1961 Holden EK Standard Station Sedan
Result: PASSED IN
Specifications
Engine | In-line, 6-cylinder 138-cid |
---|---|
Gearbox | 3-speed manual |
Body Work | Station Sedan |
Colour | Cataract Grey |
Interior | Red/Grey |
Trim | Vinyl |
Wheels | Steel disc |
Brakes | Drums |
Description
As was the case with the previous 2 body shapes, the FB Holden was face lifted in 1961 and released as the "EK". The list of refinements included revised interior trim, new exterior badges and mouldings (the rear-side colour flash of the FC and FB was deleted), a new fresh-air/heating unit, a new ventilation air intake located forward of the windscreen and a new grille with eight vertical bars instead of six.
Parking lights were incorporated into the top grille bar. At last the old "vacuum" wipers were replaced with electrically operated units, which were indeed far superior if not far safer! Most notable was the availability of a new "Hydramatic" 3 speed automatic transmission.
Imported from America, the Hydramatic was regarded as one of the best available in the world - and brought the "EK" to a new level of luxury. Once again there were two levels of refinement, "Standard" being the basic car with no additional trimming or fittings, the body being painted in a single colour and "Special", the most popular model, with stainless steel trims along the side, chrome Special badges, two-tone vinyl interiors, as well as a better choice of exterior colours with a white roof.
Holden choose to make the Hydramatic available as an option only on the "Special", while their two commercial vehicles, the utility and panel van, remained almost identical to the previous model, the FB. In fact, the FB rear quarter panels and tail lights were carried over to the EK commercials.