1953 Holden FJ Modified 'Street Machine' Sedan

Description

Australia's first mass produced automobile, the Holden, began rolling off the production line at Fishermans Bend in November 1948 to much fanfare. The 48-215, dubbed 'Australia's Own', was designed and built with local conditions very much in mind and combined the best elements of the smaller English and larger American imports then dominating the domestic market. Built around advanced unitary construction principles, the Holden was powered by a torquey six-cylinder motor providing excellent performance, combined with good roadholding and ground clearance for our rough roads. In September 1953 the classic FJ was announced, being an improved version of the FX with a revised grille sporting extra chrome, new torpedo-shaped tail lights and new hubcaps. Further changes included a larger range of colours, the addition of tubeless tyres in early 1956 and wider choice of models, with the Special Sedan, Business Sedan and Panel Van added to the line-up. Mechanically unchanged from the FX, the FJ series remained in production until 1956 and nearly 170,000 were built. The FJ has become something of a cult car over the years and is regarded by many as Australia's answer to the '57 Chev thanks to the classic Fifties styling. Generations of young Aussie blokes have grown up modifying the "Humpy Holden", ranging from a few performance tweaks through to some of the wildest street machines imaginable.