Holden Business
| Company type | Car model |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Founded | 1953 |
| Headquarters | Australia |
| Products | Mid-size car |
The Holden Special is a mid-size car manufactured by Holden specifically for the Australasian region. Introduced in 1953 as the premium trim within the newly launched Holden FJ series, it was offered alongside the entry-level Holden Standard and the intermediate Holden Business. The Business variant had been initially released in July 1953 as part of the earlier 48 series, which itself dated back to 1948. Three months following the Business debut, the FJ series presented a trio of models built upon a single platform. Within the 48 series, a "Standard"-type version also existed, marketed simply as "Holden".
The range also featured coupé utility and panel van models introduced in 1951 (48 series) and 1953 (FJ), both derived from the Standard but not labeled as such. These vehicles were collectively identified as the Holden utility and panel van. Starting in March 1957, a five-door station wagon was incorporated into the lineup, sold under the name "Station Sedan" in both Standard and Special trims.
Midway through 1959 during the FC series, the Business sedan was phased out, leaving only the Standard and Special models available. With the launch of the EJ series in 1962, the Holden Premier emerged as Holden’s new flagship, repositioning the Special to a mid-tier status. This three-model configuration continued until the 1968 HK series, when the Standard was renamed Belmont, the Special became Kingswood, and Premier retained its top-level position. Additionally, Holden introduced the extended-length Brougham as its premium luxury offering.
48
The Business variant made its debut in July 1953 as a four-door sedan aimed primarily at taxi operators, providing enhancements over the basic Holden 48-215 sedan released in 1948. Upgrades included passenger grab rails, improved door handles, seat kick plates, reinforced seats and battery, floor mats, and a boot lid handle. Identified by model number 48-215-257, it retained the same 132.5 cubic inch six-cylinder engine found in the base Holden sedan.
FJ
Just three months after introducing the Business model, Holden replaced the 48 series with the updated Holden FJ Business. This release also saw the introduction of a higher trim called Special, positioned above Business in terms of price and features. The Business model within this series carried the designation FJ-217.
FE
Launched in July 1956, the Holden FE series continued to offer Standard, Business, and Special sedans. It featured refreshed body styling, an extended wheelbase increased by two inches to reach 105 inches, a more powerful engine rated at 70 bhp, along with upgraded electrical systems, steering components, and interior appointments. The Business sedan was identified as model FE-217. From March 1957 onward, station wagons were introduced in both Standard and Special trims.
FC
The updated Holden FC series arrived in May 1958 with only minor refinements over its predecessor FE model; within this range, the Business sedan bore the model code FC-217.
FB
Released in January 1960, the Holden FB discontinued the Business variant altogether, leaving Standard and Special as Holden’s primary sedans. Total production reached 174,747 units. The FB preserved GMH’s distinctive Australian mid-size car design by combining American-inspired styling elements such as rear twin fins and a wrap-around windshield with an American-style dashboard featuring an orange indicator band.
The FB was available in multiple body styles: Special sedan (FB/225), Special station wagon (FB/229), Standard sedan (FB/215), Standard station wagon (FB/219), Standard panel van (FB/2104), and utility (FB/2106).
Significantly, this generation marked an end to Nitrocellulose Lacquer paint finishes; starting May 1960, Holden adopted "Magic Mirror" acrylic paint with new color selections replacing previous Nitro-based hues. Early FBs with Nitro finishes are now considered rare collector’s items due to their limited production period. The FB also offered a glass area increase of approximately 27% compared to its FC predecessor while being lower, wider, and longer overall.
Commercially successful was especially the FB panel van—Holden’s first high-roof van—differentiating it from the windowless FC van model. Furthermore, this FB marked Holden’s initial export of left-hand drive vehicles, with early shipments destined for Hawaii.
EK
Debuting in May 1961, the Holden EK represented mainly an aesthetic refresh of the FB model and was distinguished by introducing Holden's inaugural factory-installed automatic transmission option. Production totaled 150,214 units. The Hydramatic transmission, fully imported from the United States, was a common feature in General Motors vehicles during that era.
Primarily, the Hydramatic transmission was offered on the Special sedan (EK/225) and Special station sedan (EK/229), although a limited number of dealer requests resulted in automatic versions of the standard sedan (EK/215), as confirmed by delivery records.
Additional enhancements included replacing vacuum-operated windshield wipers with electric ones, upgrading to more durable "ElastoFab" seat fabric, a redesigned grille and plenum chamber cover, larger bumper over-riders, an expanded rear-view mirror, and refreshed badging alongside updated side trim.
EJ
In 1962, Holden launched a new streamlined body featuring a lower profile, expanded cabin space, foam-padded seats, and improved driver visibility. This generation introduced the "Premier" trim level, continuing Holden's luxury branding for 16 years. The EJ Premier came standard with metallic paint, automatic transmission, leather bucket seats, heater, carpeting, floor console, and whitewall tires. It also incorporated Duo Servo brakes, strengthened front suspension components, and mounting points for safety belts.
EH
Released in 1963, the EH marked Holden’s first use of the "Red" engine equipped with a 7 main bearing crankshaft, replacing the earlier 4 main bearing design.
HD
Launched in 1965, the HD featured a broader and longer body compared to the EH model, providing increased passenger comfort and cargo capacity along with upgraded features. Its styling bore resemblance to the previous year’s Vauxhall FC Victor, including a distinctive concave rear window. For the first time on a Holden, disc brakes were available. The EH’s three-speed Hydramatic automatic transmission was superseded by a two-speed Powerglide unit.
HR
The 1966 HR update introduced a redesigned grille, altered roofline with larger rear windows on sedans, updated rear lighting for both sedans and wagons, and modifications to most exterior panels. Improvements also included enhanced ball joint front suspension with a wider track and upgraded interior trim featuring woodgrain finishes on Premier variants. Approximately six months after its release, all models received safety upgrades such as front seat belts, windscreen washers, reversing lights, padded sun visors, and shatter-resistant interior mirrors.