A 1988 Giocattolo Group B, one of only 15 Australian-built supercars ever produced, has entered the market via Chrome Temple. The vehicle, identified as chassis number four, features a mid-mounted 5.0-liter Holden V8 and was historically faster from 0-62 mph than the Porsche 930 and Ferrari Testarossa, Silodrome reported.
Chassis 4 returns to market with original provenance
Ordered on November 4, 1988, by Alan J. Fox of Bald Hills, Queensland, chassis number four retains its original factory invoice and Rosso Chiaro paint. Chrome Temple states the car includes rare factory accessories, such as a period mobile phone and a toolkit containing a bottle of Bundaberg Rum with two shot glasses.
The vehicle underwent a comprehensive mechanical recommissioning in 2017 at Sports Classic Garage in Caloundra. This work, which involved former Giocattolo personnel, included a full engine rebuild and overhauls of the steering, suspension, brakes, and fuel system. The car currently shows 60,664 kilometers on the odometer.
Did you know? The company name “Giocattolo” is Italian for “toy,” a nod to founder Paul Halstead’s Sydney dealership, The Toy Shop.
Holden V8 replaces cancelled Alfa Romeo project
The Group B was inspired by the Alfasud Sprint 6C, a rally prototype Alfa Romeo cancelled in 1983 due to costs. Paul Halstead and former McLaren engineer Barry Lock developed the Giocattolo using production Alfa Romeo Sprint shells, according to Silodrome.
The production cars used a 5.0 liter Holden V8. This engine was modified to produce up to 295 bhp and 369 lb ft of torque.
| Metric | Specification |
|---|---|
| 0-62 mph Acceleration | 5.4 seconds |
| Claimed Top Speed | 160 mph |
| Curb Weight | 1,085 kg (2,392 lbs) |
| Engine | 5.0L Holden V8 |
Kevlar bodywork and ZF transaxle engineering
To reduce weight, Lock utilized Kevlar body panels. The chassis featured a modified steel unibody with reinforced steel-plate subframes to accommodate the mid-engine layout. Power is delivered to the rear wheels through a ZF 5-speed manual transaxle.
The braking system employs Brembos. The car rides on matching Simmons wheels and uses independent double-wishbone rear suspension with coil-over dampers.
Rising costs and interest rates cause company collapse
Production began in 1988, with a press debut at Lakeside Raceway featuring F1 champion Alan Jones. Despite its performance, the company folded in 1989. Silodrome attributes the failure to rising interest rates, high production costs, and financing difficulties.
The Queensland Industry Development Corporation foreclosed on the Caloundra factory after Halstead missed two monthly repayments.
Of the 15 cars built—comprising three prototypes and 12 production models—survivor numbers are disputed. Silodrome estimates 12 to 13 survive, while Chrome Temple suggests fewer than ten remain running and substantially unmodified.
Collectors value these vehicles as some of the most collectible Australian-built cars ever made, combining a modified Alfa Romeo Sprint foundation with a mid-mounted Holden V8.
Common Giocattolo Group B Questions
Why was the Holden V8 used instead of an Alfa engine?
Paul Halstead turned to Walkinshaw for the engine after Alfa Romeo refused to supply one.
What caused the decrease in the number of surviving cars?
At least two cars were lost in high-speed accidents: one in February 2001 at Eastern Creek Raceway after being fitted with a twin-turbocharged V8, and another during the 2007 Classic Adelaide rally.
How did the Giocattolo bypass Australian safety regulations?
By using existing Alfa Romeo Sprint shells, the builders were able to proceed after Alfa Romeo refused to supply body shells.
Chassis number four is currently available for purchase through Chrome Temple, accompanied by its original 1988 invoice and service records through June 2026.