Base sedan models started at approximately £1,198–£1,250 (≈ $2,400–$2,500 equivalent). The FE Holden was on sale before pre-decimal currency was introduced in Australia in 1966.
The FE Holden was a long shot market leader when it was on sale. In 1956 there was no competition from the Ford Falcon, which was released in 1960 or the Chrysler Valiant, which was released in 1962.
The FE featured completely restyled bodywork with longer, wider lines, improved suspension, more interior space, and greater comfort
It marked a modern, sophisticated evolution of the Holden, appealing to growing families and professionals in post-war Australia
Average wage
Average weekly wage: about £16–£18 (≈ $32–$36 AUD)
Average annual wage: roughly £832–£936 (≈ $1,664–$1,872 AUD)
FE Holden
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Average house price
Around £3,000–£3,500 (≈ $6,000–$7,000 AUD)
Price of petrol
About 3.5d per gallon (≈ $0.07 AUD per litre equivalent)
Prime Minister
Robert Menzies (Liberal Party)
Population of Australia
About 9 million people
Top-grossing movie
The Ten Commandments, Around the World in 80 Days
Top song
Love and Marriage by Frank Sinatra topped Australian charts
Significant world event
The 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games highlighted Australia on the world stage
Post-war economic growth and industrialisation continued, boosting manufacturing and suburban development
Popular TV / radio in Australia
Television launched in Melbourne and Sydney in 1956, coinciding with the Olympics
Radio remained important outside major cities; music, news, and sports were key cultural touchstones
Significant Australian news story
Melbourne hosting the Olympics dominated headlines
Holden FE’s release reflected Australia’s growing middle class, suburban car culture, and pride in locally-designed vehicles
Interesting comparisons
The FE Holden cost roughly 1.5 years’ average wages, making it a substantial yet attainable family car
The average house cost about 3.5–4 years’ wages
Filling the ~40L tank cost only a few cents, keeping running costs very low
A week’s wages could buy roughly 500–520 litres of petrol
