Wane’s Wheels: The FX has a double effect

Greg Wane
OCEAN Grove’s Colin Gardiner is a Holden man. His current car collection is proof of this. Currently Colin has two restored 48/215 FXs and two classic 1970s Sandman Panel Vans.
He bought his first classic, the 1951 FX, more than 20 years ago in Geelong when he was a young mechanic.
“It was in ‘ok’ condition but I have done a full restoration being careful to keep in its original condition,” Colin said.
“It’s got the original grey motor – the 132.”
The Holden 48/215, widely referred to as the ‘FX’ was launched by Prime Minister Ben Chifley in 1948 as Australia’s own car, made for Australian conditions.
The car was new in shape but was basic in its technology. No extra chrome, only a driver sunvisor, no heater and fresh air was available through an air scoop between the bonnett and windscreen.
However the 2160cc, six-cylinder ‘grey motor’ was one of the most popular ever made by GMH.
“When I got the car it was still original including the motor. The engine was a bit tired but I completely reconditioned it.”
Colin said the body needed some minor work on some of the panels and he has fully restored the interior including new upholstery.
Not having a heater didn’t faze Colin, who uses the car regularly to get to work.
“I just throw a blanket over my legs on cold mornings, he said.
“The car is a bit heavy to drive though. Power steering wasn’t around when they were made so it can feel heavy to drive.”
Colin said the column shift was daunting to some people who hadn’t driven a car with one before. He said his FX has a manual gear lever mounted on the steering column and gear changes are made through the three-speed transmission.
“Because the car was a basic design so it means it’s really easy to work on.”
The plan to produce an all-Australian car began in 1946 when the Federal Government asked car manufacturers to design a car that was uniquely Australian with the aim of generating post war industrial growth.
General Motors adapted an American design to create the FX. The limited range of options included an Air Chief 5 radio, a rear venetian blind, a passenger sun visor and a locking petrol cap.
The car appealed to Australians and whether it was patriotism or the basic design but sales exceeded supply and the waiting list for a car was nearly 12 months. The company became General Motors Holden and manufacturing was lifted within a year from 10 cars per day to 100 cars.
More than 120,000 cars were built until 1953 when Holden unveiled the FJ.
Colin said about eight years ago he found his second FX in Ballarat, a 1950 model. It was the same colour but was also in average condition.
“I’ve done the motor and gearbox but still have to fix up the interior on this one,” Colin said.
It is the shape and styling that he loves about his old Holdens.
“The cars are a bit of a toy for me,” he declared.
Considering the age of the FX, Colin said the 60-year-old cars were becoming rare.
“They are getting harder to find. There are still a few around but getting them at the right price is becoming difficult,” he said.