1953 Holden FX 48-215 ... (SOLD)

For sale is this rare and classic example of Australia's Own Car. A factory Black 48-215 Holden. Offered for sale by a retired Holden automotive engineer who has owned and maintained this special Holden for the last 56 years. For sale from Brisbane, Queensland.

The Holden 48-215 was the first model from General Motors in Australia to bear the Holden name. The 48-215 subsequently gained the unofficial nickname of Holden FX. And the name has stuck. This stunning factory black example was manufactured at GM's Fisherman's Bend Plant in July, 1953 and first registered in Melbourne in July, 1953. It is one of the last of the 48-215 Air Ride models which were built just prior to the release of the FJ Holden. This special Holden has covered a genuine 49,360 miles and has been in the careful ownership of the current owner since January 6th, 1966. Purchased by the then 24 year old from an older couple from Progressive Car Sales, Burwood Rd, Hawthorn, VIC (see photo of receipt) with 28,000 miles on the clock, the car was used as a secondary family car for some 20 years and since then only for special and family occasions.

The 48-215 importantly retains the firewall compliance plate as well as the GM identity plate located on the LHS door jamb that identifies the build specifications of the car.

In 2012, the Holden was bare metal restored and repainted in 2 pack Black. The car showed nil rust or accident damage. At the same time the interior was retrimmed in NOS red trim, hood lining, carpets, GM vinyl floor mat while the original doors cards were retained. The dash is original and the steering wheel was restored. The split front windscreen was replaced at the same time with modern Triplex safety glass.

The FX runs the original matching numbers Canadian seasoned engine block. Measuring 132.5 cui or 2,171 cc, the cast-iron straight six engine produces 60 hp (45 kW) and gears are swapped with a three-speed manual transmission. In the day, Holden quoted 0–60 mph in 18.7 seconds. The maintenance records supplied by the fastidious owner indicate that the engine block has been completely overhauled 2,000 miles ago, the cylinder head has been rebuilt for unleaded fuel, the pistons have been bored 3" and Perfect Circle piston rings have been fitted. In addition, the standard big end bearing has been replaced, as has the main bearing, timing gear, water pump and radiator core.

The gearbox and clutch have been over hauled and the original diff has been replaced with a 1956 FJ tapered race model. Suspension bushes have also been replaced, and the wheel cylinders and master cylinder have been re sleeved with stainless steel. In addition, all floor coverings including the boot have been replaced with NOS materials.

The owner has fitted NASCO accessories including the Bi Pass engine oil filter, a front suspension stabiliser bar and an internal parcel shelf.

The FX rides on original Canadian steel 15" wheels with NOS mint wheel caps. The tyres are Firestone tubeless radials. There is also a cross ply spare with jack, spanner and hub remover.

The car is on full Queensland registration and are from the early 70s when the owner moved from Victoria to Queensland. Brisbane, Qld car for your immediate inspection. (Ref: 6019)

We are happy to arrange a video inspection of the car using WhatsApp. Please call for more details and note Enclosed Door to Door transport is available anywhere in Australia or New Zealand.

Call Mike on 0414 278 604 or Rod on 0499 577 997 and let us assist you with your inquiries. Also please note if you have a quality Muscle or Classic car you wish to list or have valued please give us a call at AMCS, we will be happy to assist you.