1940

Interior of the laboratory in 1940.

The war period between 1940 and 1945, represented a potential moment of crisis in production, but this was in fact offset by military orders dedicated to the development of special vehicles for the Italian army.
Running prototypes for presentation to the high command, scale models, special trucks, elongated cabins, and wheel rims adapted for desert use, were some of the unique productions of the time. 

1939/1943 models and scale models of military transport vehicles built for Lancia and Fiat in view of the military conflict.

1946 The Stola family. From the left: Francesco, Margherita, Roberto, Alfredo and Giuseppe.

Turin, 1946. "Alfredo Stola" modellers. Alfredo Stola (third from right standing).
Giuseppe Stola (fourth from left standing). Francesco Stola (third from left standing).

Turin 1947 The Stola brothers: Roberto at 11, Francesco, 18 years old and Giuseppe, 25.

1950

Turin 1950, Theeldest son, Giuseppe, at the workbench constructing a casting model for a motor.After the Second World War, with the subsequent recovery of the Italian automobile industry, the "model shop" had a workforce of over 25 workers.
The three sons Giuseppe, Francesco and Roberto, born respectively in 1922, 1929 and 1936 from the marriage with Margherita Converso, gradually joined the business under the strict gaze of their father.
They acquired the necessary experience, demonstrated differing abilities as well as their own individual characters, earning respect from both customers and workers.
Following the end of the war, normal business could begin to resume, slowly at first, then increasing from 1950 with the arrival of a new customer, Alfa Romeo, with its impressive sedans.

May 1950, Francesco Stola receives his
civil license.  October 1950 Francesco Stola is recieves his military
truck license.

1950 Civitavecchia. Francesco Stola, on the left, with a fellow soldier posing next to the Lancia 3Ro.  1950 Civitavecchia Francesco Stola, on the right, with two comrades for lunch.

25 MARZO 1951

On March 25, 1951 Giuseppe Stola marries Nena Gollo and their sons Margherita and Massimo will be born from their union in 1953 and 1960.

Florence March 27, 1951 Nena and Giuseppe Stola

Torino 1963 on the fifth floor of via
Issiglio 40, siblings Margherita
e Massimo Stola.

Torino via Issiglio 38, center, resin worker Ranzato.  The model shop in the 1950's, we can see Carlo Bordone.

Example of a master model construction.

  Alfredo Stola relaxing with modellers Francesco Nada and, on the left Ranzato.

In the laboratory we can see standing on the left Giuseppe Stola and on the right, Michele Comba.  Sellan Sante, one of the historic workshop heads, as always flanked with the other, Carlo Bordone.

Turin 1953, Via Issiglio 38, Alfredo Stola in front of the office with his new Fiat 1900 A.

In 1954, a few hundred meters from the modelling shop, in Via Vincenzo Lancia, the construction of the Lancia skyscraper designed by the architect Nino Rosani began. A futuristic, 70 meter high building, unique in the world, crossing the road, allowing traffic to pass below.
An original concept, the car company projecting the neighbourhood of Borgo San Paolo into the future. It was recognizable from every part of the city, especially at night, topped by it’s giant blue neon emblem.

1955 the skyscraper under construction in via Lancia. On the square the transporters with the Aurelia B24 Spider.1957 the completed skyscraper capped by the neon blue Lancia sign on the roof.

1955 Alfa Romeo 2000 Master Model From the left Roberto Stola, Aldo Peiretti, Francesco Stola and Carlo Bordone.

1955 Master Model: Alfa Romeo 2000 sedan.  1955 Master Model: Alfa Romeo 2000 sedan.

1955 Master Model Fiat 1200 Cabriolet Pininfarina.

1955 Master negative moulds Fiat 1200 Cabriolet Pininfarina.  1955 Master Model for Fiat 1200 Cabriolet Pininfarina.

1956 Master Model OM Lupetto.
 1956 Complete assembly of resin negatives OM Lupetto.

1957 The first prototypal body in beaten sheet metal of the Fiat 1200 Cabriolet Pininfarina.

Towards the end of 1957, Alfredo Stola felt the need for his company to be identified with a logo, illustrating the tradition and continuity through a graphic device that well represented the family name.
He designed it personally, at the drawing board, in black and white, a special three dimensional form made up of a rhomboid and the Stola name.

1957 Via Issiglio. Alfredo and third son Roberto during the restructuring.In 1957, his sons were delegated to carry out an extension of the model shops in via Issiglio 38 incorporating a new stone façade.
At the same time, next to the model shop, a six storey building consisting of thirteen apartments was started, replacing their old residence.
Alfredo's goal, was that he and the three sons would live together, having a floor each.
The remaining nine apartments would be rented to the most deserving employees.

1957 Via Issiglio 38 and 40 before the construction of the building and renovation of the laboratory.

1957, renovation work begins at number 38, stone facade and extension of the workshop.

