EK Holden Never Meant To Be - 60th Anniversary - Shannons Club

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EK Holden: Never meant to be - 60th anniversary

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By - 22 June 2021
Released on 2nd May, 1961, the EK Holden was never meant to be. Created in haste in
late 1959, its purpose was to counter the possible local appearance of Ford’s and
Chrysler’s new American compacts.
The EK is also a visual reminder of a time when Holden enjoyed almost 50% market
share and had an opportunity to set the technical, product packaging and styling
benchmarks for its own competitive advantage for the next decade.
1 of 50 20/08/2023, 11:19 am
Behold the EK! Holden’s PR team insisted it was not “new”, just “improved”.
The EK’s design to driveway story starts with the FB, which was out of date before it
even appeared in showrooms. Lurking underneath its 1950s �ns and wrapped
windscreen was a frame that dated back to 1948. In his Classic Garage story, Dr John
Wright summed it up by saying that the FB took Holden “one step forwards and one
and a half back.”
At best the EK only regained that backwards half step.
Ahead of its launch, speculation was rife that the EK would be “all new.” Modern
Motor’s legendary April 1961 scoop photos of the EJ added to the expectations of
signi�cant changes ahead. The magazine predicted the “new car will be out about the
middle of the year.” Trouble was, the EJ was 14 months away from its release
When the little changed EK appeared, Holden’s PR folk insisted it was an “improved”
car, not a “new” model. Wheels, MotorManual and Modern Motor splashed NEW across
their front covers.
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The magazine covers, using Holden supplied photos, shout out that the EK is “NEW”.
Sydney’s Daily Telegraph motoring editor, and racing car driver, David McKay, was
blunt. Writing in Holden’s corporate magazine, People, he said “on �rst sight it is quite
tricky to pick an EK from an FB.” Not a ringing endorsement in the company’s own
publication!
Headlining the magazine and newspaper stories was the option of the HydraMatic
automatic and that electric windscreen wipers and an internal bonnet release
mechanism were now standard features.
Holden’s advertising and brochures claimed the HydraMatic was a “revelation in driving
ease.” Some observers, however, quietly asked “what took Holden so long?” Ford’s
Falcon and Zephyr, Hillman’s Minx, Austin’s A95, Standard’s Vanguard and Vauxhall’s
Velox/Cresta all had automatic options before the EK appeared.
5 of 50 20/08/2023, 11:19 am
It is hard not to laugh out loud at the fanciful and somewhat desperate description of the EK in the brochure which used
this image: “A thrilling new look of luxury inside and out. There’s a new grille, new hub cap medallions and clean new
lines to emphasise Holden’s low, road hugging stance.”
As much as the PR blurb sought to gloss over the bonnet release and the replacement
of the despised vacuum operated wipers with electric units, no one was fooled. These
de�ciencies had been the focus of sustained motoring media and customer criticism
for years. McKay wrote in People that “I found two of my pet complaints answered.”
Ouch! The market leader looked to be, and was, in serious catch-up mode.
But there’s more to the EK’s story. Surprisingly, it did not feature in Holden’s plans until
late 1959. It was a car developed in haste, and perhaps with a hint of corporate panic.
Further, Holden was anticipating its automatic transmission would not be ready until
mid-1962 in the EJ.
There was no mistaking an EK with HydraMatic.
Thanks to a number of previously secret Product Planning Submissions, covering the

period from early 1959 through to November 1960, the story behind the EK’s
development can now be pieced together.
6 of 50 20/08/2023, 11:19 am
In April 1959, a twelve-page Preliminary Product Planning Submission for the EJ was
circulated to key managers in Holden and GM in America. The opening paragraph
discloses that “the Holden EJ sedan series, to supersede FB models, will feature major
styling and body constructional changes.”
The submission mentions an automatic in vague terms, saying that “investigations are
being made into the availability of a satisfactory automatic transmission for possible
introduction as an option and relative details will be added when available.”
There is no mention of the EK anywhere in the document, which covers all aspects of
the EJ’s styling and engineering. It contains dimensional and mechanical comparisons
between the FB and EJ. Comparison photos taken in late 1958 show only an FC, an
almost �nal FB and an EJ prototype.
What this document clearly indicates is that in April 1959 Holden intended for the FB to
be in production for almost two and a half years until the release of the EJ.
This photo, taken late 1958, captures left to right, the new FC, the FB in almost �nal form and the EJ prototype lined up
for a senior manager’s styling review. There’s no EK.
