The FC
created a major milestone in the history of GMH when on the
22nd of October 1958 it became the 500,000 Holden to be
produced since the FX (48-215). It was also the first time
Holden had produced more than 100,000 units in a year and its
market share was over 50% with its nearest rival being just
half this.
As with the introduction of the FJ, Holden had learnt that to
revise or "facelift" a model half way through its life would
maintain interest and therefore sales. And so the FC was simply an
improved version of the FE, and following the FX to FJ formula it
sported more chrome and a more elegant grille, which incorporated
the parking lights (in all models) and indicators (Specials only)
at either end of the lower bar. Once again chrome fins were mounted
on the rear guards, and extra brightwork was added to side panels
for the Specials.
The interior now featured better seat and door trims and a new
vertical-bar radio-speaker grille. The FC's interior trim featured
more pleating than the FE's by using narrower strips on the seats.
The drivers seating position was improved and the new steering
wheel with a half horn ring (instead of the FE's full ring) made
for better visibility of the instruments.
GMH didn't stop there, and added extra "hooding" around the
instruments to help cut down on distracting reflections. Two-toned
paint styling on Specials was made possible by stainless steel side
flash trims separating the colours. Over the period of this model 3
different permutations of car colour were employed.
There were minor changes to the engine to improve torque and
some refinement to the suspension and brakes to improve the
vehicles driveability. Wheels magazine claimed the FC Holden as "a
worthy continuance of the combination of features which made the
previous model so popular...the designers have steered an excellent
course through the paths of compromise...Holden has far fewer
faults than many cars with higher price tags and imposing overseas
origins".
- Year of Introduction: 1958
- Engine: 2.15 litre 6 cylinder
- Power: 53kW or 70bhp
- Transmission: 3 speed manual
- Performance: 0 - 100 km/h 19.5 seconds; Standing 400
metres 20.8 seconds
- Production: 191,724
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