Holden FE Traditional Cache

The FE series was the product of a £4 million investment and four years of design and development work. It introduced the first wagon, or 'Station Sedan' (in 1957) and consolidated Holden's position as Australia's most popular car.

One of the benefits of the FE's updated styling was better visibility. Glass area increased by 40 per cent, thanks largely to the curved, one-piece windscreen and bigger rear window. Engine power was boosted to 53kW; suspension and handling were improved by such additions as a front stabiliser bar, new springs and better steering gear; interiors were appreciably roomier.

These facts were not lost on Melbourne Argus motoring writer John Williams, who wrote: "Biggest improvement in the new Holden is its driving vision - and on the road it feels like a real winner. Next was the extra width of the front seat if you want to carry six. Those extra inches may not sound much, but they gave me the feeling that 'Two Ton' Tessie 0 'Shea could easily make a third"

The FE Holden range also featured a fresh new range of 'single and two-tone fashion colours', restyled interiors with a more up-to-date dashboard design, a 12-volt electrical system, twin tail and stop lights and electric turn signals on Special sedans and wagons. Optional extras included reversing lights, windscreen washers and from screen demister.

• Year of Introduction: 1956
• Engine: 2.15 litre 6 cylinder
• Power: 53kW or 70bhp
• Transmission: 3 speed manual
• Performance: 0 - 100 km/h 20.4 seconds; Standing 400 metres 21.4 seconds
• Production: 155,161
• Price: $2,284