Toll HRT to mark Holden's 60th at Bathurst

The annual pilgrimage to Mount Panorama has a special significance for Holden fans this year. 2008 represents the 60th anniversary of full-car production by the GM-owned company and the Toll Holden Racing Team will field two cars in commemorative livery for the Supercheap Auto V8 Supercar race at Bathurst on Sunday.

"As we celebrate the 60th anniversary of the 48-215, it is fitting that the Holden Racing Team, our factory squad, will mark our history in a very special way when its cars take to the track at Bathurst," says Mark Reuss, Holden's Chairman and MD.

"GM Holden has developed a proud racing heritage throughout its 60-year history with famous wins at Mount Panorama helping forge the company's identity and its place in the Australian conscience."

Garth Tander and Mark Skaife (both pictured) will share the driving in the #1 car and the second car will be crewed by Craig Baird and Glenn Seton. The commemorative design, which features a 3D-style corporate lion logo along the cars' flanks and the '60' legend on the bonnet, was penned by Holden designer Peter Hughes who was also the man behind the original 2008 look for the Toll cars.

"The whole effect is fresh and very striking, yet the livery is executed in a way that it remains unmistakably 'HRT'," says Hughes.

"We really wanted to retain most of the '08 HRT look, so the distinctive day-glo red and pearl white of the current livery had to stay, but we knew something unforgettable had to be added to signify our 60th birthday celebrations."

To comment on this article click here