last Thursday. Normally, I can restrain from frivolous purchases, but I had to have this vintage 1974 Barbie Olympic Ski Village.
It was irresistible to me because it’s from the seventies (the decade I was born) and the box claims it is “over 6 feet long!” I don’t have to tell you I was sold at “six feet long.” I have never had a toy six feet long, that I can recall.
Oh boy! I can’t wait to get this home and see all 6 feet of glorious ski jumping goodness!
I don’t know if you can see this or not, but the Barbie skiing looks like the Hamburglar. Too- I think it’s cool that Ken is not actually skiing, he is just looking hot and carrying his little snow saucer. Ken is basically there to lend support to super star skiing Barbie and to rub her feet by the fire after she wins the gold medal.
“Had enough of skiing? Take the snow saucer for a crazy ride.” Unfortunately the handle was broken off our snow saucer- so Barbie couldn’t ride it.
So here it is- my 1974 Barbie Olympic Ski Village assembled. It wasn’t easy- I put it together backwards at first. As you can see my son, Terry is impressed.
Here’s my son Terry launching a toy penguin from his Happy Meal. Barbie’s ski track is irresistible to all, because it makes for a mean launch pad!
“Colorful ski chalet for resting and warming. With swivel chair and table that’s also a foot rest.” I love the early seventies decor!
Okay- so here is our world class ski jumper Barbie getting ready to make her first jump. We don’t have any Barbies with clothes. Well- actually I do, but I didn’t want to launch my collectible Marilyn Monroe or Elvis dolls down this bad boy. So actually it is my daughter who is three, who doesn’t have any barbies with clothes.
Note that our modern version of Barbie has huge feet that won’t fit into the ski boots. I remember now, that vintage barbies had tiny feet like they had been subjected to foot binding.
Here’s our lovely, assistant showing Barbie making the run.
Look at that form- Barbie shows her winning technique.
Barbie nails the landing and the gold. (We didn’t actually launch barbie- although I admit that would be fun.)
Here’s our gold medalist Barbie relaxing after her event.
The only problem with this toy is that it is six feet long, it takes up a lot of space. The children wanted to take it up to their room and leave it fully assembled but I just am not ready for them to tear it apart. Unfortunately, I had to disassemble it before bedtime to get back some of my bedroom space and that was met with lots of tears.
But after I was done crying, Senja assured me would could play with it again tomorrow. Hooray!
Enjoy the 2010 Winter Olympics!
Now that looks fun … and I don’t care what DCR says. Toys were so much better years ago, for both genders. Seems like everything now is a peice of crap from China that needs 4 AAA batteries.
One of my own favs was the Sizzlers Racing Track. They now have a vintage “remake” out, and we set it up for my nephew last Christmas. COOL
Wow! That’s quite a ramp! It reminds me of a toy we had when we were kids but I can’t quite put my finger on what it was… it had blue ramps that may or may not have looped… but that’s all I can remember…
It’s nice to see pictures of your kids: it’s always nice putting faces to names.
OMG!!! I want to come over and PLAY with you guys!!!
OMG!!! McDonald’s has toy penguins in their Happy Meals!?!?!?
Speedcat- Dan doesn’t know what he is talking 99.92% of the time. If a toy only needs 4AAA batteries you came out ahead- my kids have toys that take a car battery, three cans of red bull and a stick of dynamite to get them to work.
Jenny- what you describe sounds like any hot wheels set and thanks.
Meleah- I know we are pretty cool.
Dan- YES they do it’s called a LINUX HAPPY MEAL.
BTW: Your monkey wearing orange comment at DCR’s was one of the funniest I have ever read … absolute classic
Thanks Speedkat – sometimes I amaze even myself… ;oP
Oh man, this looks like one of those toys that if my sister had had it, I would have played with it all the time
If you ever find an old Tyco race track with lap counter I’m inviting myself over to play
How cool is that! I want to play too!!! My grand daughter just started watching the Olympics this year. She would just LOVE this. Heck, I wouldn’t mind it myself.
Thank you for brightening my day, Michelle. I’m sure it was a day to remember:)
Hi Bone- ah I remember the Tyco race tracks my cousin had one. I didn’t really get into that because it just seemed the cars went round and round and didn’t do much more. Hot Wheels they seem to have a bit of danger and excitement rolled into their tracks though.
Hi Louise- Thanks i am glad you enjoyed the post. My daughter is loving the Barbie track.