SETTEMBRE 1991

Between 1991 and 1992, STOLA s.p.a. realizes the engineering and prototyping project to transform 3 platforms bodies of the type 348 TS in the spider version. Among these activities also the engineering of the canvas top.

In September 1991 STOLA s.p.a. received an order for design and prototyping work direct from Ferrari for a project codenamed F131.
The request is to engineer the transformation of the chassis and bodywork of the type 348 TS, designed by Pininfarina, into an open spider version.
To do this it was necessary to increase the torsional stiffness of the body as well as create the compartment that would house the canvas top, which was the real novelty of this version.
Stola design director Gottardo Bustreo supported by Siro Palestra, Bergamasco and the entire team, carried out the engineering studies for the modifications of the chassis and bodywork, all of which was validated by the necessary structural calculations.
Using three bodies of the TS, delivered by Maranello to the Turin headquarters of Stola, modifications were made using hand beaten and welded prototype sheet metal parts.
The design and installation of prototype canvas roofs were also included in the work.
In Maranello in 1992, the three prototypes were tried and tested by the various Ferrari departments, with positive results.
The 348 Spyder went on sale through the dealer network in spring 1993.