Giocattolo Group B - In My Shed !

[Mondie]

Back in 1988 when 17 l remember walking through the entry gates at World Expo 88 held in Brisbane and being awestruck by a pair of exotic cars on display. l had no idea what they were but l knew they were the horniest cars l had ever laid eyes on. There was a red and yellow car on display plus a large glass cabinet containing an engine/transaxle which looked like something out of a science fiction movie to a mechanically inept 17yo. l had no idea what l was looking at nor how to pronounce their name "Giocattolo" But l knew that one day l would own one.

And as of this weekend, l do. Here she is, less than 5000kms on the clock, 2 owners, original tyres, Logbooks and in absolutely brand new condition. The Giocattolo runs a mid mounted VL Walkinshaw 304 V8 through a 5 spd ZF transaxle and features F! type suspension, Magnesium Brembo brakes, extensive use of Kevlar and weighs in at only 1085kg. Stock the cars had 230kw, mine has been stroked out to 355 and now has 300kw. It is absolutely exhilarating to drive, the acceleration is lethal and the noise with that engine sitting right behind you like nothing l have ever experienced. However the handling is what really makes this car extra special, the Giocattolo feels welded to the road. The mid mount engine and perfect 40/60 weight distribution combined with the huge rubber really does make it feel like a road registered go kart.

Only 3 prototypes and 12 production cars were ever made. Selling these at $90k+ in the late 80's as the economy headed into meltdown proved to be too hard. The Giocattolo was so far ahead of its time, remember this car was released at the same time as the VN Commodore!!

If anybody has any old magazines or other information on the Giocattolo, please drop me a PM as l am chasing down as much history and background on these cars as l can. There are only a couple of pages on the net and not much else l can find so any help would be appreciated,

Here's some pics ....

[LUMO]

Congratulations on the sexy car dude taht is hot. Have only seen one of these here in sydney for sale once a good 8 years ago and man are they hot, I wish you all the best with the car . If I can get some info on this car ill pm you and get them sent over to you asap.

All the best

Pete

[GreenXR6T]

It looks sensational.

Very rare and it must sound awesome, with that V8 just inches away

How on earth did you manage to find it with less than 5000 kms on it?

[nathen]

todd wilkes had one rip

the judge!!!

do a search on him and his car.

[Dagabond]

A9X

GT

Walkie

Giocattolo

That 'sheds' gettin to damn small.....

The only website I used to know of was Todd Wilkes's twinturbov8 but thats now gone unfortunately.

[Mondie]

Yes Todd did meet a tragic end in a Giocattolo in 2001. There is a website at www.giocattolo.com.au which has some good info.

Dags, you forgot one

[iTec]

The only website I used to know of was Todd Wilkes's twinturbov8 but that's now gone unfortunately.

nothing on the internet is ever gone (and you should know that dags!) you just have to know where to look

http://web.archive.org/web/20051109112159/....com/index.html

all the cars that Tod knew of

http://web.archive.org/web/20050209012920/...m/gioowners.htm

the history - a very good read, has articles and scans and stuff

http://web.archive.org/web/20050209164734/.../giohistory.htm

gallery - some

http://web.archive.org/web/20050209163417/...clubgallery.htm

scans of articles (wouldnt come up for me)

http://web.archive.org/web/20050209012615/...gioarticles.htm

p.s mondie you are now officially my idol

[XF Falcon]

Awesome car mate, well done on the purchase. As I was reading your post I thought you were the person who purchased THIS CAR.

They are awesome cars. Its good to see its gone to a great owner who will keep it well maintained and isnt afraid to take it our for a drive

Get some vids if you can. Like you said there isnt a lot of stuff out there on the net... so you may as well start making some

[Dagabond]

A9X

GT

Walkie

Giocattolo

TS50

Turbo Territory

Dags, you forgot one

Forgot two really.... :slap:

Whens the XU-1 arriving.... .....

[Guest]

Lucky bugger