A few days ago, a user shared on Twitter the photograph of a bus with a Pegaso chassis, probably from the early 80s; a precious antique that is especially curious to observe in contrast with the Crystal Tower and the Space Tower, which dominate the skyline. “Today I am going to show you one that is somewhat less known from the EMT Madrid Museum”, says the tweet, “but that does not make it any less of a marvel”. We have already told you here about the Cometa (1964), the Arosa (1969) and the Brisa (1980). On this occasion, we want to delve into another historical body with a lot of tradition, which the Twitter user was referring to: the Stela. Historical context: the 80s After three decades of successful business trajectory in the bodywork sector, at the end of the 70s D. José Castro Suárez decides to continue alone. In this way, the 80s dawn with a new reference firm in the sector and the Galician industry: Castrosua. The first 100% Castrosua vehicle that left the Santiago de Compostela factory was the Brisa, in 1980. It was a “strong, elastic and light” vehicle that, although it was well received in the market, is today one of our least remembered models. Shortly after, in 1982, our second vehicle saw the light of day, which was launched that year in two versions: Stela and Stela Blanca, both with a Pegaso 5031L/4 chassis. Thus began a decade, the 80s, which is remembered not only as a time of significant development for public transport in our country, but also for Castrosua. In the following years, the firm would consolidate itself as one of the main producers of urban and interurban buses. Furthermore, during this period, new technologies were incorporated and low-floor platforms were developed, which would be the great technical advance of the sector at a national level. What was the Stela body like? Stela vehicle, designed for short and medium-distance transport. Our Stela vehicle was designed for short and medium-distance transport, as well as school transport. The first thing that stood out about it was its design, of which we were very proud and we made it clear in the vehicle’s catalog: “Stela… the new design concept that will make you think of Castrosua. Until today, the transporter was forced to choose between the bodywork that suited him and the one he really liked. But only until today. Because from now on, the transporter will be able to give himself the satisfaction of having the bodywork he would have designed himself”. No less! Among its most significant features, we can highlight: Italian pneumatic doors. Built-in windshield in the roof itself. Front skylight. Degreasing and subsequent anti-corrosion painting of the structure and plating. Subsequent treatment of the entire vehicle in hidden areas (inaccessible) by injection. Final treatment of the interior and underbody with anti-corrosion soundproofing. Thermal insulation of the roof with expanded polyurethane. Electrical and pneumatic central unit in the driver’s step recess. Interior lighting with incandescent light panels. Installation (wiring) provided for radio. Halogen projector headlights. Interior finish of sides and ceiling in laminated board. Floor finish in decorative plastic laminate. Windows with integral rubber frame. Triplex laminated windshield. Luggage rack. Base color of the vehicle and one trim color. Stela Blanca, the older sister of the Stela As we anticipated earlier, the Stela did not come alone. By its side appeared its splendid older sister: the Stela Blanca bodywork, a “distinguished coach for daily work”. The main difference lay in its standard equipment, which was superior to that of the Stela. For example, the Stela Blanca had a larger trunk capacity, as well as heating ducts and even an installation provided for radio with current rectifier, microphone, roof antenna, and speakers. [img class=”aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1121″ src=”https://www.castrosua.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Captura-750×459.png” alt=”Stela Blanca” width=”750″ height=”459″ ] [img class=”aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1122″ src=”https://www.castrosua.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Captura5-608×750.png” alt=”Stela Blanca” width=”608″ height=”750″ ] And you, do you remember this vehicle? Have you ever ridden in a Stela? We would love for you to share your memories with us in the comments.