However, when the April 1960 update of the EJ’s Product Planning Submission was
distributed, it speci�cally requested recipients remove all comparisons to the FB and
replace them with a new car program coded “EK”.
So, what happened between April 1959 and April 1960 to cause a new model to be
rushed into development? The answer is in two parts.
The �rst is the late 1959 release of the Falcon and Valiant in the USA. It is obvious
7 of 50 20/08/2023, 11:19 am
Holden’s executives realised (or were told by Detroit) that they needed something
“new” in the market in 1961, if only to counter the possibility that Ford and/or Chrysler
might bring their sleekly styled American compacts to Australia.
The second is outlined, in retrospect, within Holden’s long-range Forward Product

Planning Program, dated April 1960. It explains that in April 1957 Borg Warner was
asked to develop a locally built automatic, but had been unable to deliver an
acceptable transmission, necessitating a switch to a version of GM’s HydraMatic. The
document indicates that testing had been underway since early 1960 and predicts the
HydraMatic would be available in May 1961.
The Forward Product Planning Program also features the successful testing results of a
new 144 cubic inch “grey” motor. More on this later.
One of three renderings of possible EK side body stylings from Holden’s design �les.
Together, these documents indicate the decision to develop the EK was to counter the
possible arrival of the Falcon and/or Valiant and to recognise the quicker than expected
development of the HydraMatic.
On 9th October, 1959 the Product Planning Submission for the EK was circulated. It
described the styling as “minor facelift of the FB series” and included the HydraMatic.
“Minor facelift” is an exaggeration. Design studio �les reveal that the EK’s styling
proposals were minimal in number and creativity. They were fast tracked and approved
in March 1960.
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This proposal continues with the FB’s ornate chrome trim and two-tone body.
The submission document went through multiple updates as the EK program

progressed. Successful tests of the HydraMatic were reported in June 1960 and the
HydraMatic badge was approved in July. Eight weeks after the Falcon’s launch, the
November 1960 revision con�rmed electric wipers. In January 1961 the internal bonnet
release was made standard equipment. Holden was certainly in catch up mode.
Chrome, chrome and more chrome.
9 of 50 20/08/2023, 11:19 am
Our automotive history has largely overlooked the EK, yet it was a big seller. From May
1961 to July 1962, 150,000, of which 25% were automatics, went from dealers to
driveways, equating to around 45% of the market. By comparison, the local Falcon was
lucky to reach a third of the EK’s sales in the same time period.
And how’s this for a statistic. During its production run the EK was the one of the
largest selling “compact” cars in the world. The Falcon managed around 480,000 sales
in the USA, followed by the Corvair (300,000), Rambler Classic (214,000) and Valiant
(167,000). Vauxhall’s Velox/Cresta, Opel’s Kapitan, and BMC’s Oxford/Cambridge all
achieved around half the EK’s sales.
But I can see where opportunities were lost.
This photo dates from early 1961. The grille design has been established, not so the trim and paint schemes.
With almost 50% of the market, Holden was ideally placed to shape the future for its
own competitive advantage. Its executives ought to have anticipated the range of
challenges presented by the possible arrival of the Falcon and Valiant, long before they
appeared in the USA, and been pro-active in meeting them. Why was so little done?
Dr John Wright answers that question in his book. Quoting the late John Bagshaw, a
former Vauxhall and Holden managing director, he wrote that “complacency set in
‘after the �rst six months of Holden being a marker leader.’”
Complacency always leads to lost opportunities and here are my observations.
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Another variation of trim and paint from early 1961.
Standard equipment: The late inclusion of electric wipers and internal bonnet release
in the EK’s program seems a small thing today, but it demonstrates a knee-jerk reaction
to the Falcon’s higher level of standard equipment. Had Holden’s bosses anticipated
this possibility they could have incorporated them in the FB, which would have set a
benchmark, and then leveraged it upwards whenever they liked to maintain a
competitive advantage. They missed that opportunity to lead.
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Dated 1st April, 1961, this photo reveals a thin chrome trim strip along the top of the wagon’s rear �ns. It was soon
deleted.
Luxury: At a time of increasing a�uence, Holden’s product planners ignored the

opportunity to generate signi�cant publicity with a “luxury” version of the EK. All they
had to do was make the HydraMatic standard, select items from the NASCO
accessories brochure and make them standard too, set a premium yet attractive price
and give the car a name like “Premier” or “Super Special”. It would have set another
benchmark that Ford and Chrysler could not match at that time.
