HOLDEN - Early Models
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In 1856 James Holden sets up J.A Holden & Co, a saddlery business in Adelaide.
Holden's Motor Body Builders of Australia merged in 1931
to become General Motors-Holden (GM-H).
The first all-Australian produced car was called a HOLDEN.
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"She's a beauty!" In November 1948, Australian Prime Minister Ben Chifley revealed the first Holden 48-215, which was dubbed the 'FX' by car salesmen. Over the next 50 years, 5.8 million Holdens were manufactured in Australia by Aussies.
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Australia's two favourites, the FJ Holden and Vegemite. In 1953 the FJ cost £1,074, representing 68 weeks wages for the average worker, compared to nearly 2 years for the FX. Reliable under the rough Australian conditions and Aussie pride made the FJ a very popular model. More info - Holden Heaven |
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Year of Introduction: 1958 "Graceful modern styling - silent six cylinder power - six passenger comfort - huge luggage space and superb handling ease - these are things that only Holden gives you for as little as £910 plus tax - Holden advertisement. |
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Holden FC Taxi - Silver Top Melbourne 1958 Performance, ruggedness and excellent value for money made this model popular with fleet and taxi markets. |
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"She's My Baby" - in 1960, Johnny O'Keefe could have been singing about the new FB Holden Sedan. Featuring a wrap-around windscreen, chrome detailing, large rear fins and two-tone 'Magic Mirror' acrylic paintwork, the FB quickly became a favourite with Australians. Enjoying 50% share of the market, it was the first Holden to have the 138ci engine. |
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Holden EJ Utility 1963 Seatbelts were fitted |
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EH Holden Station Wagon 1963, the eighth Holden model. With more than 250,000 sold in 18 months, the EH became the fastest selling Australian car ever. You can still see a lot of these models on our roads today. |
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Holden HZ Sandman Van 1977 These "Shaggin' Wagons" were popular with the young blokes because of the ease in which a mattress could be installed. Mel Gibson drove a Sandman in the 1979 movie, Mad Max More info - SandmanOwners.com |
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If you are lucky, spare parts for the old Holdens can still be found in the bush. A good source for the chrome bits. Here is an FC sedan in the middle of no-where. |
Year |
Model |
Trax # |
|---|---|---|
| 1948 | FX 48/215 Sedan | TR15D |
| 1953 | FJ Vegemite Panel Van | TR02B |
| 1958 | FC Special Sedan | TR13 |
| 1958 | FC Silvertop Taxi Melbourne | TR13C |
| 1960 | FB Special Sedan | TR20D |
| 1963 | EJ Utility | TR52B |
| 1963 | EH Station Wagon | TR06B |
| 1977 | HZ Sandman Panel Van | TR23 |
