Extremely Rare Early Corona Fender Stratocaster – 1985 ’57 Vintage Reissue (AVRI)

A key piece of Fender history – in iconic Sunburst finish

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This extraordinary Fender '57 Vintage Reissue Stratocaster in classic Sunburst may well be one of the earliest documented Stratocasters ever built in the new Corona factory, shortly after Fender's historic transition away from CBS ownership.

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A turning point in Fender history

In early 1985, CBS sold the Fender brand to a group of employees led by Bill Schultz, forming the now-legendary Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC). As part of that deal, the iconic Fullerton factory was not included, which meant FMIC had to start almost from scratch in a new facility in Corona, California.

During this turbulent time, American production paused while FMIC trained a new generation of builders in Corona—guided by a few trusted Fullerton veterans. They worked with leftover vintage reissue parts (bodies, necks, electronics, etc.) salvaged from Fullerton to build what would become some of the rarest and collectible American Stratocasters ever produced. So this guitar is identical with the Fullerton Reissues 1982 - 1984!

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Built with Fullerton parts, finished in early Corona

This guitar with a low serial number, has a neck date from October 1985 (10/17/85), making it one of the very first Corona-built American Strats to ever leave the new factory.

It is made with Fullerton-era components, including vintage-correct body contours, a maple neck with a comfy slim C profile (same dimension as on David Gilmour‘s Black Strat), medium frets, single-ply white pickguard, and vintage-style hardware throughout.

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Collector-grade instrument in 100% original condition

The guitar is in fully original condition, with only minimal signs of play. The frets show barely any wear, and the body has just a bit checking and a few tiny marks.

• Finish: Sunburst (original nitro)
• Neck date: October 1985 (10/17/85)
• Weight: 3,397 kg
• Pickups: Original vintage-style single coils
• Bridge: Vintage-style tremolo
• Case: Original Fender hard case included (excellent condition)
• Including all case candy

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A significant moment in Stratocaster history

Guitars like this don’t come around often. With extremely limited Corona production in late 1985 (estimated fewer than 10 instruments (not only guitars) a day by a team of 3–4 builders), 1985 AVRI Strats are rarer than many 1950s originals - especially with this kind of provenance, condition, and historic context.

Whether you're a player, collector, or serious Fender historian, this is a great opportunity to own one of the very first instruments from the rebirth of Fender USA production.

PS: Amp on pictures is only for showcasing and not for sale, please.