Holden Standard
| Company type | Automobile model |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Founded | 1953 |
| Defunct | 1968 |
| Headquarters | Australia |
| Products | Mid-size cars (sedan, station wagon, utility, panel van) |
The Holden Special is a mid-size car manufactured by Holden specifically for the Australasian market between 1953 and 1968. Introduced as the premium trim in the 1953 Holden FJ lineup, it complemented the entry-level Holden Standard and the mid-tier Holden Business. The Business variant had been launched earlier, in July 1953, during the production of the 48 series that started in 1948. The FJ series then established a three-model range built on a shared platform.
Utility versions, including the coupé utility and panel van, were introduced in 1951 (48 series) and 1953 (FJ), respectively. Although based on the Standard model, these were not badged as such and were marketed collectively as the Holden utility and panel van. In March 1957, a five-door station wagon named "Station Sedan" was added to the range, offered in both Standard and Special trims.
By mid-1959, during the FC series production, the Business sedan was discontinued, leaving only the Standard and Special models available. The Holden Premier was introduced in 1962 with the EJ series as Holden’s new flagship, repositioning the Special as a mid-level option. This three-model structure remained until the 1968 HK series, when the Standard was renamed to Belmont, the Special became Kingswood, and the Premier continued. The lineup further expanded with the launch of the extended-length Brougham, Holden’s top-tier offering.
48
The Business model debuted in July 1953 as an enhanced four-door sedan version of the basic Holden 48-215, which had been introduced in 1948, primarily aimed at taxi operators. It included features like passenger grab handles, door pull straps, seat kick plates, heavy-duty seating, floor mats, a robust battery, and a boot lid handle. Identified officially as model 48-215-257, it was powered by a 132.5 cubic inch six-cylinder engine.
FJ
Three months following the release of the original Business model, the 48 series was succeeded by the updated FJ Business range that introduced a higher trim level called Special. Positioned above Business in terms of price and features, this new trim expanded Holden’s offerings. The Business sedan carried model designation FJ-217.
FE
Launched in July 1956, the FE series continued to offer Standard, Business, and Special sedans but featured refreshed body styling along with a wheelbase extended by two inches to 105 inches. It also boasted an upgraded engine producing 70 bhp alongside enhancements to electrical systems, steering, and interior appointments. The Business sedan was identified as model FE-217. Starting March 1957, station wagons were introduced in both Standard and Special trims.
FC
The May 1958 FC series presented a facelift with subtle improvements over its predecessor FE. The Business model retained its designation as FC-217.
FB
With the January 1960 FB series launch, Holden discontinued the Business sedan, leaving only Standard and Special as its core sedans. General Motors Holden manufactured a total of 174,747 FB units, maintaining its distinctive position in Australia’s mid-size segment separate from larger American or smaller British GM vehicles. The FB incorporated American design influences such as rear twin fins, wraparound A-pillars on the windscreen, and an American-style dashboard featuring an orange indicator band.
Available body styles included 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). The FB marked a departure from Nitrocellulose Lacquer finishes; in May 1960 Holden introduced "Magic Mirror" Acrylic finishes with new color options replacing previous Nitro shades—these original Nitro colors are now rare due to their limited five-month production period.
The FB increased window glass area by 27% compared to the FC while being lower, wider, and longer overall. Its panel van gained commercial popularity as Holden’s first high-roof van model, differing from the windowless FC van variant. Importantly, the FB was also Holden’s first left-hand drive export vehicle, initially shipped to Hawaii.
EK
Debuting in May 1961, the Holden EK represented a cosmetic refresh of the FB series and was significant for introducing Holden’s first factory-installed automatic transmission, the fully imported US-made Hydramatic. Production reached a total of 150,214 units. The Hydramatic transmission was primarily offered on the Special sedan (EK/225) and Special station sedan (EK/229), with a few exceptional dealer requests including one known standard sedan (EK/215) equipped with this transmission.
Additional enhancements included electric windshield wipers replacing the earlier vacuum-operated system, more durable "ElastoFab" seat fabric, a redesigned grille, a new plenum chamber cover, larger bumper bar over-riders, an expanded rear-view mirror, as well as updated badging and side trim details.
EJ
In 1962, Holden launched the EJ model featuring a sleeker, lower-profile body that provided increased cabin space, foam-padded seats, and better visibility. The introduction of the Premier trim marked the beginning of a luxury line lasting 16 years; it came standard with metallic paint, automatic transmission, leather bucket seats, heater, carpeting, floor console, and whitewall tires. The EJ also incorporated Duo Servo brakes, reinforced front suspension components, and safety belt anchor points.
EH
Introduced in 1963, the EH model showcased the debut of the "Red" engine equipped with a seven main bearing crankshaft, supplanting the previous "Grey" engine design that featured only four main bearings.
HD
The 1965 HD model arrived with a broader and longer body compared to the EH, enhancing both passenger comfort and cargo capacity while offering upgraded features. Its design bore strong resemblance to Vauxhall’s FC Victor, notably with a unique concave rear window. The HD also marked Holden’s introduction of disc brakes and replaced the EH’s three-speed Hydramatic automatic transmission with a two-speed Powerglide unit.
HR
Released in 1966, the HR brought updates such as a redesigned grille and roofline, larger rear windows on sedans, new rear light clusters, and modifications to nearly all exterior panels. Mechanical refinements included updated ball joint front suspension and an increased track width. Interior improvements featured upgraded trim materials and woodgrain accents on Premier variants. Approximately six months after release, safety features were enhanced across all models by adding front seat belts, windscreen washers, reversing lights, padded sun visors, and shatter-resistant interior rearview mirrors.