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.
In 1961 there were 112,680 sold to the public and Holden
employed over 18,500 people, however sales the following year
slowed as both Ford and Chrysler ate into the Holden market
dominance. The latter two manufacturers had introduced the
Australian public to the "compact sixes", which had a more
sophisticated and less cumbersome look. GMH designers began work on
their version of the "compact six", but it was to take another year
before the EJ model was to be released. The R Series Valiant and
Ford Falcon had not only arrived, but were proving to be worthy
competitors.
- Year of Introduction: 1961
- Engine: 2.26 litre 6 cylinder
- Power: 56kW
- Transmission: 3 speed manual & 3 speed
Hydramatic
- Performance: 0 - 100 km/h 24.9 seconds (auto); Standing
400 metres 23.2 seconds (auto)
- Production: 150,214
- Price: $2,212
The cache is a small Tupperware type container with a grey lid.
Please rehide it so that it is not too obvious!
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