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December 2024
This article is dedicated to and a tribute to Ian, whose passion and deep love for Holden vehicles left an indelible mark on all who knew him. Ian's enthusiasm was not just about the cars themselves; it was a reflection of his vibrant spirit and joy for life. His knowledge and genuine appreciation for these iconic vehicles brought friends together, sparking countless conversations and unforgettable memories. Ian's legacy lives on in the hearts of all those who had the privilege of knowing and loving him. He will forever be remembered as a true enthusiast and a cherished friend.
This article is dedicated to and a tribute to Ian, whose passion and deep love for Holden vehicles left an indelible mark on all who knew him. Ian's enthusiasm was not just about the cars themselves; it was a reflection of his vibrant spirit and joy for life. His knowledge and genuine appreciation for these iconic vehicles brought friends together, sparking countless conversations and unforgettable memories. Ian's legacy lives on in the hearts of all those who had the privilege of knowing and loving him. He will forever be remembered as a true enthusiast and a cherished friend.
The Story of the Holden FX
The Story of the Holden FX
In 1944 the federal government invited General Motors, through its Australian subsidiary, to build a family car for Australian conditions. The design was originally conceived in the United States by Chevrolet and it was thought it would be a good fit for the Australian market.
In 1944 the federal government invited General Motors, through its Australian subsidiary, to build a family car for Australian conditions. The design was originally conceived in the United States by Chevrolet and it was thought it would be a good fit for the Australian market.
American and Australian engineers hand-built three test Holden sedans at the General Motors experimental workshop in Detroit, Michigan. In 1946, after months of durability and performance tests, the cars were secretly shipped to the Fishermen's Bend plant in Melbourne. The first Holden rolled off the assembly line at Fishermen’s Bend on 29 November 1948. Many saw the event as evidence of national maturity, proof that Australia had escaped its pastoral beginnings and embraced the modern industrial age.
American and Australian engineers hand-built three test Holden sedans at the General Motors experimental workshop in Detroit, Michigan. In 1946, after months of durability and performance tests, the cars were secretly shipped to the Fishermen's Bend plant in Melbourne. The first Holden rolled off the assembly line at Fishermen’s Bend on 29 November 1948. Many saw the event as evidence of national maturity, proof that Australia had escaped its pastoral beginnings and embraced the modern industrial age.
Combining local production with American styling and technical simplicity, the Holden car captivated many Australians. Public reaction to the prospect of an Australian-built car was extraordinary, with around 18,000 people signing up for a Holden without knowing a single detail about the car.
Combining local production with American styling and technical simplicity, the Holden car captivated many Australians. Public reaction to the prospect of an Australian-built car was extraordinary, with around 18,000 people signing up for a Holden without knowing a single detail about the car.
The FX, with its robust design and practical features, quickly became a symbol of Australian ingenuity and independence. A mid-size sedan that offered a comfortable ride for the average family, and its production spanned from November 1948 to October 1953.
The FX, with its robust design and practical features, quickly became a symbol of Australian ingenuity and independence. A mid-size sedan that offered a comfortable ride for the average family, and its production spanned from November 1948 to October 1953.
Under the hood, the FX boasted a 132 cubic inch GMH '132' inline-six engine, paired with a three-speed manual transmission, delivering a balance of power and efficiency that was necessary for the diverse Australian terrain. The FX's design evolution included the introduction of telescopic shock absorber front suspension in 1953, a significant improvement over the earlier lever-action shock absorbers. This upgrade marked the unofficial christening of the FX as it transitioned into what would be known colloquially as the 'FX' model, a term that emerged within the GM-H Drawing Office and later caught on in the public domain.
Under the hood, the FX boasted a 132 cubic inch GMH '132' inline-six engine, paired with a three-speed manual transmission, delivering a balance of power and efficiency that was necessary for the diverse Australian terrain. The FX's design evolution included the introduction of telescopic shock absorber front suspension in 1953, a significant improvement over the earlier lever-action shock absorbers. This upgrade marked the unofficial christening of the FX as it transitioned into what would be known colloquially as the 'FX' model, a term that emerged within the GM-H Drawing Office and later caught on in the public domain.