The executive project approved by the Municipality of Turin in 1958 for the construction of a building at number 40 in Via Issiglio, alongside the recently renovated model shop at number 38.

Turin 1958 Via Issiglio 38 two models ready for shipment. In front of the little Topolino, the Fiat 1900 A by Alfredo Stola is visible. In the background on the right you can see the access to the construction of the wooden scaffolding where the palace of the Stola family is about to rise at number 40.

1958 The construction work sign in the
name F.lli STOLA.

1958 competion of the third floor;
three others are still to be added at number 40.

1 JUNE 1958

Turin, June 1, 1958. Francesco Stola and Aimo Maria get married in the Sant'Anna church.

15 August 1959 Bergeggi.
Alfredo Stola with his daughter-in-law Maria walking.On June 1, 1958 in Turin in the parish church of Sant'Anna in via Brione 40 (the venue of which has now become the Teatro Samt'Anna) Francesco Stola married Maria Aimo.
From this marriage the little Alfredo was born in Turin on 26 July 1960.
His grandfather, suspecting that he would not live to see his nephew due to illness, bought a cuddly toy dog for him months before, asking Maria to give it to him as a first birthday present in his memory.

January 1960 The soft toy bought by Alfredo for his nephew.

1958 Master Model Peugeot 404 Cabriolet Pininfarina.

1958 Master Model: partial central part Lancia Flavia.

1958 Master Model Innocenti 850 Spider.

1959 Master Model ISO Rivolta 300.

1959 Turin in front of number 38 of Via Issiglio (behind the Lancia wall) some modelers
by Alfredo Stola & Figli. In the second row from the left Ranzato and Nada.

1959 Turin Via Issiglio 40 Francesco Stola during the construction of the palace.What followed was a very important decade, characterized by the technical experience of the Stolas and their modellers reaching a peak of maturity. The modellers of that period were recognized by their customers, they had little competition for their extraordinary skill and speed of execution.
In the 1950s, from the workforce Carlo Bordone and Sante Sellan stood out. They became the two workshop managers, continuing in their roles until 1992, retiring after 42 years of extraordinary and tireless work.
It is important to remember that in those years all the models, bodywork, interiors, and engines, were made by hand, each form was derived from mathematical and trigonometric calculations.

1959 Master Model FNM 2000 JK Brazil. Derived from the Alfa Romeo 2000,
it will be produced under license from 1960.

1959 Departure of the Master Model FNM 2000 JK, by ship from the port of Genoa to Rio de Janeiro.
In the background on the right you can see the scaffolding of the house under construction.
In the background on the left you can see the water tank of the Lancia factory.

1959 Master Model Fiat 2300 Coupè OSI.

1959 Master Model Fiat 2300 Coupè OSI Standing from the left Luigi Rossetti, Gino Rossetti,
Carlo Bordone and Roberto Stola, behind Sanna.

Turin 1958 Via Issiglio 38, in front of the Lancia wall, Alfredo Stola
with his son Francesco. The DKW convertible of Giuseppe Stola. Turin March 1959 in via Issiglio 38, opposite the Lancia wall,
Alfredo Stola with his son Roberto and Whiskey dog.

Turin via Issiglio March 1959 Alfredo Stola observes the end of the renovation of the workshop
at number 38 and the construction of the family building at number 40.
Behind him his new Alfa Romeo 1900 Super will be his last car.

27 MARCH 1960

On March 27th 1960, at the age of 66, following an illness and surrounded by the affection of his sons Giuseppe, Franceso and Roberto, Alfredo passed away. According to his wishes, a chamber of rest was set up inside the factory.
The family and the workers all kept watch over him day and night until the day of the funeral.
That morning, the community of "Borgo San Paolo" felt the need to participate, coming out in numbers to say farewell to "Monsú Stola", as he was known by everyone.

1960 the last image of "Munsù Stola" as
he was widely known.Turin March 30, 1960 in Via Issiglio in front of numbers 38 and 40, the community of Borgo San Paolo say their final farewell.

Turin, March 30, 1960 the funeral procession in via Monginevro. The coffin is transported by the modelers, on the right we can see Carlo Bordone and Francesco Nada. To the right of Nada, Fabbris and behind him the Stola brothers. The first on the right is Ranzato.

The three brothers, full of gratitude to their father, immediately changed the company name to "ALFREDO STOLA & FIGLI" - "Alfredo Stola & sons".
They took over, already well prepared to lead the company.

The last final financial statement of Alfredo Stola of the year 1959, with a gross profit of £ 17,662,929.

On 26 July 1960, from the marriage of Francesco Stola and Aimo Maria, little Alfredo was born in Turin, whose baptismal name is in memory of his grandfather Alfredo, who passed away just four months earlier.
Alfredo will then be baptized on 4 August 1960 at the parish of Gesú Buon Pastore also in Turin, and the godfather and godmother will be Roberto Stola and Aimo Annetta.

