Ernesto Colnago’s Master frame was first released during the mid-80s and featured crimped tubes that was purported to add strength, although whether it was structural or simply a marketing ploy is still debated. Regardless, it went on to become one of the most desirable frames ever. Stephen Lane, of Adelaide, Australia, has managed to acquire himself a very special Master: copper-plated, and endowed with Campagnolo’s 50th Anniversary gruppo.
The frame was plated around 25 years ago, so has now achieved a wonderful patina, providing a contrast to the components that are as fresh as the day they were made. The gruppo was produced in 1983 to celebrate 50 years of manufacture: the first set resides in the company’s archive, while the second was given to Pope John Paul II. If you’re a bicycle connoisseur, a chance to own such a specimen arises rarely in one’s life and Stephen is looking forward to riding and enjoying it.