A Peek Inside
A Peek Inside
Upon opening the door of an FX, one would notice the absence of door-lock barrels on the driver's side, a feature that was fitted to the passenger-side only. This was a common practice in vehicles of that era, reflecting the different security concerns of the time. The dashboard design was straightforward, featuring a large speedometer flanked by small warning lights on the left and the fuel gauge on the right. The starter button was located on the right-hand side of the dash, under the headlight switch, and the horn ring was an optional NASCO accessory.
Upon opening the door of an FX, one would notice the absence of door-lock barrels on the driver's side, a feature that was fitted to the passenger-side only. This was a common practice in vehicles of that era, reflecting the different security concerns of the time. The dashboard design was straightforward, featuring a large speedometer flanked by small warning lights on the left and the fuel gauge on the right. The starter button was located on the right-hand side of the dash, under the headlight switch, and the horn ring was an optional NASCO accessory.
The FX models initially came with either leather or cloth trim, with PVC material introduced later in mid-1951. The seats were designed for durability, and the Business Sedan variant even offered reinforced seat cushions and padding, tougher rubber floor mats, a passenger handrail, and aluminium kickplates on the seat corners and over the rear wheel arches. These features highlighted the FX's role as a vehicle for both private and commercial use, catering to the needs of families and businesses alike.
The FX models initially came with either leather or cloth trim, with PVC material introduced later in mid-1951. The seats were designed for durability, and the Business Sedan variant even offered reinforced seat cushions and padding, tougher rubber floor mats, a passenger handrail, and aluminium kickplates on the seat corners and over the rear wheel arches. These features highlighted the FX's role as a vehicle for both private and commercial use, catering to the needs of families and businesses alike.
Ventilation in the FX was managed by an adjustable air scoop situated between the bonnet and windscreen, a common feature before the widespread adoption of air conditioning. The windows were of a "flipper" design, providing airflow without the need for complex mechanisms. The simplicity of the FX's interior was a testament to the era's design philosophy, where functionality often took precedence over luxury.
Ventilation in the FX was managed by an adjustable air scoop situated between the bonnet and windscreen, a common feature before the widespread adoption of air conditioning. The windows were of a "flipper" design, providing airflow without the need for complex mechanisms. The simplicity of the FX's interior was a testament to the era's design philosophy, where functionality often took precedence over luxury.
The Holden FX may not have had the sophisticated interiors we see in cars today, but it provided a foundation for the evolution of automotive design in Australia. Its interior features, though modest by today's standards, were a perfect fit for the time and continue to fascinate car enthusiasts and historians alike. The Holden FX remains a beloved piece of Australian history, cherished for contributing to the nation's automotive heritage and its enduring legacy.
The Holden FX may not have had the sophisticated interiors we see in cars today, but it provided a foundation for the evolution of automotive design in Australia. Its interior features, though modest by today's standards, were a perfect fit for the time and continue to fascinate car enthusiasts and historians alike. The Holden FX remains a beloved piece of Australian history, cherished for contributing to the nation's automotive heritage and its enduring legacy.
For me, this article has been a drive down memory lane.
Let's take a whimsical ride back to the 1950s. Picture this: my Dad, like many eager Aussies, finally gets the call. The waitlist has paid off, and it's time to pick up the family's brand new Holden FX. Our family had initially set our hearts on a cream-coloured model, but due to high demand and a shortage of that particular shade, my Dad opted for a stunning dark green.
For me, this article has been a drive down memory lane.
Let's take a whimsical ride back to the 1950s. Picture this: my Dad, like many eager Aussies, finally gets the call. The waitlist has paid off, and it's time to pick up the family's brand new Holden FX. Our family had initially set our hearts on a cream-coloured model, but due to high demand and a shortage of that particular shade, my Dad opted for a stunning dark green.
This wasn't just a car; the FX was more than just metal, rubber, and glass; it was a member of the family! The thrill of actually going places! No destination was too far for the Holden FX. Beach trip? Easy. Picnic in the countryside? A pleasure. A drive-in movie? No problem!
The arrival of the Holden brought immense joy to our family, allowing us to explore and create lasting memories together. As a little girl, I simply loved the Holden, it was Super!
This wasn't just a car; the FX was more than just metal, rubber, and glass; it was a member of the family! The thrill of actually going places! No destination was too far for the Holden FX. Beach trip? Easy. Picnic in the countryside? A pleasure. A drive-in movie? No problem!
The arrival of the Holden brought immense joy to our family, allowing us to explore and create lasting memories together. As a little girl, I simply loved the Holden, it was Super!
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