Melbourne’s auto show is host to Holden’s 60th anniversary celebrations, and to mark the occasion, the Australian brand has revealed its Coupe 60. Designed to combine sports and luxury for the momentous occasion, the Coupe 60 takes from the best of what Holden has to offer.

Shorter than the VE sedan by nearly 60mm, the Coupe 60 combines stout proportions with taut styling that gives both the impression of race-track speed and road-going comfort. Huge 21″ wheels wrapped in high-performance Kumhos give solid traction, which is a necessary considering the 6.0L V8 under the hood.

The aggressive look is enhanced by the rectangular side-exiting exhaust pipes jutting out just in front of the rear wheels, while inside the cockpit is inspired by the cars of the Australian V8 Supercars series. Other racing-derived enhancements include a full flat under body, rear under body air diffuser and functional rear deck-lid spoiler.

Special four-point harness restraints at all four seating positions add to the race-feel while still maintaining comfort and safety. Carbon-fiber one-piece bucket seats touched in suede and leather hold the driver and front passenger with ample bolstering. Special details in the interior or highlighted with a distinctive shiny red leather, and metal surfaces are finished in dark gunmetal and satin chrome. The instrument panel is trimmed in leather, while the pillars and headliners are lined in suede.

However, this isn’t one of those ‘concepts’ that will appear in a showroom within just a few months. To make a viable business case for the Monaro, Holden would also have to persuade Pontiac to take it as a GTO in the States – which it is unlikely to do as the last Holden-built GTO was a bit of a sales flop. But despite the doom and gloom, Holden seems to have a knack of getting its mad V8-engined concepts into production, and GM boss Bob Lutz is said to be a huge fan of the 60, so we’d be surprised if the new Monaro didn’t appear some time in 2009.

The designers hope the car will make it to production, and since the Holden line could use a new Monaro (GTO in the States), maybe that’s where this car will find a home, although for the moment it’s tipped to remain a concept only.