Holden EJ
| Industry | Automotive |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1856 in Australia |
| Headquarters | Australia |
| Products | Automobiles |
The Holden EJ is an automobile manufactured by Holden in Australia during the period from 1962 to 1963. Released in July 1962, it succeeded the Holden EK series.
Overview
Marking a notable departure from the EK, the EJ showcased a redesigned profile featuring a lowered roofline, a more level boot, and the elimination of fins. Enhancements encompassed upgraded braking systems, refined front suspension, and the introduction of the Hydra-matic automatic transmission.
This generation also debuted the upscale Holden Premier variant, which came equipped with leather upholstery, bucket seats, metallic paint finishes, a heater/demister integrated with a centre console, and door armrests throughout. The Premier was fitted standard with a Hydra-matic 3-speed automatic gearbox, while this transmission option was available for other models.
Model range
At its initial release, the EJ series offered four-door sedans in three distinct trims alongside five-door station wagons in two trims. Subsequently, in January 1963, the lineup expanded to include a two-door coupe utility and a two-door panel van. The complete range comprised:
- Holden Standard Sedan
- Holden Special Sedan
- Holden Premier Sedan
- Holden Standard Station Sedan
- Holden Special Station Sedan
- Holden Utility
- Holden Panel Van
Engines
Each EJ vehicle was powered by an inline six-cylinder engine producing . This model marked the final application of the longstanding grey motor, which had been utilized since the 1948 Holden 48-215. Manufacture of the Grey motor concluded on 2 August 1963.
Production and replacement
With total production reaching 154,811 units, the EJ was replaced by the Holden EH series in August 1963. A milestone was achieved when the 1,000,000th Holden—a Premier EJ—was assembled on 26 October 1962.
Additionally, assembly took place under license by General Motors New Zealand, and the EJ was distributed in South Africa, broadening its global presence.
Further reading
- Norm Darwin, 100 Years of GM in Australia, 2002
- Norm Darwin, The history of Holden since 1917, 1983
- AC Bushby, The Holden collection: a nostalgic look at the first 30 years of Holden cars in Australia, 1988
External links
- A Brief History of the EJ Holden Features scans of sales brochures and advertisements for the Holden EJ.