Holden FB
| Industry | Automotive |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1856 |
| Headquarters | Australia |
| Products | Automobiles |
The Holden FB represents a vehicle manufactured by Holden in Australia between January 1960 and May 1961, serving as the successor to the Holden FC series.
Model range
The FB series comprised four-door sedans and five-door station wagons, each available in two different trim variants. Additionally, the lineup included a two-door coupe utility and a two-door panel van. The six variants were promoted under the following names:
- Holden Standard Sedan
- Holden Standard Station Sedan
- Holden Special Sedan
- Holden Special Station Sedan
- Holden Utility
- Holden Panel Van
It is important to note that the FB range discontinued the Holden Business Sedan which was part of the previous FC lineup.
Changes
Marketed as having greater length, reduced height, enhanced interior space, and increased power compared to the FC, the FB's modifications were relatively subtle. The overall length was extended by , although the wheelbase remained consistent with its predecessor. The engine displacement continued at , but featured an elevated compression ratio that yielded an additional of power. Despite this marginal increase, the added weight of the FB led to diminished performance relative to the FC. Mechanical updates encompassed improvements to the brakes, front coil springs, air cleaner, and clutch system. Furthermore, May 1960 marked the transition from Nitrocellulose Lacquer paint finishes to the newly introduced "Magic Mirror" Acrylic finish.
Design revisions included a lowered bonnet line, finned rear wheel arches equipped with updated taillights on both sedans and wagons, as well as a wrap-around windshield. Enhancements were also made to seating comfort and dashboard instrumentation. Notably, the FB was Holden's inaugural model manufactured with left-hand drive configurations aimed at export markets.
Engines
Each FB variant was powered by an inline six-cylinder engine featuring a bore size of , producing .
Production and replacement
Total production reached 147,747 units before the FB was replaced by the Holden EK series in May 1961.
Further reading
- Norm Darwin, 100 Years of GM in Australia, 2002, pages 230–231
- Norm Darwin, The history of Holden since 1917, 1983
- The Sixties Holden Archive – Holden FB Retrieved on 15 October 2009