After talking about our first two bodywork models, the Cometa (1964) and the Arosa (1969), we take a temporal leap of ten years to find ourselves in 1980, the year in which our Brisa bodywork saw the light of day.
The 80s were a time of evolution and consolidation for public transport in our country. As recalled in an article from the Club de Amigos del Transporte Público, a year before the decade began, in 1979, some important milestones occurred: in Madrid, the “popular Bonobús” was introduced, as well as the “disappearance of the ‘conductor’, with the driver remaining as the sole agent on board”. That moment also coincided with the EMT’s absorption of peripheral lines.
Meanwhile, in Santiago de Compostela, D. José Castro decided to leave UNICAR. As we have already narrated on another occasion, D. José acquired the Santiago plant from his partners and had the new Castrosua established there. Thus began an era of specialization and takeoff, inaugurated with the model we are discussing today: the Brisa.
We can therefore say that the Brisa was the first 100% Castrosua bodywork. It was presented as “Brisa… A great traveler”.
What was the Brisa bodywork like?
The state of the roads in those years was far from what it is today, and medium distances could become infinite. A passenger transport vehicle had to have a strong structure, capable of withstanding abrupt and, at times, infernal conditions. That was precisely one of the aspects that made the Brisa stand out:
“The Brisa was born strong… Its structure has been designed thinking that on rough roads the coach is subjected to higher than normal stresses. […] The skeleton of a Brisa is strong, elastic, and light”.
We proudly boasted about this elasticity: “The result is brilliant elasticity… You will appreciate it when you take the first curve”.
We wanted traveling in the Brisa to be a pleasure. “Spacious, cozy, and functional interior“, describes the catalog of the time. The warm colors of the upholstery, ceilings, and curtains, combined with the pristine white of the headrest fabric, seem ready to take us to a long-forgotten Summer Blue.
Detailed features
The characteristics that defined the Brisa were a declaration of Castrosua’s constant concern for offering maximum quality. Among them, we find:
- Lower fuel consumption thanks to its lighter weight and aerodynamics.
- Complete and legible dashboard.
- Wide visibility for the driver with an anti-glare windshield.
- Laminated windshields.
- Powerful halogen headlights, “proof against the grayest days and the blackest nights”.
- Rear fog lights.
- Optimal noise level.
- Lateral visibility for passengers.
- Accessibility to mechanical components.
- Four anti-corrosion processes, including DINITROL treatment for cavities, joints, and underbody, introduced in Spain for the first time by Castrosua. Areas usually affected by oxidation made of aluminum or non-metallic materials.
Presentation of the Brisa
At Castrosua, the launch of the bodywork was a big celebration. Coinciding with the recent incorporation of José Manuel Castro, the company’s employees gathered in the current Boisaca facilities and celebrated by dancing, as can be seen in the surviving photos from the era.
A few years later, the Master 35 was launched on the market. The number of units sold of both models continued to grow, and Castrosua began its expansion. Thus began a golden age.
