Barrett-Jackson’s new in-house custom builds shop, Barrett-Jackson Builds, is collaborating with the Fender Custom Shop on a custom 1969 Ford Mustang fastback with a matching guitar – the Fender Custom ’69 Stratocaster – and Tone Master Deluxe Reverb amplifier custom fitted to the car’s trunk. The Resto-Mod Mustang marks Barrett-Jackson Builds’ first corporate partnership project; the team will also be working towards creating a variety of vehicles to sell at auction. The classic Fender Mustang guitar, which is nearing completion, will be unveiled prior to Barrett-Jackson’s flagship Scottsdale Auction March 20-27, 2021, at WestWorld of Scottsdale. This custom Mustang, guitar and amp will be sold as a set with No Reserve.
“We’re excited to begin this project with Fender,” said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “For years Fender guitars and muscle cars were the soundtrack of American culture, and this project presents a wonderful opportunity to pay homage to that time and showcase the spectacular skills of the Fender Custom Shop and the Barrett-Jackson Builds team.”
“If the Fender Stratocaster was a car, it would be a Mustang Fastback,” said Mike Lewis, VP of Product Development at the Fender Custom Shop. “Fender guitars are no stranger to the automotive industry, as there is much to be appreciated by both guitar lovers and automotive enthusiasts alike. Our collaboration with Barrett-Jackson showcases the pinnacle of Fender Custom Shop craftsmanship and creativity. The Shop is home to the best guitar builders in the world, who continue to push the limits of what’s possible. That’s why we’re called ‘The Dream Factory.’ Barrett-Jackson builds dream cars and we build dream guitars.”
This project will launch a digital series called “Barrett-Jackson Builds,” featuring collector car restorations meant to educate and entertain automotive enthusiasts documenting car builds and unique partnerships. From concept to completion and auction, the 1969 Ford Mustang Resto-Mod will be fully documented in a 10-episode Barrett Jackson Builds video series (click here for the trailer) that will stream on Barrett-Jackson’s YouTube channel starting today. The guitar has been built by Fender’s Custom Shop director and Principal Master Builder Ron Thorn. With over 800 bespoke guitars to his name, Thorn brings his rock-driven, hot-rod-shop ethos to the craft in a stunning blend of precision and soul. The series will be set to a set of era-defining classic rock instrumentals recorded and performed by members of the Fender team.
For more news from the Music & Sound Retailer, click here.