Great work on the anniversary Paramount and I have to say you are a real tease about revealing what you are up to! The FedEx story is so classic! I have a few of my own I could share, but there is no need to derail your fun experience!

As best I remember from reading C&V for almost 10 years, this is the first time I remember anyone here on C&V buying and building up the gold plated fork Paramount. Do you plan on riding it, much, or will it be mostly a show piece? I imagine the gold on the fork and the finish on the gold bits as fragile, but I could easily be wrong, and they might be just as durable as standard chrome and anodizing. I'd love to hear more about how these finishes endure over time.

Speaking of endure over time, is this your first experience with colored Brooks? If so, be prepared for them to change in appearance.

I have two, the B17 in British Racing Green and the limited edition Team Professional in Blue. Both have darkened to the point that when they are by themselves, I have a hard time distinguishing them from a black Brooks. This was not the case when they were new. I do suffer from color deficit in my vision (not full blown color blindness), so this contributes to my perception. I'm guessing your red Swift will look more dark brown in a few years. But that's a guess. I have no idea how the white will hold up. Do you have white shorts to wear when you ride it?

Looking forward to more pictures of the completed Paramount!