I have a 1996 American standard tele that is transparent red. It has a white pick guard with blue trim around it. I have not seen this guitar anywhere else. Was this a 50th anniversary color? too new to post pics here - 3 posted on this fendertalk forum:
http://forum.fendertalk.com/showthread.php?t=17583

This was a color that Fender had in the line for at least a few years. Some of the bodies in this finish were alder, but had an ash veneer that added a nice touch and really made it worth the transparent finish. I think some of the deluxe American models with this finish were actually solid ash also. The pickguard sounds like it is probably an aftermarket but it would be easier to tell if you put some pictures up.

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RoscoeBeckV
USA AshStrat HH HT(X2)
Spalted Maple Custom Tele
60'sReverseStrat
SpruceTele
BigAppleStrat
USAStratHH
USAStratHH HT(X2)
Highway1 Fat
USA P-Bass DeluxeIV(X2)
P-BassLyte
US P-BassDeluxeV
BG29
DG22S
'78 Strat
'79 Strat HT
CS'60 Strat
CS'52Tele HR

Post some pics!