It’s rare to come across completely unridden bikes that are this perfect. Guerciotti produced this Oro for the 1979 New York bike show, after which it was bought by a collector, who ensured the rubber never made contact with tarmac. 12 years later, Ray Dobbins bought it and enjoyed its viewing pleasure for 16 years. It must have made a wondrous mantel piece item.
Weighing only 18.5lbs, this is truly a thing of beauty. There are slight imperfections in the finish, such as poor masking around the lugs and the fact that real gold plating (like this) is so thin that you can actually see the filing marks on the metal, but I believe that is wherein the beauty lies.
Barring the headset, which is an Edco Competition, the Oro features a ‘mounted once’ Campagnolo Super Record gruppo that’s been pantographed and polished. Complete, this bike is an item of jewellery, and it’s typical to elaborate on perfection with gold plating.
All in all, not a bad example. Ray Dobbins has more detail shots on his website, as well as an extensive portfolio of virtually mint condition classics. Have we got any ideas on an asking price?
