Layout FR layout | ||
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Also called Holden StandardHolden SpecialHolden UtilityHolden Panel Van Production January 1960 to May 1961 Engine 138 cu in (2.3 L) 6-cyl | ||
The Holden FB is an automobile that was produced by Holden in Australia from 1960 to 1961. Introduced on 14 January 1960, the FB series replaced the Holden FC range.
Contents
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:
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 although in reality it was only slightly so on each count. Overall length was 5.5 inches (140 mm) greater whilst the wheelbase remained the same. The engine remained the same at 3" the last model to have this bore, engine capacity remained at 132 cubic inches and the compression ratio was raised. However the resulting extra 4 brake horsepower (3.0 kW) of power did not compensate for the extra weight of the FB and performance was thus inferior to that of its predecessor. Changes were also made to the brakes, front coil springs, air cleaner and clutch.
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, these vehicles being destined for export markets.
Engines
All FB models were powered by a 132 cubic inches (2,160 cc) inline six-cylinder engine, the last to have the 3" bore size, producing 75 brake horsepower (56 kW).
Production and replacement
After a production run of 147,747 vehicles, the FB was replaced by the Holden EK series in May 1961.