In 1971, Mattel created probably one of the most identifiable dolls of the 70's - Malibu Barbie. Her importance in doll history cannot be over-stated. She was dressed in a one-piece aqua bathing suit, had purple sunglasses and a beach towel. Her hair style was a blonde, layered, waist-length cut with a side part. From the factory she had a clear, plastic headband to keep her hair in place until she was removed from the box for play. She was an instant hit, and if any girl owned only one Barbie doll in the early 70's, no doubt it was a Malibu Barbie doll. She had a wholesome, natural look, a deep, rich tan, and a twist-and-turn waist. She was NEVER issued in shoes or sandals.

Malibu Barbie was issued up until the early 80's, probably until 1983. Some of the dolls in this line were:  Malibu Barbie, Ken, Skipper, PJ, and Christie, Barbie Sun Lovin Malibu PJ, Barbie Sun Gold Malibu Barbie, Sunsational Malibu Barbie and Ken, Sunsational Malibu Christie, Malibu Francie, Sunsational Malibu Skipper, and Sun Lovin Malibu Barbie with peekaboo tan.

There were accessories you could buy for your Malibu Barbie doll. These were a Camper with pop-up tent, and a swimming pool. These campers were extremely popular. Also a Barbie's dream home, complete with elevator. Of course there were also carry cases for your doll.

In 1985, after Mattel had used up the rest of their discontinued Malibu Barbie stock, they issued Tropical Barbie. I believe she was meant to take the place of Malibu Barbie, but Tropical Barbie never caught on the way Malibu Barbie did. Tropical Barbie had a one-piece floral designed bathing suit, a ruffle to wear in her hair, and a small plastic hairbrush. Also in her box came a small fold-out catalog showcasing about 60 of the latest Barbie issues. It's very cool and also useful for the Barbie collector to see what she / he is missing in their collections (they are all very 80's looking). Her hair was a non-layered knee-length cut with a center part, and at the time it was the longest hair ever issued on a Barbie doll (it was even written on her box: "with the longest hair ever"). It was twisted like a rope and secured with a rubber band. She had no twist-and-turn waist, no sunglasses, and no beach towel. While a great doll, she never had the following of Malibu Barbie, and could never hold the place in doll history like Malibu Barbie forever will (nothing personal to those who favor Tropical Barbie). 

In 2001, Mattel issued an authentic reproduction of Malibu Barbie. Basically it was the same doll as the 1971 version, and without the boxes you can hold them up together side by side and not tell the difference. If you are thinking of adding a Malibu Barbie to your collection, and you don't have alot of money, I would strongly advise purchasing a 2001 repro. I purchased one a few months ago and paid $1.50, where the original 1971 dolls - especially if they are from Japan - sell for up to $175 (I've seen it happen). Just be sure, if you re-sell your repro, to mention in your auction listing that your doll's a repro. That does matter, and collectors do want to know.