Holden FJ Utility
Holden is an Australian carmaker that operates in Australasia. The company was founded in 1856 as a saddlery manufacturer. In 1908 it moved into the automotive field, before becoming a subsidiary of the United States-based General Motors (GM) in 1931. Until 1953 the company built cars from imported “knock down kits” sourced from Buick, Chevrolet, Pontiac, Oldsmobile, and Vauxhall.
The first Australian Holden was officially designated "48-215" but the car was marketed simply as the "Holden". The sedans were produced in parallel with a coupé utility from 1951 (known colloquially as the "ute") and became ubiquitous in Australian rural areas as the workhorse of choice. Production of both the utility and sedan continued with minor changes until 1953.
In 1953 the FJ was introduced, including a panel van into the line up. Over time it gained iconic status and remains one of Australia's most recognisable automotive symbols. In 1954 Holden began exporting the FJ to New Zealand. Although little changed from the 48-215, marketing campaigns and price cuts kept FJ sales steady until a completely redesigned model was launched.
The FE models of 1956 were built on a longer wheelbase than the FJ series Holdens and they featured totally different styling. A single piece windscreen was now fitted and other improvements included a 12 volt electrical system (replacing the previous 6 volt system), improved steering, a front stabiliser bar and wider wheel rims. A station wagon became available for the first time. The FC model of 1958 was a facelift version of the FE.
In 1960 Holden introduced the FB range, with lower bonnet, finned rear mudguards with new taillights (on the sedans and wagons only) and a wrap-around windscreen. It was followed by the EK of 1961 was a facelift version of the same car, limited to a new grille and body side mouldings.
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