| Holden FB | |
|---|---|
_Station_Sedan_station_wagon_(2015-07-15)_01.jpg) Holden Special Station Sedan | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Holden (General Motors) |
| Also called | Holden Standard Holden Special Holden Utility Holden Panel Van |
| Production | January 1960 – May 1961 |
| Designer | Alf Payze |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 4-doorsedan 5-doorstation wagon 2-doorcoupé utility 2-doorpanel van |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 2.3LGMH '138'I6 |
| Transmission | 3-speed manual[1] |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 105.0 inches (2667 mm)[1] |
| Length | 181.5 inches (4610 mm)[1] |
| Width | 67.0 inches (1703 mm)[1] |
| Height | 60.0 inches (1521 mm)[1] |
| Curb weight | Standard Sedan: 2473 lb (1122 kg)[1] |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Holden FC |
| Successor | Holden EK |
TheHolden FB is anautomobile produced byHolden in Australia from 1960 to 1961.[2] Introduced on 14 January 1960,[1] the FB series replaced theHolden FC range.[2]
The FB range consisted of four-doorsedans in two trim levels, five-doorstation wagons in two trim levels,[3] a two-doorcoupe utility and a two-doorpanel van.[4] The six models were marketed as follows:
The Holden Business Sedan, which had been marketed as part of theFC range, was not carried over to the FB series.[2]
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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.[5] Overall length was 5.5 inches (140 mm) greater, although the wheelbase remained the same.[5] 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.[6] Changes were also made to the brakes, front coil springs, air cleaner and clutch.[2]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.[5] Seating was improved, as was the instrument panel.[5]
Notably, the FB was the first Holden model to also be produced inleft-hand drive form, those vehicles being destined for export markets.[2]
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).[6]
After a production run of 147,747 vehicles,[1] the FB was replaced by theHolden EK series in May 1961.[7]