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To save time the styling changes to the commercials were approved from air brushed photos of the FB.
Power: For the FB, Holden enlarged its engine to 138 cubic inches/2.26 litres. By the
end of 1960 they had developed a 144 cubic inch/2.4 litre version. It was never used.
This allowed Ford and Chrysler to boast about o�ering buyers a choice of larger, more
powerful engines. It took Holden until August 1963 to somewhat catch up.
White wall tyres may add glamour, but only serve to anchor the EK’s styling in the 1950s. This is another of the images
taken on 1st April, 1961.
Styling: Why Holden expected the FB to remain on the market from late 1959 until
mid-1962 and did not implement a facelift when the FB’s shape was approved in
January 1956 is an enduring mystery. By comparison, the 1958 FC’s styling was
approved in early 1956, months before its FE predecessor appeared.
The hurried pace of the EK’s unplanned development prevented any meaningful design
changes being made. Ironically, an early EJ proposal, shaped in late 1957, had an FB-
like front and �at, �nless rear fenders. It would have been an ideal candidate for the
EK, had Holden’s senior team had more foresight.
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Early in the EJ’s development program, there was a proposal to simply re-style the FB. This design could have formed the
base of the EK had Holden’s decision makers planned for the model while the FB was in development.
The front end of the FB-bodied EJ proposal. Prior to the construction of Holden’s Technical Centre, the styling team
worked in less-than-ideal conditions. Styling was not considered a high priority at the time.
I’d argue that these examples suggest complacency had seeped into Holden’s decision
making at the very moment its market leadership was being challenged for the �rst
time. Can this complacency be quanti�ed? I calculate that the EK lost between 20,000
to 25,000 potential sales to the R/S series Valiant and XK Falcon, depending on the
assumptions. In today’s money that is around $700-$800 million of top line revenue. It
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is a stunning amount of money to give away so easily to competitor companies.
These photos were part of a package sent to GM in Detroit and retained in company’s international design studio �les.
The EK’s legacy is that it represents an in�exion point in Holden’s history. What had
made Holden successful before the EK—the highest priority given to building enough
cars to satisfy exponentially increasing demand—would certainly not ensure its success
in the future. Styling, power, options and standard equipment were now critical to the
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purchase decision.
Because of its minimal design changes, no choice of engines and obvious catch-up
equipment, the EK asked the question “is this really progress?”. If the FB was not
motivation enough, the EK certainly gave potential Holden buyers a reason to buy a
Valiant, Falcon, Austin Freeway or an imported car instead, and never visit a Holden
dealership again.
The market fundamentally changed in the �fteen months bookended by the arrival of
the Falcon and Valiant. The era of Holden luxuriating in 50% market share was over.
Aggressive competition was the new normal. It was at this point that Holden’s decision
makers had the opportunity to pro-actively elevate the technical, product packaging
and styling benchmarks for its own competitive advantage into the future.
And Holden and its dealers would now have to strive much harder for every sale, for
every market share point and for every dollar of revenue.
Retroautos is written and published by David Burrell with passion and pride.
View Retroautos Articles
COMMENTS
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freeway64
And I agree with bluevaux and FFALCON - Vauxhall owners were loyal to the brand. My uncle had
Vauxhalls before the war and continued with Veloxes through the L- and E-Series. His last was a '57
E-Series and he said it wasn't quite as good as his previous '54. However when trade in time came, he
thought the the PA was too �ashy by far, so he bought a Wolseley 24/80 which happened to be the
last car he owned.
2 years ago 2 Reply
16 of 50 20/08/2023, 11:19 am
Chev62
freeway64s comments are ‘spot on’! I think with the massive following that the Holden brand
enjoys even as an orphan brand, that many have long forgotten or perhaps were never aware
that prior to GMH releasing the ‘EJ’ Holden Premier, Holden were basic entry level cars for the
mass market.
My very clear childhood memories of then brand new EK Holdens centres around cold rubber
covered �oors, steel dashboards �nished in outside colours, no heater or radio and plastic
(vinyl) covered seats that would burn you in hot weather. The Vauxhall Cresta, Chevrolet Belair
and Pontiac Laurentians built by GMH by direct contrast had genuine leather upholstery and
soft cut pile warm carpets covered these cars �oors.
