1960 Holden FB owned by Rob and Alma McCulloch

 

The McCullochs have owned this very original FB Holden for around four years. This photo was taken at Calliope during the VGC 30th anniversary rally.

The FB, with its unique features, was promoted as longer, lower, more spacious and even more potent than the FC model, a claim that piqued the interest of automotive enthusiasts. However, it was only slightly so on each count.

    The overall length was 5.5 inches (140 mm) greater, although the wheelbase remained the same. The engine bore was still 3 inches (76 mm), the last model with that specification. Engine capacity remained 132 cubic inches (2.16 L), but the compression ratio was raised. However, the resulting extra four brake horsepower (3 kW) did not compensate for the greater weight of the FB, so performance was inferior to that of its predecessor. Changes were also made to the brakes, front coil springs, air cleaner and clutch.

Noticeable styling differences were:

• The lower bonnet.
• Finned rear mudguards with new taillights (on the sedans and wagons only).
• A wrap-around windscreen.

The FB’s seating and instrument panel were significantly improved, enhancing the comfort and convenience for the driver and passengers.

Notably, the FB was the first Holden model to be produced in drive form, a significant advancement that improved the vehicle’s handling and performance and was destined for export markets.

Engines

All FB models were powered by a 138-cubic-inch (2.26 L) inline six-cylinder engine, the last to have the 3-inch (76 mm) bore size, producing 75 brake horsepower (56 kW).

After a production run of 147,747 vehicles, the Holden EK series, which introduced several new features and improvements, replaced the FB in May 1961.

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