10 facts you may not have known about the FE Holden
The FE Holden is the third Holden model. Production spanned from July 1956 to May 1958. By this time Holden had well and truly hit its stride. It had fast become a household name in Australia.
This model is a facelift of the previous FJ model. Built on a longer wheelbase, it consisted of a number of upgrades and improvements to enhance the functionality of practicality of the car.
Many considered the it to be a little more flashy and elegant than previous Holden models. The FE Holden saw more luxury items and chrome.
By this stage Holden had got its foot in the Australian car market by producing a no frills family car just after the end of world war 2. 10 years removed from the war, buyers began to seek more choices and variety.
Some of the upgrades include a one piece windscreen, which enhanced driver vision and was easier to repair and maintain, a 12 volt electrical system, which was twice as powerful as the previous one, improved steering and improved ride and handling.
Those who had driven both the current model and the FJ noticed substantial differences from behind the wheel.
All models used a 2.2L inline 6 cylinder engine (grey engine). The improved engine produced 53kw (71hp) as opposed to the 45kw (60hp) of the previous model. Despite buyers seeking more variety, there remained only 1 engine and 1 transmission option.
The station wagon variant made its debut in the Holden line up, available in the standard and special models.
It had a larger wheelbase than the previous model FJ.
Production totaled 155,161 cars, after which the FC replaced it in July 1958.