With the above in mind, it is of constant amazement to me the money people pay for FB
Holdens today Yes Vauxhall, Chevrolet and Pontiac buyers of 1960s would not given a garden
variety Holden a second look.
Great article.
2 years ago 2 Reply
GlennMc
I remember the day my Dad �rst brought home the second hand Grey and white EK "Special" when I
was 5.
I thought it was the coolest car on the planet. Those �ns! Of course the previous car was a
characterless green Vanguard.
Still get those memories every time I see one. I would love to restore one.
2 years ago 2 Reply
DavidBurrell
EK's are becoming rarer, GlennMc. So many ended their existence in demo derbies.
17 of 50 20/08/2023, 11:19 am
2 years ago 2 Reply
HappySnapper
An interesting story on EK Holdens. You make remember one that hung o� the bridge in Hobart
when the ship hit it? The owner of that car sold it to one of his sta�. That guy now lives in Brisbane
and still has the car. It has now done some amazing distance. He shipped it to the UK and drove it
home. Told me he was staying in the heart of Paris in a hotel and when he came down in the
morning, Ozzie rocker Richard Clapton was all over his car. "How did an EK end up in Paris?" The
chap works for Novus windscreen repairs and was sorting out a repair for me at the time. My father
had one too, won it in a ra�e. His Peugeot driving friend used to ask him if second prize was two EK
Holdens. I think I still have the dealers invoice for that one.
2 years ago 2 Reply
DavidBurrell
Two wonderful stories, Happy Snapper! Thanks for taking the time to share them with us on
Shannons Club.
2 years ago 2 Reply
lenbenz
18 of 50 20/08/2023, 11:19 am
At the time of the EK's release my father was working for Anderson Holden in Monbulk, Victoria. I
went with him to pick up the �rst EK for the dealership, painted grey with a white roof and red trim,
from the Dandenong factory. Having located the car from the lines of new vehicles, �rst stop was to
pick up the spare wheel, jack and hubcaps from a separate location. It was the �rst automatic I had
ridden in and excitedly asked Dad his opinion. "Rubbish, bloody rubbish". And he had to sell them...
2 years ago 1 Reply
DavidBurrell
I'm sure your dad extolled the bene�ts of the automatic to the buyer. He must have had some
wonderful yarns about working in a Holden dealership in the early 1960s.
2 years ago 2 Reply
davidsonp
Great Article!!
2 years ago 1 Reply
zodiacv8
Cant believe no mention of the design �oor of both EK and FB , the ridiculous front wrap around
windscreen!!.... besides the wobbly veiw through the curved distortion , the corner of the outer
screen was a knee smasher when getting in . I personally still have a lump/ gristle on my leg above
kneecap , even after the �rst or second time you bang into it , you try to not do it again , then out of
the blue you casually jump in the car , and , bang , knee knocker again !...Holden knew this was a
large car design style only , and never used it again....FC Holden front is very sweet shaped headlight
style and grille/ parkers , with a non wrap around screen , did like the FB and EK rear �ns ,combined ,
wouldhave looked wicked in a 2 door pillarless style....zzzzz
19 of 50 20/08/2023, 11:19 am
2 years ago 3 Reply
AussieChallenger
I owned 1 FB and 2 EK's and never had the problems you mentioned. Maybe you had the seat
too far forward, I am only average height, all wrap around windscreens have some distortion.
Did like your impression of a FB 2 Door.
2 years ago 1 Reply
Andrewbris
It was the same for me. I’m 6 foot/185cm and it’s the long legs. I know what Zodiacv8 is
talking about as it’s very painful.
2 years ago 1 Reply
Andrewbris
You got those proportions just nice. Glad you extended the front doors. I’ll have mine in 2 tone
white roof with a red body please.(EK) I like the balloon tyres and retro mags on the 4 door for
that daily driver look.
20 of 50 20/08/2023, 11:19 am
2 years ago 1 Reply
Blinkie1
That two door looks real sweet zodiacv8.
2 years ago 2 Reply
DavidBurrell
I covered the wrapped windscreen in the story I did on the design development of the FB in a
previous edition of Retroautos, zodiav8. Here's the link:https://www.shannons.com.au/library
/news...
2 years ago 1 Reply
johnswindells
My father had a triple colour EK Special that had been prepared for the Hobart Show. It replaced a
blue 1953 48/215. It was really something unusual at the time due to its' colour scheme. Dad was
something of a car bu� at the time and introduced me to an interest in car racing, which I in turn
have passed on to my son and grandson.
