Tom Petty Fans Get a Rare 50th Anniversary Guitar With Only 50 Made in Each Color

Tom Petty fans have a rare chance to own a piece of Heartbreakers history. Gibson has released a limited-edition 50th Anniversary Tom Petty Flying V, with just 50 guitars made in each of five finishes, or 250 worldwide.

The guitar arrives as Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers mark 50 years since their 1976 debut album. For collectors, the small production run makes every finish a scarce find.

Tom Petty Flying V 50th Anniversary Guitar: Finishes and Specs

Gibson calls the collection the “Flying Five”: Gainesville Gold, Graphite Metallic, Heartbreaker Red, Pearl White Metallic and Pelham Blue. All five use gloss nitrocellulose lacquer, and each color is capped at 50 guitars.

The design is inspired by the Heartbreakers logo from the band’s self-titled 1976 debut. Each guitar has a mahogany body and neck, a rosewood fretboard, and a reproduction of Petty’s signature on the back of the headstock.

Electronics include a pair of 70s Tribute humbucker pickups, hand-wired controls and an Orange Drop capacitor. Gold-plated hardware, a three-ply white pickguard and a Gibson hardshell case complete the package.

Tom Petty Merchandise, Leather Jacket and Origins Box Set

Gibson is also launching a Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers 50th Anniversary Lifestyle Collection with the Tom Petty Estate. The company partnered with Nashville apparel brand imogene+willie on four American-made graphic tees.

The standout is a black leather jacket made with Schott N.Y.C. and based on the one Petty wore on the 1976 debut cover. Only 75 will be made worldwide. Other items include a Zippo lighter, a bandana, a guitar strap and a mini Flying V.

The celebration goes beyond merchandise. The Tom Petty Estate will release Origins 1971–1978 on Nov. 6, a box set tracing Petty’s early career through the band’s formation, with rare, live and unreleased recordings plus the first two albums.

Adria Petty said the Heartbreakers logo has been part of the band’s identity since the first album. Gibson Chief Marketing Officer Beth Heidt called the project a “profound honor” to celebrate 50 years of the music.

The guitars and apparel are available worldwide now at Gibson Garage locations and gibson.com. A handful of apparel styles will also be sold at tompetty.com and imogeneandwillie.com.