The car that started it all and changed everythingAustralias Own the 48 215 FX Holden!
A significant and historical piece of motoring history is represented here in this lovely old darling.
These cars were the first mass produced passenger cars built and designed in Australia, and started what would become a proud legacy of Holden vehicles through seven decades of motoring from very humble beginnings to becoming one of the biggest names in motorsport and one of the biggest players across the market full stop.
This magnificent old car is a very well-known and very well respected example locally, and in fact throughout country having belonged to its enthusiast owner for over 40 years! and having attended every Holden National event ever held here in NZ, winning its categories and filling the trophy cabinet along the way.
We never got the 48 215 Series FX cars delivered here new in NZ, with the later FJ Model being the first Holdens to be sold here , so this would have always been a rare car with an interesting back story.
This rare example was purchased in Christchurch in 1981 by an old school tradesman panel beater as a complete but worn survivor, and was lovingly restored over the next few years being registered for the fist time in decades again in the early eighties, at which point it presented pretty much just like it does today, and I personally remember the car from that period as it left a lasting impression even back then.
Testament to a good car that was restored properly and painted well before 2 pack paint and bake ovens, shes finished in hand rubbed Dulon which was the norm back in the day if you wanted depth and shine, so she still shines beautifully today having been polished and cared for by its doting owner for many years.
A lot of research has gone into this old FX over the years and it has pretty much every available option from the Nasco catalogue of the period fitted, did we say everything! right down to the Chromed Skippy the Kangaroo bonnet mascot !
The body still presents exceptionally well with gaps and lines better than it would have had new, and having had no recent work shows its character with only very minor chips and marks representing 40 + years of faithful service and care.
The running gear was all rebuilt at the time of the original restoration and the engine still purrs beautifully today still being more than capable of keeping up with the open road traffic, and the speed limit no problems at all.
The period correct interior is finished with the FX only style gold finish dash and door tops, while the original style deep Ox Blood red trim on the couch like seating and cloth hood liner take you back to a much simpler time.
Very nice chrome and trim round out the exterior package and a few little concessions have been made for safety, like indicators in the fog lamps and discreate extra tail lamps tucked under the rear bar .
A nice set of redial tires give a nice balanced ride to this lovely old Holden and it really is a car that genuinely puts a smile on your face every time you look at it.
This would be a great centre piece for any Holden collection, as this is without a doubt the Great Grandmother of them all!
Sadly and very reluctantly the time has come for this cars long term carers to pass the torch to a new custodian, and this old girl is ready to start her next chapter, so if you have been looking for a nicely aged restoration of a rare car that you can actually drive and enjoy, then this is certainly worth a look.
Note: Although registered as a 1948 model, from what is known today with much more information now available, it appears that it is more likely a 1951 model.