Celebrating 60 years of Holden. Aug 08

1956 saw the introduction of a radically new design (for the time), with the FE looking very modern in comparison to the FJ model. It was bigger, more powerful and boasted an all new body, with rear guards integrated into the main body for the first time. It had a longer wheelbase and wider rack and a lower roofline and flatter bonnet and boot. There was 40 percent more glass area and the front and rear screen were curved. A generous dash of chrome work on the grille and around lights and bumpers gave the FE a great look.

There were also many mechanical improvements, including a new 12 volt electrical system, a hydraulically operated clutch and a slightly more powerful (53kW) version of the standard 'grey' engine. Steering was also improved with a new recirculating ball steering box and linkages, plus a front stabiliser bar was added, while wheels were reduced to 13-inch diameter with wider rubber fitted. The FE was launched in July 1956 and was available in Standard sedan, Special sedan, Business sedan, panel van and utility. In 1947 the first Holden station wagon was produced, based on the FE. A total of 155,161 FE models were built in less than 2 years.

The FC replaced the FE in May 1958. It was a facelift, with almost 100 percent mechanical carry over from the FE.

This was a period of market domination for Holden, with sales now an incredible 50.3 percent. So strong was the Holden brand that they were outselling their nearest competitor two to one.

There were minor upgrades to suspension, and engine compression was improved. External changes were made to grille and body decoration, but one would be hard put to notice at the time. The interior was redesigned with better seat and door trim. Two tone paint was available on Special models. A total of 191,724 FC models were produced. The good times continued for Holden in the 1960s with a host of popular models.

The FB Holden was introduced in January and was a reflection of US styling. An all new body was a major departure from the FC, although Holden continued to use the same floorpan and mechanicals from the FE/FC, but the appearance was changed with a wraparound windscreen, a lower bonnet line and finned guards.

The interior received a major overhaul and more efficient use of space actually increased usable room. There was a new dash facia, instruments, shorter steering column and deeply dished steering wheel. Seats were wider with improved padding.

The range consisted of 6 models, with the Business Sedan dropped from the range. Mechanically there were upgraded brakes, heavier front coil springs and the engine compression was upped to 7.25:1. The wheelbase was slightly longer. The basic price was slightly cheaper than the FC and Holden's run of 50 percent market share continued.

1953: The Holden Business Sedan, with heavy duty items for taxi and fleet use, is introduced in July.
-The FJ Holden is launched in September
-Based on record sales, GM-H makes the largest profit in its history and creates 1,700 new jobs.
-Earl C. Daum is appointed Managing Director.

1954: Further expansion plans are announced. The aim is to produce 72,000 units per annum.
-Exports of fully built up Holdens to New Zealand begin in November.
-Australian vehicle registrations are the highest ever recorded, and one in every three vehicles on Australian roads is a GM-H product.
-Seven GM-H plants employ 13,822 people.

1955: While Holden passenger cars accounted for 26.95 per cent of all registrations and the Holden Ute has a 32.1% share, market leader GM-H reports that these figures did not reflect true demand as availability was limited by production.
-1,341 Holdens are exported.
-2,152 acres of land are selected at Lang Lang, Victoria, and plans to construct 'a modern and completely equipped proving ground' - Australia's first - commence.
-Work begins on the Dandenong (Vic) plant.

1956: It is 100 years since James Alexander Holden set up a saddlery business in Adelaide.
-In January, the 250,000th Holden (an FJ) is built and the tubeless tyre is introduced.
-The new Dandenong body and assembly plant opens.
-The first entirely new Holden since the 48-215, the FE, is launched in July following four years of development and a _4 million investment.
-CKD (completely knocked down) Holden packs are exported to New Zealand for the first time. Holdens are shipped to Thailand, Malaya and North Borneo.
-Employee numbers top 16,000; Holden dealers and distributors employ a further 14,000.

1957: The first Holden station sedan, based on the FE sedan, is produced in March.
-4,500 Holdens are exported to 17 markets, which include Hong Kong, Sudan and East Africa.
-GM-H achieves a new sales record, increases its share of total registrations to 46.3 per cent.
-The Lang Lang proving ground commences operations in August.
-The one millionth car body is produced at the Woodville plant.
-NASCO parts operation commences at Dandenong.