2 years ago 2 Reply
DavidBurrell
Do you have any photos of your dad's triple tone EK johnswindells? I remember that car dealers
always had special cars for display at local shows, sometimes on a turntable.
2 years ago 1 Reply
adoecke
Amazing summary of the EK. Dad's �rst Holden was a new 'standard' EK in 1962.the vehicle certainly
stood up to Dad's style of driving over rough, gravel roads on SA's Yorke Peninsular. He used to
average what was then 60,000 miles a year, so changed vehicles every twelve months. It did have one
21 of 50 20/08/2023, 11:19 am
problem: overheating. As a 6 yr old in 1964, I was excited when Dad purchased a new'standard' EH
Holden. His �rst 'Special' was an HD in 1965.Various Holden models, including Commodores and
Camiras followed. At 91 yrs, Dad now drives a 2008 Holden Viva with 316,000 on the clock. Why it is
still going is anyone's guess...but it is!!
2 years ago 2 Reply
Blinkie1
Probably the way he cares for it and doesn't thrash either, mind you he may be the only driver
for the most part. I have an elderly friend who's Ford Mondeo (1994) just gone 365,000k's and
still going strong and he puts it down only driver, always maintained when required thus shed
stored.
2 years ago 1 Reply
DavidBurrell
A wonderful story adoecke, thanks for sharing it with us.
2 years ago 1 Reply
Chev62
I notice with interest, the question of V.I.N. (Vehicle Identi�cation Numbers) on 1960s cars is often
asked. Most recently with respect to the export LHD Holdens.
V.I.N. numbers as we know them today were never used in the 1960s and did not become the norm
until at least the 1980s.
GMH assembled Pontiac, Chevrolet, Vauxhall and Holden cars during the 1960s of course had I.D.
plates which gave body, trim, and paint colour numbers but these should not be referred to as V.I.N.
numbers as they are not.
A true V.I.N. number describes everything about a car. Numbers like this simply did not exist prior to
the early 1970s.
2 years ago 1 Reply
22 of 50 20/08/2023, 11:19 am
freeway64
Here's an EK Van in working clobber - installing TV antennas in the bush.
2 years ago 3 Reply
freeway64
The EK looked good in red and white as in this GMH PR shot in Melbourne's Bourke Street, but for
the life of me, I don't remember seeing too many in this colour. Was it because Australians were a
little conservative, and bright red was a little too �ash?
23 of 50 20/08/2023, 11:19 am
2 years ago 4 Reply
DavidBurrell
Agree with you Freeway, the red and white colour scheme looks right for the EK.
2 years ago 5 Reply
AussieChallenger
24 of 50 20/08/2023, 11:19 am
I agree about the Red color cars, I thought the FB looked better though with the side white
paint �ash than the straight Red with White roof on the EK. My own EK sedan had the Plum
color with a Pink (terrible)roof which I soon covered with a Black vinyl. I ended up having the
Plum resprayed in Acrylic with clear added on top and hand rubbing between each coat which
then took on a very deep color that shone under any light.
2 years ago 3 Reply
Blinkie1
That would of looked beaut in plum with black vinyl roof too AussieChallenger.
2 years ago 3 Reply
AussieChallenger
Like so many others I pictures stashed away for "safe keeping", I will endeavour to try and
dig them out soon.
2 years ago 2 Reply
LHDek
Great read on the EK development. Keen to learn more on the left hand drive units destined for
export - how they were designed in terms of dashboard, destination markets etc.
25 of 50 20/08/2023, 11:19 am
2 years ago 2 Reply
FFALCON
Cant help you with pic of the dash for left hand drive Holdens but have a look at the following
links
https://aso.gov.au/titles/ads/general-mo...
https://www.hrc.org.au/124
2 years ago 3 Reply
LHDek
Thank you for the links. I was looking at HRC web, but that export section I see for �rst
time. Looks like 1960's information is missing.
I have seen in live LHD EK dash, but I am looking more to see any archive pictures and
details for development.
And if by any chance to understand particular VIN on EK to which country was exported
to.
26 of 50 20/08/2023, 11:19 am
2 years ago 3 Reply
MarkOastler
Here's a short YouTube clip you might be interested in relating to LHD export Holdens. It
features the FB rather than the EK, but still relevant in this context: https://www.youtube.com
/watch?v=I5YR...
