It might not be the most legendary Fender in UK, but it is definitely the most influential one. When Hank Marvin and his band The Shadows came on TV or appeared in posters and magazines with his eye-catching 1959 fiesta red Strat, Every kid and artist in the British continent wanted one.

Even David Gilmour (who played Telecaster at the time) has said he always wanted to own a Strat because Hank Marvin played one.

This Strat is said to be Englands first. Because of a trade embargo in UK at the time, A Strat or a Gibson was pretty much impossible to find in UK. It was possible to import one privately. And that is what they did for the Fiesta Red one. Guitars in UK at the time were low-rate. And Hank played on a guitar that was awful. Cliff Richard told Hank "I am going to get you a Stratocaster"

They sent out for a catalog first, and after getting it, they they decided to go for Fiesta Red color with Gold hardware, Cliff went on and sent in an order and the waiting was on.

It took a few months for it to arrive, and the band opened the case together with the red beauty inside, with jaw drops and the works. But Hank Marvin really adapted to that guitar, which was perfect for him. And he quickly adopted and became a master of the subtle tremolo use that was to become "The Shadows" staple guitar sound.

The Shadows eventually scored a endorsement deal with Burns Guitar around 1961 and the Red Strat was put aside. Cliff Richard who technically still owned the instrument, decided to take it back in to his ownership. Story then goes (Not sure this is true) that Richards took an unwise decision and had the guitar refinished in white color. The guitar was later given to  Bruce Welch (2nd Guitarist of The Shadows) by Richards as a thanks for studio contribution on a few of his albums. Welch eventually had the guitar restored back to Fiesta Red and it has been up to this day in the care of Welch.

Hank Marvin has jokingly said that Bruce Welsh "stole" the guitar.

Fender has released several models of this guitar. Mostly during the 90s. Even Fender Japan has issued a couple and there is also a Squire one.

Bruce Welch tells the story on acquiring the Fiesta Red.

(The photo of the Fiesta Red Strat is not the real one. Just illustration)