The FJ Holden was the second model of car manufactured by the Holden in Australia. This model was based on the earlier 48-215 (FX) model. 48-215 means '1948, GM-Holden (21) and sedan (5). Later versions included the 50-2106 which is 1950 (actually Jan 51) 21 - GM-H, 06, coupe Utility. Introduced in 1953, the FJ soon became an iconic Australian car. 169,969 units were sold between 1953 and 1956. The price including sales tax on the car's release was $2046 or £1023 in the old money for a (Standard Sedan).
The FJ began life in late 1953 when General Motors Holden gave their FX Holden a facelift, as the car was seen to be a bit dull compared to other makes and models of cars on the road at the time. The upgrade was code-named the FJ. Production began at 200 cars a day; the FX had begun at 10 a day back in November 1948.
The very basic front grill was the most noticeable change, gone was the vertical slat grill to be replaced by an beautiful finned version, the detailed front grill included a second bumper bar look that gave it a very sophisticated and elegant look which made the FX front end look like the FJs impoverished brethren.
Changes to the FJ over the FX included: Cone shaped hubcaps, 5.90 x 15 tyres, new bright metal body decorations, new front frill, bumpers and fins on the rear guards. The FJ also had a much improved list of options for the marketplace. The "Special" FJ had rear passenger assist straps, chrome instrument surrounds, deluxe leather seat trim, armrests, front door courtesy switches, dash facia grille extending to glovebox, window winders and the new two-tone finish that continued for many years afterwards, colours available also extended to 12. Engine capacity wasn't touched but the FJ had a few minor mechanical updates.
Excellent ground clearance, good ride, rugged drivetrain, energetic performance, comfortable seating for six, low maintenance, fuel economy and unbeatable value for money ($2296 for the 225 Special) all contibuted to the immense success of the model and easily made it the biggest selling car of its day.
In 1953, Holden created a new panel van variant of the FJ to hit a more specific market. Holden also planned a Station Sedan (Wagon) which got to the prototype stage but never made it to manufacture. By todays standards the FJ panel van looked more like a station wagon except for the flush rear door. In 1956 Holden number 250,000 was built and Holden lifted production to 100,000 per year which was staggering considering it started at 10 per day with the FX.
The FX and FJ were also very popular on the racetrack, infact they were still commonly used even after they were replaced by their later offspring models due to their lighter weight. It wasn't unheard of for an FX or FJ to be modified to the point that they could actually get to 200km/hr on good tracks. The FJ had a big impact on the race track, reaching nearly 200 km/hr after being carefully tweaked by race mechanics. It also paved the way for an export trade with 321 cars being sent to New Zealand by the end of 1954.
The 48-215 (FX) Holden production line at Fishermans Bend, Victoria
Video of the 48-215 (FX) Holden in production