2 years ago 3 Reply
lenbenz
Loved the clip Mark, thank-you for that. Memories...
2 years ago 1 Reply
PonyRider
I forgot to mention that the sound of the Holden motor in Midgets at the Speedway was absolutely
�~
unmistakable. A totally di�erent note to O�enhauser or other engines. They sounded great ! ~�
2 years ago 3 Reply
27 of 50 20/08/2023, 11:19 am
DavidBurrell
I'm thinking of doing a story about Holden grey and red engines in speedway, PonyRider. Will
need to do some research, though.
2 years ago 3 Reply
Blinkie1
Be nice to see along with one on the slant six in speedway also.
2 years ago 3 Reply
AussieChallenger
From memory the Beasley Family in the '60's ran a Grey in their Midget in Victoria before going
to a European engine later.
2 years ago 1 Reply
AussieChallenger
Further to Blinkie 1 comment the Slant Six was popular, Chas Kelly from Tasmania ran a
VC successfully, an Ap5 ran at Redline in Vic too, they eventually �tted a V8 changing the
grill to AP6, the drivers name nick name was "Blinkie" by coincidence. A couple of Super
Modi�eds had them as well back in the '60's
2 years ago 2 Reply
kjscars
Charlie West ran a Holden motor in a speedcar (Midget) in WA early 70's (long after others
upgraded to imported racing engines) and kept all the far more expensive cars
(O�enhauser etc) honest.
I went to a "vintage speedway" display recently, and there were lots of grey and red motor
speedcars. Most had either multiple SU or multi bike carb (Amals) set ups.
28 of 50 20/08/2023, 11:19 am
1 year ago 1 Reply
DavidBurrell
Your mention of Charlie West, kjscars, reminded me that he won 30 main events at
Claremont back in the day. Always competitive, as you say, with the old grey engine.
1 year ago 0 Reply
kjscars
David Burrell; Charlie was a bit of a giant killer in that yellow number 26. My favorite was
"fabulous Johnny Fenton", who (like most) started with Holden engines but then advanced
to O�y's and Sesco's (then injected VW's) like everyone else.
But Charlie embarrassed far more advanced machinery with his car. I saw it years later at
a museum.
His driving posture was unique. Most "leaned into the corner"; but Charlie's lean was far
more extreme than anyone else's. Anyone who saw him drive will know what I mean.
I will try and attach some pics of speedcar Holden engines.
If they attach, all these cars powered by Holden greys.
29 of 50 20/08/2023, 11:19 am
1 year ago 0 Reply
30 of 50 20/08/2023, 11:19 am
DavidBurrell
In reference to the Chrysler slant six and speedway, a few were used by sedan and super
modi�ed competitors during the the late 1960s to early 1970s. Trouble was, these engines
were, when compared the popular Chev small block V8 or a red Holden six, required more
dollars to gain adequate performance improvements, which meant few were willing to
invest/risk their hard earned money on developing them when a Chev V8 was available.
2 years ago 1 Reply
PonyRider
Thank you again David and Retro Team.

You really stirred up some memories.
I'll never forget driving my Uncle's EK with the Hydromatic transmission. Last year at a car display at
Moray�eld Shopping Centre a bloke had a mint EK Wagon, and it got more attention than some
other classics !
Thankfully some of those prototypes didn't see production !

Cheers.
2 years ago 2 Reply
Andrewbris
I’ve always loved the EK as my parents had a wagon from when I was very young and my uncle had a
‘56 Chev wagon (which looked the same only slightly bigger) which was a RHD ex American Consulate
car. I’ve owned 2 EK’s.The sedan was a lot of fun but a rust bucket. It had a great auto/engine so it felt
fast. The wagon was also auto with a great body and snoozy performance. Enjoyed the sedan the
most. Thanks David for another great read. I look at the Shannon’s site regularly waiting patiently for
your articles.
2 years ago 3 Reply
DavidBurrell
Any photos of your two EK's Andrewbris? Your parent's EK wagon and Uncle's '56 Chev wagon
must have looked great when parked together.
31 of 50 20/08/2023, 11:19 am
2 years ago 1 Reply
Andrewbris
I wish I had photos for all the cars I have owned but none ! 150 cars and no photos ! I
never owned a camera but I’ll dig out the pictures of the Chev and there might be one for
mums EK. I noticed you’re at Jannali and I grew up in the Shire so I wouldn’t be surprised if
you have seen the dark blue Chev driving around.
