Unveiled by Holden at the 2008 Melbourne Motor Show, Coupe 60 is a pillarless concept car that explores the limits of Holden’s current rear-wheel drive capabilities, applying racing looks and technology into a road going sportscar.

It celebrates the six decades since GM Holden built the 48-215 at its Fishermans Bend plant in Port Melbourne, Victoria, and provides a glimpse of Holden’s future directions in design, engineering and emerging engine technologies.

The Coupe 60 is powered by a 6.0 litre V8 engine calibrated for E85 ethanol fuel and coupled with a 6-speed manual transmission.

The main design elements are the pillarless construction and side-exiting chambered exhaust system with billet alloy tips.

Other racing-derived enhancements include full flat under body, 21-inch wheels with special Kumho semi-slick tires, rear underbody air diffuser and functional rear deck-lid spoiler with unique designed LED tail lamps.

The body paint is a one-off called ‘Diamond Silver’ which gives a liquid aluminium finish that almost slides off the bodywork.

The supercar-inspired interior features one piece carbon fiber bucket seats (featuring leather and suede pad design) and a flat bottomed steering wheel with integrated shift light display and LCD sports instrument cluster.

The high gloss carbon fiber carries through to doors and rear trim providing a contrast to the leather trimmed instrument panel and black suede trimmed pillars, headliners and parcel shelf.

GM Holden Chairman and Managing Director Mark Reuss said, “This is a vehicle I know our designers would dearly love to see go into production, but for the moment it has to remain a concept only,” he said.

About the Holden 48-215

The Holden 48-215 (1948-1953) was the first all-Australian built and designed car. This four-door, six-seater sedan was lightweight and durable, with a torquey 2.15 litre "grey engine", chosen for its efficiency and durability. It offered exceptional performance and economy.

Above: the launch of the 48-215 in November 1948 (left) and advertising posters.

With a top speed of over 80mph (130km/h) the Holden could cruise all day at 65mph (105km/h), take steep hills in its top-gear stride and typically return 30 miles per gallon (9.4l/100km). Aerobilt body construction, at the time a relatively new engineering principle, combined body and chassis into one all-steel unit.

From 1958 to 1953 The 48-215 was produced in 120,402 units. The base price was £733 ($1,466).

(Source: Holden)