Giocattolo (Australia)

Giocattolo Motori Pty Ltd was an Australian automotive manufacturer based in Caloundra, Queensland, that operated from 1986 to 1989. The company was founded by Paul Halstead, who was also associated with a Sydney exotic car business known as The Toy Shop, which inspired the name "Giocattolo," meaning "toy" in Italian.

The original concept for the Giocattolo was to utilize a mid-mounted V6 engine derived from Alfa Romeo, but the project faced challenges when the costs of the Alfa engine became prohibitive. As a result, the company opted for a more economically viable solution by using a 4.9-litre V8 engine sourced from Holden's Engine Company. This engine produced 241 brake horsepower, allowing the 1,085 kg coupe to achieve performance levels comparable to supercars of the time.

The design of the Giocattolo was led by Barry Lock, a former designer at McLaren Racing. He introduced a completely new rear suspension system featuring cast alloy hub carriers. The vehicle was equipped with cast alloy wheels and wide tires, necessitating heavily flared wheel arches. Additionally, many of the car's special body panels were constructed from Kevlar to enhance performance and reduce weight.

Despite the innovative design and engineering, Giocattolo Motori faced difficulties with the supply of body shells, which ultimately led to the termination of the project in 1989. It is estimated that only 14 units of the Giocattolo were produced during its brief production run.