Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC)’s Fender Custom Shop™ (FCS) today announced the launch of a special collaboration with Mattel, Inc and Hot Wheels™, the global leader in car culture. Created by the Shop’s esteemed team of eleven master builders and five apprentice builders, the Fender Custom Shop Hot Wheels collection consists of 16 one-of-a-kind, bespoke designs inspired by the die-cast vehicles introduced by Mattel in 1968. Each guitar in the collection is designed with careful attention to unique designs, graphics and Hot Wheels color shades that stay true to the 1:64 scale cars that have inspired the challenger spirit for generations. In addition, each model comes with a Hot Wheels strap and pick set as well as a custom Hot Wheels Hardshell case, all adorned in the brand’s signature orange and blue as well as a Hot Wheels die-cast that its associated guitar is inspired by and certificate of authenticity. 

“We’re honored to be working with Mattel to bring this Hot Wheels collection to life,” said Mike Lewis, VP Product Development, Fender Custom Shop™. “For years, we’ve taken a deep source of inspiration from the automobile industry and with such a unique take on cars, Hot Wheels was always a dream partner. Each builder crafted their own guitar with world-class creativity and we can’t wait for people globally to see these collectible products.”

“The Hot Wheels team is thrilled to create such a special collection of guitars with the global leaders of musical instruments at Fender Custom Shop,” said Ted Wu, Global Head of Hot Wheels Design at Mattel. “Both of our brands trace their roots back to California, with Hot Wheels embodying SoCal car culture and Fender synonymous with Los Angeles rock ‘n’ roll. We can’t wait for artists and car enthusiasts alike to see these one-of-a-kind designs.”

“Hot Wheels rides have been just as much part of our team’s childhood as classic guitars, so getting the opportunity to create one-of-a-kind instruments inspired by some of our favorite cars has been a dream,” said Dennis Galuszka, FCS Master Builder. “Each builder brought their own unique take to the design process, which was influenced by the years of childhood nostalgia and the iconic orange track. The final results are works of art that pay tribute to both Fender and Hot Wheels.”

As the #1 selling toy in the world*, Hot Wheels is the global leader in car culture. For the last fifty plus years, Hot Wheels has proven its influence on the automotive community with legendary design and epic performance. Today, Hot Wheels has become a worldwide powerhouse franchise with live and virtual events on almost every continent, highly sought-after consumer products and top-tier collaborations, a #1 rated content channel on YouTube and more. While 16.5 Hot Wheels are sold every second and over 8 billion cars have been sold to date, the brand continues to expand its presence in new ways such as NFTs and digital gaming, with success across mobile, console and PC platforms. 

● Hot Wheels™ Night Shifter™ Fretless Precision Bass®, Black with Blue Competition Stripes – ($16,500.00 USD, £14,799.00 GBP, €17,299.00 EUR, $27,499.00 AUD, ¥ 2,554,200 JPY)

Masterbuilt by Vincent Van Trigt, the Nightshifter Fretless Precision Bass® has a NOS Satin Urethane finish with Gold hardware on a two-piece select Alder body. This custom has a Quartersawn Maple Neck with ‘60 Style “C” back-shape and a flat-lem fretless ebony fingerboard. This guitar includes vintage and customized elements with a Curtis Novack T-Bird pickup, vintage wiring, BABICZ full contact bridge, Gotoh GB640 Res-o-Lite tuning machines and a custom pickguard. 

● Hot Wheels™ Bone Shaker™ Precision Bass®, Flat Black with Bone Shaker Graphic – ($15,500.00 USD, £13,899.00 GBP, €16,199.00 EUR, $26,499.00 AUD, ¥ 2,350,700 JPY)

Masterbuilt by Jason Smith, the Bone Shaker Precision Bass® boasts a NOS Satin WLS finish on an two-piece select Alder body. This custom bass includes a one-piece 3A Flame Maple Neck with ‘60s Oval “C” Back-Shape and a Lace® Alumna pickup. Vintage wiring, an RSD HiMass bridge and Fender Deluxe tuning machines promote strong and clear use.

Hot Wheels ™ Collection guitars will be available for purchase at limited dealers. For technical specs, additional information on new Fender Custom Shop™ releases and to find a retail partner near you, visit www.fendercustomshop.com. Join the conversation on social media by following @Fender and @FenderCustomShop.