Holden FJ

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Holden FJ
Holden FJ Special sedan
Manufacturer Holden
Production 1953–1956
Assembly Adelaide, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth, Australia
Predecessor Holden 48-215
Successor Holden FE
Class Mid-size car
Body style 4-door sedan
2-door utility
2-door panel van
Layout FR layout
Engine 2160 cc straight-six
2170 cc straight-six
Transmission 3-speed manual
Wheelbase 2,620 mm (103 in)[1]
Length 4,401 mm (173.3 in)[2]
Width 1,702 mm (67.0 in)[2]
Height 1,581 mm (62.2 in)[2]
Curb weight 1,012 kg (2,231 lb)[2]

The Holden FJ series is a range of motor vehicles which was produced in Australia by General Motors-Holden’s from 1953 to 1957. The FJ was the second model of an "all Australian car" manufactured by Holden and was based upon the established 48-215 series, commonly referred to as the “FX”. The sedan, in Standard, Business and Special trim levels,[3] and a coupe utility were announced in October 1953 and were followed by a Panel van derivative in December of that year.[4] A wagon prototype was built but the bodystyle was not put into production.[5] In 1954, Holden's first exports began with sales of the FJ in New Zealand.[6]

Holden FJ panel van in original Royal Mail livery.

The FJ, of monocoque construction, broadly followed the silhouette of its predecessor, but featured a bolder horizontal styled front grille, along with comfort and decoration upgrades in a new sedan model named the 'Holden Special'.

Originally specified as 60 bhp (45 kW) achieved at 3,800 rpm,[2] the claimed maximum power output from the six-cylinder engine was increased to 65 bhp (48 kW) achieved at 4,000 rpm.

In 1955 the car underwent a mild interior facelift for the Holden Special sedan, along with a variation in paint and trim options. The FJ series was progressively replaced by models from the Holden FE series from July 1956 to May 1957[7] with a total of 169,969 examples produced.[8]

There are nearly 20 specific FX-FJ Holden Car Clubs of Australia with members committed to preserving these iconic Holdens. These clubs organise a national gathering for FX-FJ Holden enthusiasts every second year.

[edit] Efijy concept car

Holden paid homage to the FJ with a 21st century version of the iconic car, the Efijy.

[edit] References

  1. ^ Gloor, Roger (1. Auflage 2007). Alle Autos der 50er Jahre 1945 - 1960. Stuttgart: Motorbuch Verlag. ISBN 978-3-613-02808-1. 
  2. ^ a b c d e "Holden FJ Technical Specifications". Unique Cars and Parts. http://www.uniquecarsandparts.com.au/holden_FJ_technical_specifications.htm. Retrieved 2009-11-30. 
  3. ^ Davis, Tony; Kennedy, Alistair; Kennedy, Ewan (February 2007). "The Holden Heritage - 13th Edition (Part One)" (PDF). GM Holden. pp. 40–41. Archived from the original on 15 September 2010. http://www.webcitation.org/5sm1y5uLn. 
  4. ^ Norm Darwin, 100 Years of GM in Australia, 2002, page 225.
  5. ^ Tony Davis, Aussie Cars, 1987, page 67
  6. ^ Tuckey, Bill (1999). Commodore Lion King: Celebrating 21 Years. Middle Park, Victoria: Quill Visual Communication. pp. 120. ISBN 0646382314. OCLC 222534995. 
  7. ^ Norm Darwin, 100 Years of GM in Australia, 2002, page 228.
  8. ^ Tony Davis, Aussie Cars, 1987, page 67.

[edit] External links

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