Holden Special
| Company type | Automobile model |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Founded | 1953 |
| Headquarters | Australia |
Area served | Australasia |
| Products | Mid-size cars (sedan, station wagon, coupé utility, panel van) |
The Holden Special is a mid-size car produced by Holden specifically for the Australasian region. Introduced in 1953 as the premium trim within the Holden FJ lineup, it was positioned above the entry-level Holden Standard and the mid-tier Holden Business. The Business variant had first appeared earlier that year, in July 1953, as part of the 48 series which originally launched in 1948. Three months following this, the FJ series debuted a three-model range built on a single platform. Additionally, a version similar to the Standard was offered in the 48 series under the simple name "Holden".
Among the variations were coupé utility and panel van models introduced respectively in 1951 (48 series) and 1953 (FJ), both derived from the Standard but not carrying that badge, commonly referred to as the Holden utility and panel van. Starting March 1957, Holden expanded its offerings to include a five-door station wagon, known as the "Station Sedan", available in both Standard and Special trims.
The Business sedan was phased out midway through 1959 with the FC series release, leaving only Standard and Special versions. The launch of the Holden Premier in 1962 with the EJ series established a new top-tier model, shifting the Special to a mid-range position. This three-model structure remained until the 1968 HK series, when the Standard was rebranded as the Belmont, the Special became the Kingswood, while Premier continued at the summit. The range further broadened with the introduction of the longer Brougham, Holden’s premium model.
48
Introduced in July 1953, the Business model was a four-door sedan aimed primarily at taxi operators, offering enhancements over the basic Holden 48-215 sedan from 1948. These improvements included passenger grab handles, door pulls, seat kick plates, reinforced seats and battery, floor mats, and a boot lid handle. Known by model code 48-215-257, it retained the standard Holden’s 132.5 cubic inch six-cylinder engine.
FJ
Just three months after launching the Business model, Holden replaced the 48 series with the updated FJ Business variant, which also introduced a more upscale Special trim at a higher price point. The Business version was identified by model code FJ-217.
FE
Released in July 1956, the FE series continued to offer Standard, Business, and Special sedans. This generation featured refreshed bodywork, an extended 105-inch wheelbase, an upgraded engine producing 70 bhp, along with enhanced electrical systems, steering mechanisms, and interior finishes. The Business sedan carried model code FE-217. From March 1957 onward, station wagons were added in both Standard and Special trims.
FC
The May 1958 FC series presented minor cosmetic updates and modest improvements over its FE predecessor. The Business model was designated FC-217.
FB
With its January 1960 launch, the FB series discontinued the Business sedan option, leaving only Standard and Special sedans available. GM Holden manufactured a total of 174,747 FB units, maintaining its unique status as an Australian mid-size GM vehicle distinct from larger American or smaller British counterparts. The FB incorporated American design influences such as twin rear fins, wrap-around A-pillars on the windscreen, and an American-style dashboard featuring an orange indicator band.
The FB came in six principal 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 standard utility (FB/2106). Notably, this generation marked the final use of Nitrocellulose Lacquer paint; in May 1960 Holden introduced "Magic Mirror" Acrylic paint with new color options replacing previous Nitro finishes. Early FB models with Nitro paint are highly prized due to their brief five-month production period.
Compared to its FC predecessor, the FB offered a 27% increase in glass area while being lower, wider, and longer overall. Its panel van gained popularity within commercial sectors as it was Holden's first high-roof design—an enhancement over the windowless FC version. Additionally, the FB became Holden’s inaugural export left-hand drive vehicle initially shipped to Hawaii.
EK
Released in May 1961, the Holden EK represented mainly a visual refresh of the FB series and was distinguished by being the first Holden to offer a factory-installed automatic transmission. Production totaled 150,214 units. The Hydramatic transmission, sourced entirely from the United States, was widely utilized across General Motors vehicles during that period.
This Hydramatic gearbox was predominantly fitted to the Special sedan (EK/225) and Special station sedan (EK/229) variants. However, there were exceptional dealer requests for automatic transmissions on some Standard sedans (EK/215), with verified cases such as a Snowcrest White model delivered in Sydney.
Additional improvements included replacing vacuum-operated windshield wipers with electric ones and upgrading seat upholstery using "ElastoFab" material to enhance durability compared to the FB model. Exterior modifications comprised a redesigned grille, a new plenum chamber cover, larger bumper bar overriders, an expanded rear-view mirror, along with refreshed badging and side trim.
EJ
In 1962, Holden unveiled a new body style featuring a lower profile and more aerodynamic lines, which increased cabin space and improved visibility. Foam-padded seating was introduced for added comfort. The launch of the "Premier" trim marked the start of a luxury nameplate that persisted for 16 years. The EJ Premier came standard with metallic paint, automatic transmission, leather-trimmed bucket seats, heater, carpeting, a floor console, and whitewall tires. It also incorporated Duo Servo brakes, reinforced front suspension components, and mounting points for safety belts.
EH
Debuting in 1963, the EH brought in the advanced "Red" engine equipped with a crankshaft supported by seven main bearings, replacing the former "Grey" engine design which had only four main bearings.
HD
The 1965 HD model introduced an entirely new body that was both wider and longer than its EH predecessor, providing increased passenger comfort and cargo capacity alongside enhanced equipment levels. Its design bore strong resemblance to Vauxhall’s FC Victor, notably featuring a concave rear window. This generation marked Holden’s first use of disc brakes. The three-speed Hydramatic automatic transmission was superseded by a two-speed Powerglide system.
HR
Launched in 1966, the HR featured a refreshed grille design and an updated roofline with larger rear windows on sedans. The rear lights were redesigned and nearly all exterior panels underwent styling revisions. Mechanical improvements included updated ball joint front suspension and a wider track width. Interior enhancements focused on better trim quality and woodgrain accents in Premier variants. Approximately six months after release, safety features were upgraded to include front seat belts, windscreen washers, reversing lights, padded sun visors, and shatter-resistant interior mirrors.