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By
DAVID PIKE
The FJ Holden was launched in October 1953, and although not the first
Holden but an updated version of a car that was nearly five years old it
has become the icon of Australia in the 50s and 60s. The FJ introduced
the long-running Holden policy of facelifting. No glassware or external
sheet metal was changed, the main styling changes being a new grille,
different hubcaps and bumper bars and more chrome on the body.
Few changes were made to the mechanics; both engine and gearbox
from the 48-215 were retained but some suspension improvements
were made by replacing the lever-action cast-iron shok absorbers
at the rear with a more durable telescopic type, adjustable
differential centre and new axle shafts.
Many of the limitations of its predecessor were retained
including the 6 volt electrical system, manifold vacuum-operated
windscreen wipers (with no washers), no demister, no heater, no
blinkers, an ornamental handbrake and so on. Other items we today
consider as standard such as a radio and instrumentation for oil
pressure, temperature, etc were still listed as add on accessories
even in the so called FJ Special or deluxe model.
In spite of this in just five short years it had become the
almost universal choice of the most demanding buyers of all: taxi
drivers, commercial travellers, farmers and tradesmen. Sedans came
in three versions; the Standard, Special and Business sedans. By
the end of 1953 these were joined by a coupe-utility and a panel
van body style. The wagon was not included in the range even
though prototypes were produced as the factory was flat out
keeping up with the demand for the available range. Those who
wanted a wagon had to buy a panel van and a conversion kit which
contained windows and a rear seat in a sort of D-I-Y wagon deal.
The FJ was the first Holden to be exported with 100 per month
going to NZ by 1955; by the early 1960s Holdens were going to over
50 countries, including Japan with one in every four earmarked for
export. The FJ offered a greater list of options than its
predecessor including a range of 12 colours, a more elaborate
interior with dual-coloured door trims on the Special which also
featured armrests and a cigarette lighter. It also came in a
two-tone exterior colour scheme with more chrome inside and out.
Although now looking dated compared with newer models from
other manufacturers, it still offered great value for money, an
unbeatable reputation for ruggedness and continued to sell well
until July 1956 when it moved over for the more modern,
Oz-designed FE model.
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