Modernising the Early 1960s Classic
The EK Holden marked Holden’s early-1960s evolution, featuring cleaner styling, improved interior comfort, and a refined “Grey” six-cylinder engine. Building on this, the EJ Holden introduced a more modern look, smoother ride, and additional comfort and convenience features, establishing Holden’s reputation for combining practicality with style.
The EJ Holden represented a significant step forward from the EK, offering updated styling, minor mechanical improvements, and enhanced interior comfort, making it a highly desirable classic today.
Design and Styling Comparison
Exterior Design
EK Holden:
- Early-1960s styling with clean lines
- Sedan, wagon, panel van, and utility variants
- Chrome modest and functional
- Roofline slightly flatter, proportions practical
EJ Holden:
- Sharper, more contemporary 1962 styling
- Redesigned front grille and larger, more distinctive tail fins
- Sedan, wagon, panel van, and utility variants retained
- Chrome trim enhanced on Deluxe and Special trims for a modern appearance
The EJ offered a fresher, more modern exterior than the EK, appealing to buyers seeking contemporary 1960s style.
Interior Design
EK Holden:
- Functional dashboard and instrumentation
- Bench seating for up to six passengers
- Basic interior materials
EJ Holden:
- Updated dashboard with improved gauge layout
- Smoother, more supportive seats
- Standard and Special trims offered upgraded interior finishes
- Slightly more spacious cabin, improved ergonomics and visibility
The EJ interior was more refined and comfortable, reflecting Holden’s focus on passenger comfort and convenience.
Platform and Engineering Changes
Chassis and Suspension:
- EK: Ladder-frame chassis, coil-spring front, leaf-spring rear
- EJ: Minor chassis refinements and suspension upgrades for a smoother, more controlled ride
- Steering more responsive, body roll reduced
Brakes and Safety:
- Drum brakes front and rear on both models
- Optional seatbelts, minor safety refinements in EJ
- Improved ride quality contributed to safer handling
The EJ provided a more polished driving experience than the EK, particularly over longer distances and rough roads.
Engine and Drivetrain Comparison
EK Holden Engines:
- 132 cu in “Grey” six-cylinder engine
- Three-speed manual gearbox standard, optional column shift
- Rear-wheel drive
EJ Holden Engines:
- Same 132 cu in “Grey” six-cylinder, minor refinements for smoother operation
- Three-speed manual or optional column shift
- Rear-wheel drive retained, gearbox slightly improved for drivability
Performance Comparison:
- EK: Reliable and practical
- EJ: Smoother engine operation, better clutch and gearbox feel
- Both offered dependable performance, with EJ feeling more refined
Model Range Comparison
EK Holden:
- 4-door sedans, wagon, panel van, utility
- Deluxe and Special trims optional
EJ Holden:
- 4-door sedans, wagon, panel van, utility
- Deluxe and Special trims continued with slightly upgraded interiors and exterior styling
- Minor mechanical improvements enhanced refinement and comfort
The EJ retained versatility while improving style, comfort, and refinement over the EK.
Technology and Features
EK:
- Basic dashboard and controls
- Optional heater and radio
- Focused on reliability
EJ:
- Improved dashboard with clearer gauges
- Optional heater, radio, and upgraded trim
- Better seat support and ergonomics
- Minor mechanical improvements for smoother operation
The EJ offered small but meaningful upgrades in comfort, usability, and driver experience.
Driving Experience
EK Holden:
- Smooth ride, stable handling
- Practical for families and urban driving
- Moderate cabin comfort
EJ Holden:
- Smoother suspension, more responsive steering
- Improved cabin comfort and ergonomics
- Better ride quality overall
- Felt more modern and refined than the EK
The EJ was a more comfortable and enjoyable car to drive, reflecting Holden’s focus on refinement.
Reliability and Common Problems
EK:
- Mechanically reliable, minor wear in suspension or trim
- Easy to maintain
EJ:
- Similar reliability, with minor suspension and interior improvements
- “Grey” six-cylinder engine remained dependable
- Interior trim slightly more durable than EK
Both are dependable classics, but the EJ offered improved long-term comfort and usability.
Ownership Costs Today
Purchase Price:
- EK: Collectible, valued by early-1960s Holden enthusiasts
- EJ: Slightly more desirable due to updated styling, comfort, and refinement
Parts Availability:
- Limited for both; EJ parts slightly easier due to later production
Running Costs:
- Both economical; EJ refinements improved drivability and comfort
Collector and Enthusiast Value
EK Holden:
- Transitional early-1960s model
- Appreciated for historical value and simplicity
EJ Holden:
- More modern styling and comfort make it highly collectible
- Special trims particularly sought after
- Popular among enthusiasts looking for a classic 1960s Holden that is refined yet traditional
Choose EK if:
- You want an early-1960s Holden with historical significance
- You value simplicity and nostalgia
Choose EJ if:
- You want a more modern, comfortable, and stylish Holden
- You value refinement, usability, and improved drivability
Verdict – Which Is Better? The EK Holden brought Holden into the 1960s with clean styling and practicality. The EJ Holden refined that formula with sharper styling, improved interior comfort, and better drivability. For collectors, the EK represents a transitional classic, while the EJ is a more polished, comfortable, and desirable early-1960s Holden