HOLDEN FB-EK

ACCLAIMED AS THE MOST EXCITING NEW CAR IN YEARS IT DREW HEAVILY FROM A FIVE YEAR OLD CHEVROLET

With almost 50 per cent of the Australian car market in its keeping, Holden as the 1960s dawned, didn’t have to do much at all to maintain its dominance. Or so it seemed. Although the brochure proclaimed Holden’s FB as ‘The Most Exciting New Car In Years’, the design drew heavily on the shape of a Chevrolet that was launched five years earlier. Adding to the cynicism of it all, the mechanicals and suspension in the FB were pretty much the same as they had been since 1948.

The FB came in Standard and Special trim with four separate body designs including a panel van that finally offered a taller and vastly more practical load area.

Without lengthening the wheelbase, Holden added 140mm to FB’s overall length; most of it devoted to fins and attentionseeking headlamp shrouds. Inside was a welcome addition to shoulder room and the promise that its front and rear bench seats could each comfortably accommodate three beefy Aussies.

The design of the ‘grey’ six-cylinder engine was unchanged as well, but capacity increased from 2.17 to 2.26 litres. When combined with a slight increase to the compression, peak power rose from 52 to 55kW.

The Special came with a cigarette lighter, two-tone seats and extra stainless-steel trim. Across the range was a shorter steering column and dished wheel but other ‘safety-related’ items like the heater/demister and power-assisted brakes remained optional.

Initial FB sales were astounding and exceeded even the numbers set a few years later by the much-admired EH. Initial demand saw early cars roll out of showrooms at a rate of 20,000 units a month and within just 17 months, 147,747 had been made.

On 2 May 1961 and despite a ‘credit squeeze’ that savaged new vehicle sales, the EK Holden was launched. Most obvious among its external changes were the new grille and single rubbing strip to replace the big sweep of stainless steel that characterized FB Specials. An extensive accessories list allowed buyers to upgrade and personalize their Holden, with extras including a radio, weather-shield and mudflaps. The ‘camping body’ was a boon to interstate travellers, allowing the seats to recline into a full-sized bed and save a fortune on motel bills.

Holden had come late to the automatic transmission party but was determined to respond to the challenge thrown out by Ford’s new Falcon. Three-speed Hydramatic Holdens were heavily promoted to female drivers and business users including cab drivers who spent hours in city traffic.

Improvements to the EK design included new vinyl for the seats and electric windscreen wipers replacing the frustrating vacuum system that went slower when needed most. A larger intake helped improve ventilation but that heater/demister would still cost extra.

MARKET REVIEW

All-up, more than 320,000 of the big-fin Holdens were built and the numbers that survive come as no surprise. What does shock is the $40,000+ being asked and occasionally realised by exceptional cars.

Looking back 20 years, the average value of an FB/EK was $4200 and the best cars cost no more than $8000. Today, anything selling for less than $10,000 will need lots of work and one that can be put into immediate service as a weekend cruiser is unlikely to be found below $20,000.

Joining a club that caters to early-modern Holdens or visiting one of these clubs’ display days is the best way to get close to good quality FB/EKs and perhaps purchase one. Cars with a good selection of genuine ‘Nasco’ accessories bring better money – often significantly better – than those without.

Modified cars are reasonable common and a later ‘red’ motor, four-speed gearbox and front discs isn’t going to seriously damage long-term value.