Historical information

The 48 - 215 was the first vehicle produced by GMH specifically for the local Australian market. This vehicle later became better known as the FX. This vehicle was manufactured from 1948 to 1953. From here Holden continued to pursue the goal of producing an Australian car. This involved compromise with GM as Holden managing director, Lawrence Harnett, favoured development of a local design, while GM preferred to see an American design as the basis for "Australia's Own Car". In the end the design was based on a previously rejected post war Chevrolet proposal. The Holden was launched in 1948, creating long waiting lists extending through 1949 and beyond. The name
":Holden" was chosen in honour of Sir Edward Holden, the company's first chairman and grandson
of J.A.Holden. Other names considered were "GeM", "Austral", "Melba", Woomrah", " Boomerang",
"Emu", and "Canbra", a phonetic spelling of Canberra. Although officially designated " 48-215" the car was marketed simply as "Holden" The unofficial usage of the name "FX" originated within Holden referring to the updated suspension on the 48-48 215 of 1953.

Significance

This was the first vehicle manufactured solely for the Australian market.

Physical description

4 Door sedan, two pane split screen windscreen, lifting boot and bonnet. Powered by an 132.5 Cubic inch motor.

Inscriptions & markings

Holden Special