1961 Francesco, Maria and Alfredo in corso Trapani 179.1963 Alfredo Stola on his Dad's Fiat 1500 Cabriolet.

1963 Francesco Stola with Alfredo in San Grato di Villanova

1960 Master Model Lancia Flavia Coupè Pininfarina

1960 Master Model Lancia Flavia Coupè Pininfarina1960 Michele Comba and Carlo Bordone

Via Issiglio September 38, August 1960 the master model of the Lancia Flavia Coupè Pininfarina. The last project directed Alfredo Stola. In the photos Francesco Stola poses for a souvenir photo before delivery. In those years confidentiality was absolutely not required.

Via Issiglio September 38, August 1960 the master model of the Lancia Flavia Coupè Pininfarina.
The last project directed Alfredo Stola. In the photos Francesco Stola poses for a souvenir photo before delivery.
In those years confidentiality was absolutely not required.

October 1960 La Morra, Sunday lunch offered by the company to celebrate the delivery of the Lancia Flavia Pininfarina model. Carlo Bordone Francesco Stola and Zenoni, standing, Renato, are recognizable rear right seated first on the right was Giuseppe Stola and to his side, Peiretti.

Technical developments in resin materials by Ciba and Bayer chemical companies had been trailed in the modelling sector in Turin since the 1950's and were opening up new opportunities.
The use of these innovative materials, which at the beginning were called "plastic woods", attracted new international customers such as Nsu, and American Motors, first for the creation of resin moulds of individual parts followed by the real "master" models "of complete motor cars.
Compared to wood, these materials guaranteed dimensional stability, resulting in a significant improvement in the final quality of mass-produced automobiles.
The "Italian boom" of the 1960's meant you were almost always at work, with a break only on Sunday afternoons, but even that was not guaranteed.
The customer of the time included Lancia, Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Autobianchi, Innocenti, Bertone, Osi, Om, Pininfarina, Iso Rivolta and Nardi alongside the foreign companies already mentioned.

1962 Master Model Fiat 850 T.


1962 Master Model Fiat 850 T From left standing Carlo Bordone and Francesco Stola, seated Francesco Nada, Giorgio Rossetti and Aldo Peiretti.

1962 Resin assembly and control jig of the Ferrari 330 GT 2 + 2 Pininfarina.

1962 Ferrari jig 330 GT 2 + 2 Pininfarina.

1962 From the left Michele Comba, Aldo Fonda, Gino Rossetti and Carlo Bordone.

The Ferrari 330 GT 2 + 2 Pininfarina will be Enzo Ferrari's personal car, which he will use for many years.
The Alfredo Stola & Figli in 1963 will build the only assembly control jig for Pininfarina.
The Pininfarina stylist for this 330 GT was Tom Tjaarda who made several visits from the Stolas in via Issiglio 38.

1963 Master Model Fiat 850 Coupè.

1963 Master Model Fiat 850 Spider Bertone.

1964 Master Model Fiat 1100 R.1964 Master Model Ford Anglia Torino.

1964 painted Master Model Fiat 238 from the left Aldo Peiretti, Gino Rossetti, Francesco Stola,
Luigi Ivaldi e Francesco Nada.

1964 Master Model Alfa Romeo Spider Pininfarina.

1964 Master Model Alfa Romeo Spider Pininfarina.1964 Master Model Alfa Romeo Spider Pininfarina.

One variation to the construction of demonstration models and master models, was the order from Autobianchi for the production of fiber-glass exterior body panels and chassis for the Stellina spider.
An innovative weight saving and corrosion-proof material.
Innocenti Stellina 800, in production since 1963 in 503 specimens whose bodywork details have all been
produced at Alfredo Stola & Figli.This project took place between 1963 and 1965 for a run of 503 vehicles.
The Alfredo Stola & Figli, with a team of resinists, inside the laboratory of Via Issiglio will make all the fiberglass parts of the entire production of spare parts included.
It is likely that this Autobianchi to have been the first resin car built in Italy thanks to the new chemicals available on the market.
For the record, In the same year Porsche put into production the fiberglass type 904 for a run of 120 vehicles in Germany.

1964 The team dedicated to the production of the fiberglass details of the Autobianchi Spider Stellina, from the left Sellan Sante, Ranzato, Valentino, Nada, Sanna, Lombardi, Bambino.

Turin 1963 in via Issiglio 38 a photo of Francesco Stola, in the center, with some of his modelers. Standing from left Sellan Sante, Fabbris, Francesco Stola, Comba and Bambino below Gastaldello, and Ranzato Antonio

Turin 1963 in via Issiglio 38 a photo of Francesco Stola, in the center, with some of his modelers. Standing from left Sellan Sante, Fabbris, Francesco Stola, Comba and Bambino below Gastaldello, and Ranzato Antonio

Turin 1964, in front of number 38 , via Issiglio. Francesco Stola with his son Alfredo and his Maserati Sebring.