This one-of-a-kind gold leaf Colnago V4Rs ‘Gioiello’ is heading to auction

Colnago has revealed that one of its pre-production limited edition prototype bikes will be heading to auction with Sotheby’s. The bike in question is a V4Rs that has been finished in gold leaf that was used during the development of the ‘Gioiello’ collection that was released at last year's Giro d’Italia.

As part of the design process that a limited collection or one-off Colnago undergoes, the brand tests different paint schemes on physical frames as it feels this is the only true way to gauge the end result. These frames are called ‘Prove Colori’ and are often more unique than the end product as they are bespoke and differ from the main collection in slight ways.

• Read more: Motoki Yoshio x Colnago matte C68 up for auction with expected price tag of at least $25,000

This V4Rs Gioiello is one of these Prove Colori bikes with the brand testing the limited colour scheme on both the V4Rs and the C68. Colnago opted to use the C68 for the run of 50 limited edition bikes that celebrated the 2023 Giro d’Italia leaving the V4Rs as a one-off leftover from the design phase.

© Colnago

The bike is finished off in an equally Italian build kit from Campagnolo

The 51cm monocoque frame is finished with gold leaf and built up using Campagnolo’s top spec componentry including Super Record Wireless and Bora Ultra WTO 45 DB wheels and is a celebration of Italy’s rich cycling heritage.

For those who are in the market for a unique Colnago, Sotheby’s will be hosting a sealed online auction from 10-21 May. There is no guide price, however, last year Colnago’s Gioiello Numero 1 that was made even more special by the inclusion of a diamond in the top cap of the steerer tube sold for a record-breaking $133,000 at auction in Geneva.

• Read more: The Pope's Pinarello Dogma F12 fetches €14,000 at auction

This is the latest Prove Colori to be auctioned off after a matte version of Colnago’s collaboration with Motoki Yoshio went under the hammer last year. This bike is unique for having a matte finish rather than the gloss one that the brand actually released.

What do you make of this unique gold Colnago? Let us know in the comments below and for more news from the world of bike tech then make sure to head over to the tech news section of the GCN website.

Colnago

One of the most iconic Italian bike brands, Colnago has supplied bikes to some of the best riders in the world, including Eddy Merckx and Tadej Pogačar.