By DAVID PIKE

When Holden introduced its new model FE in July 1956 it was eagerly awaited by the public and media alike. This was the first major body change for Holden since its 1948 introduction and there was considerable pre-launch speculation about the `new Holden'. It became a major conversation point for weeks, even amongst those with only a passing interest in cars. When it finally went on sale the waiting list quickly grew to as long as five months and GMH simply could not build them fast enough.

Compared with the FJ, which was based on a pre-WWII car design, the FE Holden had low, stylish, up-to-the-minute lines. In addition, Holden offered many new colours as part of a fresh new image.

The four-door sedan was introduced first and this was followed in February 1957 by a utility. Then in March 1957 the first ever Holden station wagon was released and this was followed a month later by a panel van. The company really began to dominate the Australian market at that time and having something for everyone was one reason for its success.

The grey motor from the FJ was still used but power was increased to 52kW by raising its compression ratio from 6.5:1 to 6.8:1 and using stiffened-head pistons with larger inlet valves and ports. The FE was around 50kg heavier than the FJ and the 48-215, so had slightly poorer acceleration. A hydraulically operated clutch certainly made for easier operation, whilst the addition of a 12-volt electrical system was a major improvement, both in improved starting and better headlight output.

Suspension changes included an independent front end with coil springs, wishbones and an anti-roll bar. Additionally the rear springs were lengthened. The FE used smaller, 330mm wheels (the FJ used 381mm) and had a recirculating ball steering system similar to that used by General Motors in the USA. As a result, the FE had better handling than the FJ and was less prone to tail bounce on rough roads.

For its time, the instrument panel was quite modern in style and featured a speedometer calibrated to a somewhat optimistic 176kmh. The ignition key also operated the starter motor. The high-mounted steering wheel had a full circle, chromed horn ring but it size tended to block the driver's view of the instruments. The FE Holden had curved glass for the first time, with a bigger, rounded one-piece screen replacing the previous two-piece flat glass. A large rear window further increased the window area. The FE had 40 per cent better visibility than the FJ.

In addition to the Holden Standard, which proved to be the best seller, Holden also introduced an upmarket Special model and a Business model designed especially for taxi and hire car companies.

The HZ remained on sale after the launch of the Commodore in November 1978 and still sold in reasonable numbers.