Initially in 1970 the dolls were still produced in Mexico, and came in boxes printed in the US. During 1970 Mattel moved the entire boy doll production to Hong Kong. Those dolls can be seen in the 1971 Boys section.
NEW GOOD-LOOKIN’ TALKING KEN #1111
New Good-Lookin’ Talking Ken was given a new outfit in turquoise and orange. The boxes still state that the outfit was made in Japan, but every one of these beach shirts I’ve ever found has had a HONG KONG label.
Later versions have a differently designed box, which fits better to Brad’s. This box states that the clothing is made in Hong Kong.
NUEVO Y MAS GUAPO KEN QUE HABLA #8372
This is the Spanish-speaking version of New Good-lookin’ Talking Ken.
What the Spanish-speaking Ken said:
Hola, me llamo Ken.
Vamos al gran juego esta noche.
Vas a la fiesta?
Por que no vamos al cine?
Escuchemos los discos de Barbie.
Vamos a visitar a Barbie.
NEW GOOD-LOOKIN’ KEN #1124
A non-talking version of New Good-Lookin’ Ken was also released, with a new beach outfit which was made in Hong Kong.
NEW TALKING BRAD #1114
Allan, sadly, was never to be seen again (Mattel produced various Alan dolls much later, but they bore no resemblance). Instead Ken was given a new friend, Brad – the first black teenage boy doll. Unlike the black ‘clones’ that followed (which tended to be just darker-skinned versions of the regular Caucasian doll), Brad was given a unique look. By 1973 he had been discontinued, though Mattel did reuse his head-mold for Free Moving Curtis (see 1975 boys section). Arguably still the most handsome of all Mattel’s black dolls, he is now extremely popular with collectors.
The first New Talking Brad was produced in Mexico (with clothing made in Hong Kong).
What he said:
My name is Brad.
Christie is the greatest.
Baseball is my favorite.
Let’s go to the movies.
I kinda dig the mod look.
Hey, let’s all go for a ride.
(NEW) BRAD #1142
There was also a non-speaking version of Brad to fit with the similar, regular Ken. This Brad was a later addition, only ever produced in Hong Kong.
BRAD NECK MARKINGS
Brad’s head-mold was reused in 1975 for Free Moving Curtis (see 1975 Boys section).
BOOKLETS & CATALOGUES
There are two versions of the Barbie booklet for 1970-71, with slight differences to the layout and content. The first booklet does not feature the #1142 Brad.
The Mattel Dolls Spring introduction catalogue for 1970 also has no mention of the #1142 Brad. He first appears in the regular 1970 Mattel Dolls catalogue.
The Gamble Aldens Christmas catalogue still shows the original Ken.
According to the 1970 Mattel Spielzeug catalogue two of Ken’s German phrases were: “Let’s go to the cinema today” and “Let’s play tennis together”.
Note the Gutes Spielzeug catalogue also shows original Kens, but only as models.
