Holden · 1960–1961

Holden FB

The Holden FB is an automobile produced by Holden in Australia from 1960 to 1961. Introduced on 14 January 1960, the FB series replaced the Holden FC range.

Text from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).

Predecessor: Holden FC · Successor: Holden EK

All Holden FB data: UK builds, safety, recalls, model years →

Model range

The FB range consisted of four-door sedans in two trim levels, five-door station wagons in two trim levels, a two-door coupe utility and a two-door panel van. The six models were marketed as follows: Holden Standard Sedan Holden Standard Station Sedan Holden Special Sedan Holden Special Station Sedan Holden Utility Holden Panel Van The Holden Business Sedan, which had been marketed as part of the FC range, was not carried over to the FB series.

Changes

The FB was promoted as being longer, lower, more spacious and more powerful than the FC model, but in reality it was only slightly so on each count. Overall length was 5.5 inches (140 mm) greater, although the wheelbase remained the same. The engine bore was still 3 inches (76 mm), the last model with that specification. Engine capacity remained at 132 cubic inches (2.16 L) but the compression ratio was raised. However, the resulting extra 4 brake horsepower (3 kW) of power did not compensate for the greater weight of the FB, so performance was inferior to that of its predecessor. Changes were also made to the brakes, front coil springs, air cleaner and clutch. The FB Holden also saw the end of the Nitrocellulose Lacquer (Duco) finishes with Holden switching to and introducing the new "Magic Mirror" Acrylic finish in May 1960. Obvious styling differences were the lower bonnet, finned rear mudguards with new taillights (on the sedans and wagons only) and a wrap-around windscreen. Seating was improved, as was the instrument panel. Notably, the FB was the first Holden model to also be produced in left-hand drive form, those vehicles being destined for export markets.

Engines

All FB models were powered by a 138-cubic-inch (2.26 L) inline six-cylinder engine, the last to have the 3-inch (76 mm) bore size, producing 75 brake horsepower (56 kW).

Sections adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0); text is shortened. Read the full article for the complete history and citations.

Specifications

name: Holden FB
Manufacturer: Holden (General Motors)
aka: Holden Standard , Holden Special , Holden Utility , Holden Panel Van
Production: January 1960 – May 1961
Predecessor: Holden FC
Successor: Holden EK
Body style: 4-door sedan, 5-door station wagon, 2-door coupé utility, 2-door panel van
Layout: FR layout
Engine: 2.3L GMH '138' I6
Transmission: 3-speed manual
Wheelbase: 105.0 inches (2667 mm)
Length: 181.5 inches (4610 mm)
Width: 67.0 inches (1703 mm)
Height: 60.0 inches (1521 mm)
Kerb weight: Standard Sedan: 2473 lb (1122 kg)
Designer: Alf Payze
sp: uk