By DAVID PIKE

The Holden FC was a better version of the FE. It was released in May 1958 and in that year 100,000 Holdens were produced for the first time in a single calender year. It also, of course, was the tenth anniversary of the marque, a year which also saw both the production of the 500,000th Holden and the export of the 10,000th Holden.

The FC continued to be powered by the grey motor but it had some important modifications designed to achieve even smoother running and a virtually inaudible idle. By changing the cam profiles and increasing the compression ratio from 6.8 to 7.0, it gained improved torque with less valve bounce. Also tappet wear was lessened. Even the twin venturi Stromberg carburettor had a makeover. Other mechanical changes included modification of the gear linkages which achieved a more positive response when selecting between second and third gear but unfortunately the opportunity to add synchromesh to first gear was passed up. Late FE models had some suspension changes and these were carried over to the FC together with lengthening of the front upper wishbones to assist in holding the front wheels at the correct camber angle during hard cornering.

Most car manufacturers make what are considered to be necessary improvements during the model life of their cars and these are frequently accompanied by minor facelifts through the model cycle and GMH is no different in this regard. To accompany the changes to the engine and other mechanical parts the FC received a new grille which gave it a wider look than the FE. New rectangular front turn indicators were located at the bottom corners of the grille and the bonnet emblem, as used on the FE, was replaced by the word HOLDEN spelt out across the leading edge of the bonnet. Chrome body strips on the FC Special vehicles created an ideal sectioning of the body which lent itself to a two-tone body colour treatment and many cars were ordered in the dual colour range offered making them stand out from the rather bland FC Standard models.

Inside the FC the trim received a change compared with the FE and other interior changes included an improvement in the driver's seating position as well as a new steering wheel with a smaller half horn ring which allowed for improved instrument visibility. A hood around the instruments cut out distracting reflections.

The FC model line-up included the Standard Sedan, Special Sedan, Business Sedan, Standard Station Wagon, Special Station Wagon, Panel Van and Utility which were all released at the same time. In total there were 191,724 FC models produced up to January 1960 before the introduction of the model FB.