Holden

1960 Holden FB

by Tubby

bundy1960 Holden FB owned by Rob and Alma McCulloch

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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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1963 EH Holden

by Tubby

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owned by  Evan and Ron Clifton

One of Australia’s most popular car, the EH holden, boasting of slick styling features and and a powerful engine, holds the record of the fastest selling car in the nation. A wave of public interest prior to the release of this value-for-money model created unprecedented public demand and marked a resurgence of the locally-built product amid the rising popularity of cheaper Japanese imported products.

The EH holden won hearts of car devotees all around, by heralded a new sense of freedom.

The EH holden’s universal appeal is intimately related to the following technical features and non-technical facts:

Engines: The fuel-efficient new powerhouse, dubbed the ‘red engine’ (after the colour of its painted block) was available in two versions:2.45 litre OHV six-cylinder ‘149’ (a low-compression version of this engine was also available) and 2.95 litre OHV six-cylinder ‘179’.

The engines were designed to be smoother, longer lasting and more economical. Renowned for reliability and long

lifespan, a ‘red engine’ would often cover over 130,000km before any major service overhaul was required.

  • Transmission: Three-speed manual, syncromesh on 2nd and 3rd Optional three-speed Hydramatic automatic both with column mounted shift lever.
    Dimensions (sedan): Length – 4511mm, Width – 1727mm Wheelbase – 2667mm

Power Output: ‘149’ – 100bhp \@ 4400rpm
‘179’ – 115bhp \@ 4000rpm
‘149’ low compression – 95bhp \@ 4400rpm

Models: Standard sedan, Special sedan, Premier sedan, S4 Special sedan, Standard station wagon, Special station wagon, Premier station wagon, panel van and utility.

The EH Holden was cheap, practical, economical, relatively quick and ideal for modification. Thirty-five years after the first EH took to the roads, its familiar good-looks and high status have ensured its enduring popularity.