posted by Scott on May 7
1953-56 FJ Holden Special Sedan
“She’s a Beauty Mate!”
The FJ Holden is one of Australia’s most iconic cars from a bygone era, and was known as The ‘New Look’ Holden.
At the time Australians were becoming wealthier and could easily access credit, and so when the much anticipated FJ Holden came on the market in 1953 it sold in record numbers making it one of Holden’s best selling models.
The FJ was basically a revamped version of the 1948 FX Holden, which was the first Holden sedan, and kept the same 45kW 6-cylinder engine as its predecessor – and 3 speed manual transmission. At the time it sold for $2046 and there were around 170,000 produced in 3 different models: Standard, Business and the Special sedan.
Aussies loved this car (and still do today!) as it provided good performance, low maintenance, and great value for money.
This particular resoration has a very tastefully enhanced interior, set off beautifully with – you guessed it – a wooden steering wheel! : )
A 1953 FJ Holden interior with its original paint and upholstery. Photo: Dragi Markovic.
The Original look:
posted by Scott on May 7
EJ Holden [1963-1965]
EH/EJ Holdens have a place in the hearts of many Australians, and they are an ingrained part of Australian motoring history. Many people will remember going on family picnics, watching a film at the ‘drive-in’, or being driven around in one as a child by their grandparents. I remember my grandmother picking me up in her brown EJ holden in a small town in Tasmania when I was 10 years old, and the front bench seat was HUGE!
Back then there were no disc brakes – only drums, and the gear shift was on the steering column!
the EH/EJ holdens benefited from a larger and more powerful engine than their predesesors, and came with the 100HP 149ci or ‘powerful’ 115HP 179ci ‘Red Motor’ – both 6-cylinder single-carburetted engines. The 179ci motor was only available with GM’s Hydra-Matic automatic, since the earlier 3-speed manual gearbox they produced was not strong enough for the increased power of the newer model.
These Holdens have become iconic in Australia as a picture of hopes, dreams, and freedom – and many car clubs have formed around these collectible models.
The model in the pictures is a true to original restoration (except for the wheels), but of course has its interior enhanced with a wood grain steering wheel!
