Mondie

Sounds like the FPV Territory, pox name though.

Space Ace, yes l remember seeing Kit - pretty cool at the time. l remember the Giocattolos being right at the front entrance, the first thing l saw as l entered the show. Funny thing is l recall the cars as being yellow and red but since Expo went for 6 months or more, they probably moved the cars around and changed the display models over that time. If you can find any old photos mate that would be excellent

Thanks mate, you are mine now too after posting all those links, there is some awesome info in those links and l am especially tickled by the photo of the cars at Expo 88 . That brings back so many memories. The XU-1 has been in the shed for 6 months now Dags Wow, do you think you could pump him for info next time you see him? Do you think he would have any old photos etc from those days that he would be willing to copy for me, a big ask l know? Thanks Zap. Yes l still have the HO, l want to get it out soon and get some pics of the two cars together. In my eyes they are the two ultimate Aussie made cars from two ends of an era that will never be repeated sadly. It really is a race car for the road, the performance is simply unbelievable. Cheers 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

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 ....

l would like to see some pics too. There is one for sale now on AMCS that looks fairly original so grab copes of those pics, and also try posting on www.fordforums.com.au, there will be members there who know about these cars. l am a big fan!

Your best bet is to get onto www.vicfast.com.au, call them for a quote, it would be around $100-120 l reckon. They are a good reliable company to deal with Cheers

Not there yet Dags, one more car to come. Should have it in about 3 weeks

No chance. l own a VL Walkinshaw that has been stroked to 383cu and runs 252rwkw. It was put down the strip by the previous owner and on street tyres ran a 12.4.

Hi Chips, Yes l am still sniffing around The whole boom on muscle cars has run longer and harder than most could ever have predicted, this seems to be the case in most booms whether it be cars, property etc. Thank christ l bought in when l did or l would be ready to slash my wrists about now with the madness in the market. Cheers Mondie

Have a look at www.ryda.com.au - the TomTom 720 looks to be the best of the bunch based on what l have read and its features.

The best ant produuct l have used is called "Coopex" It comes in a satchel that you mix into 4lts of water and costs about $7. Ants hatee the stuff and its safe for humans. Spray it on your floormats front and back and on your dash and the bastards will soon be gone.

Owned an XR6T Owned a BA GT Owned a WRX Sti Owned an AU T1 TS50 Currently own an AU T3 TS50 Out of those l would take the T3 first and the XR8 second. There is no substitite for low down torque and driveability and l have come full circle on that and ended up back in V8's. The XR6 turbo has lag and sure it responds to mods but when talking stock cars it would not be my first pick. The Turbo Territory is actually less laggy and much more responsive but of course you are asking about a sedan not a 2000kg wagon. So get your bum in one of these:

l am over 35 and have insured our TTG for less than $400py with RACV, live in country Vic. l find the insurance companys are all over the place, not one insurer is consistently the cheapest in my experience Cheers

Aussie Muscle Car for me, very good read. Wheels and Motor are crap, not very often l bother with them.

Hi Jeff, No that red manual you mention is still for sale. It was claimed to have Brembos but doesn't, has 130000kms so too much for me. l found a Blueprint (best colour) TS50 auto for $26k with 90000km and prem sound, one owner. Would have preferred a manual but there is nothing around at less than mid 30's that l have seen for quite a while. Its ony a second car for me so didnt want to spend too much on a car that is going to sit around and never see a garage. Thanks for all the responses on tyre choice. l am looking to spend around $350/corner so will check further into the Toyo's. $600 per tyre is a bit much especially the way these cars seem to chew through them. The GF's sound interesting, l have bad memories of that name though even if it is Michelin Cheers Simon

Guys, Just bought myself a T3 and need some new tyres. Did a search but there doesnt seem to be any current thread on choice of 18's. So what have people been finding is a good compromise between handling / wear / road noise vs Cost? Dude at the tyre shop suggested Toyo's, reckons they are a good tyre for the money at $345/corner, didnt get the model number though So whats good these days? Cheers Mondie

Flukey, The lower the impedance the more current is drawn from the amp. 6 ohms vs 8ohms is no big deal, if you were talking 2 or 3 ohms that would be different. A flat impedance curve is more important than a nominal rating of 6 or 8 ohms. If you want some recommendations and idea's on speakers head over to www.planetaudio.com.au. Cheers

Nothing wrong with white with Gold stripes, and a shaker Your car looks pretty cool.

Sure is Dags. There was one of these jet boats from the US at Hazelwood Pondage (Latrobe Valley) at a recent event. Pulls qtrs in the 4's and a top speed of 265mph. Shows how hard they launch to pull that sorts of ET's with a top speed much slower than a Top Fuel car. Didnt get to see it run though, bloody wind!

Lanuch, did somebody say lauch. Check this farker out!!!!

Has anyone got an update on these fires, Zeke lives somewhere there in the hills too.

Thanks mate, will do. Looks like great value to me. Cheers

Colville, Well done mate, it looks tops l know you are an experienced, open-minded car nutter so l am sure this must be one hell of a car for you to take the plunge in such a big way. Its something l often toy with the idea of doing but of course never get serious. But lets say l went out and bought a 12 month old BF GT-P. What sort of cost would l be up for to go the way you have, wouldnt be looking for ultimate power just a good streetable car? What are the legailities involved in the mods, have Herrod gone for ADR approval etc like APS did with their phase kits for the XR6T? Was insurnace a problem? Cheers Simon

l can recommend www.vicfast.com.au, you wont beat them on price