Barbie gets another car for birthday: Pink VW New Beetle Convertible

Proving once again that Volkswagen is clearly aware that its New Beetle plays to a predominantly female demographic is this very pink present created for Barbie's 50th Birthday. The full-size Malibu Barbie New Beetle Convertible features sparkling pink paint, custom white Katzkin leather, rhinestone studding, a lipstick-toned dipstick (*ahem*), and... wait for it... a motorized vanity in the trunk. Apparently, a jet-setting gal needs a car in every port, as Barbie will have access to the VW stateside when she and Ken aren't gallivanting off in her Milan-based Fiat 500.

The droptop was presented at Barbie's real-life Malibu Dream House (who knew?) a 3,500 square-foot Jonathan Adler-designed residence in... where else... Malibu, California. As part of the festivities, celebrity guests (including supermodel Heidi Klum, pictured) received a grab bag with Barbie sunglasses, handbags, and "tiny shoes." Apparently, our invitation got lost in the mail. Press release after the jump, high-res shots below.

PRESS RELEASE:

VOLKSWAGEN CREATES LIFE-SIZE PINK NEW BEETLE CONVERTIBLE FOR BARBIE® 50TH BIRTHDAY

Volkswagen Helps Barbie® Celebrate Fifty Years with a Customized New Beetle convertible, Fully Equipped with Rhinestones, Sparkling Pink Paint and Motorized Vanity in Trunk

HERNDON, VA-Volkswagen of America, Inc. helped Mattel celebrate Barbie® doll's 50th Birthday by transforming a New Beetle convertible into the ultimate Barbie® dream car. The life-size pink Malibu Barbie™ New Beetle convertible made its debut at Barbie® doll's Malibu Dream House® exclusive birthday celebration. Customization artists ABD Racing Werks, Katzkin Leather and Interiors and FoamMolders fully transformed the iconic New Beetle convertible into the perfect Barbie® ride.

"We are extremely proud to partner with Mattel and create a customized New Beetle convertible to celebrate Barbie's landmark birthday," said Laura Soave, General Manager of Marketing, Volkswagen of America, Inc. "Like the New Beetle, Barbie has made a remarkable impact on pop culture history, and still remains a cultural icon today."

From top to bottom and interior to exterior, Barbie® doll's New Beetle convertible has left no detail unfinished. From the white custom leather interior and convertible top to the hand stitched floor mats and pink quilted leather lined door pockets and arm rests, even the dipstick is painted to resemble her favorite lipstick. The New Beetle convertible is equipped with a motorized vanity in the trunk and plenty of rhinestone accents and vanity mirrors. Over five shades of paint were mixed together to create the perfect pink color for Barbie® doll's car.

The customized pink New Beetle convertible was prominently on display as the pink carpet was rolled out for the Barbie® celebration at her real-life Malibu Dream House®. Barbie® doll's house is a 3,500-square-foot home in Malibu, CA, decorated by famed "Happy Chic" interior designer Jonathan Adler. The Barbie® birthday festivities were complete with 1,800 pairs of Barbie® sunglasses, 3,500 pairs of tiny shoes, 3,500 mini handbags and numerous Hollywood celebrity guests.

Last year, Volkswagen celebrated the 10th anniversary of the introduction of the New Beetle convertible. With its distinct shape, the iconic New Beetle convertible is one of the most recognized models in the world.