Tuesday, May 13, 2008

6 1991 Colnago Ferrari C35 Collector's Edition

I wish I were friends with Alex Wong. Because he happens to have something I don't.

Mr. Wong has put up a collector's edition of a 1991 Colnago C35 up on EBAY, carved in red carbon fiber composite and 24K plated gold. Bling bling!


I thought the seller's description was interesting.

Mr. Wong says (unedited) : "In the summer of 1991, I was invited by Ferrari to visit the factory and test drive an Ferrari F40 that I have purchased, which I took delivery on September. While at the factory, I purchase this Ferrari Cologna C35 in Ferrari Red at the Ferrari store across the street from the factory, for $ 8,000 US (that was while US dollar was at the strongest), I had it ship back to the US. I don’t ride bicycle, this was mean to be a collector piece, I had this bike since then, it has never been ridden, and it is in museum quality."

Now it is quite apparent that Mr. Wong, even though rich beyond doubt, doesn't ride a bicycle as he had the audacity not only to spell words horribly wrong, but also call a Colnago a "Cologna" and describe it as a 'mean' collector's piece. I now think there is no justice done with this bike sitting at his home.

So go and bid here if you're crazy. I like the pictures.

6 comments:

  1. I personally think it is hideous. Maybe in 1991 I would have thought different.

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  2. Anonymous7:35 AM

    They were just coming out the 80's back then Chris so we have to give them a break for not putting glitter or something else ridiculous on the bike

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  3. Dig that old stem, threaded headset and fork crown.

    It looks like that dropout might have some front to back play in it -- if Alex mentioned that and pointed out it's perfect for fixie conversion he's get all kinds of bids!

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  4. Some one was selling catalogs for those old Ferrari/Colnago�s on ebay recently. I think I posted a link (or maybe I just meant to).

    Honestly, I never really understood that gold plated Italian components trend. I worked at a bike shop in the early nineties and my boss gave me an old gold plated ITM bar that had been in inventory for many years. He was sick of looking at it and I was happy to take it off his hands (it may have been hideous, but it was free). Just recently, I dug that old bar out of my parts bin and sold it on ebay. Even though the gold was flaking a bit, it finally found a home with someone who wanted it. I�ll never understand the appeal, but to each his own. Aesthetics are subjective and that�s a good thing.

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  5. James , You bring up a good point. A collector's version of a bike surely has to stand out in some fashion from the rest. I think gold brings out that flavor, that something is to be seen and admired more for its make and value than what it should actually be used for. I personally have no taste in gold. I like platinum better. Or just plain white silvery stuff. Not gold though.

    BTW, don't think I'm prejudiced, but perhaps Italians like the gold? Popular films portray wealthy Italians with gold bracelets and necklaces, perhaps its a cultural thing who knows.

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  6. Anonymous6:06 PM

    I smell a scam with this ad? same photos & story its listed in Fl CL
    for 4,000.00 one of many ads with same story and pics.

    http://panamacity.craigslist.org/bik/686060557.html

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