2 years ago 1 Reply
Andrewbris
I �nally found a couple of photos. This Chev photo was taken about 1962 with my
grandmother and sister. The other is the old family hack an HT (the car that replaced the
EK) just before being rolled o� the trailer at the tip in the late 80’s. Not a straight or rust
free panel left and yes that’s me with my father’s 80’s turbo diesel 2 door Pajero that was
surprisingly good at towing.
1 year ago 2 Reply
Chev62
Another outstanding article! I really enjoy reading Retroautos. I greatest concern is that I never miss
an edition. That said, I believe the reason that GMH did not o�er an ‘up market or luxury’ version of
its Holden until the release of the 1962 ‘EJ’ models was simple because Holden was the GMH entry
level working class car.
32 of 50 20/08/2023, 11:19 am
GMH dealers sold not only Holden, but also Pontiac, Chevrolet, Vauxhall and Bedford. The status
order in 1961 when the EK Holden was released, was as follows:
High end luxury: Pontiac Laurentian & Chevrolet Belair

Upper middle class: Vauxhall
Working class: Holden
Despite the fact that GMH o�ered a ‘Premier’ in 1962 and of course GMH did continue to o�er more
and more ‘luxury’ with each passing year in its Holden models. It was not until GMH stopped
Australian assembly of Chevrolet and Pontiac in 1970 and the HQ Holden model was released that
the GMH luxury car was really o�ered under a ‘Holden’ badge.
Fantastic articles nevertheless. Thanks lots.
2 years ago 3 Reply
DavidBurrell
Great to know you never miss an edition of Retroautos, Chev62!

I agree with your view about why Holden held o� on a "luxury" model until the EJ. However, I
think they ought to have released a "luxury" EK in order to set a higher competitive benchmark
in 1961, and not leave it until mid-1962. I suspect they were attempting to manage the impact
on their Vauxhall dealers of the inevitable sales downturn of the Velox/Cresta models once the
EJ Premier was released.
2 years ago 2 Reply
FFALCON
I doubt a possible downturn of sales of Vauxhalls if a luxury version of the EK had been
introduced, would have been a factor in Holden delaying the introduction of luxury
versions of its cars.Those who bought Vauxhalls were a distinct breed from those who
bought Holdens. Vauxhall buyers would never have gone anywhere near a Holden, let
alone considered buying and driving such. My dad had three E Series Vauxhall Veloxs, he
always considered Holdens to be agricultural, cheaply built and mundane. Adding a few
extras such as Auto, Heater, Radio, Leather seats, and centre console and calling the car a
Premier, was not going to entice such people to buy a Holden. And in fact, when Vauxhalls
were discontinued in Australia, those who would have bought a Vauxhall, simply turned to
cars such as Peugeot, Volvo and Mercedes Benz.
33 of 50 20/08/2023, 11:19 am
2 years ago 2 Reply
bluevaux
I agree with FFalcon on the Vauxhall buyer. My uncle was a GM man through and through,
�rst Chev then Vauxhalls. When he could no longer buy a new Vauxhall he hung on to his
1962 Cresta until 1972 when he replaced it with a VH Valiant Regal, vinyl top, brocade trim
and all. He had always been a GM man but never considered a Holden a worthy
replacement.
2 years ago 3 Reply
FFALCON
Silvercloud, it is intriguing the the EK although resembling the FB was given the model code EK. That
suggests that may have been another model for which the EK model code had been allocated, having
been planned to slot in between the FB and the EJ but which never eventuated. It does seem
somewhat odd the with modern up to date Holdens [the EJ and EH] in the pipeline that Holden would
give the EK model code to what was a face lift of an older design.
With the EK being a rather hasty face lift of the FB, logically it should have been given an F model
code. The fact that it wasn't, suggests there may may have been another model being developed by
Holden which may have been unsuccessful, causing Holden instead to resort to a hasty facelift of the
FB.
2 years ago 2 Reply
DavidBurrell
We can all thank Dr John for revealing the Holden date codes in his book "Heart of the Lion". By
using the table below, you van see that FE:56, FC:58, EK:61, EJ:62 and EH:63. So, what about FJ &
FB ? Well, FJ:52, however the FJ’s release was delayed until October’53 and the same for FB:59,
the FB being released in January 1960, once again delayed, because of industrial action in
Holden's factories.
0=A
9=B
8=C
34 of 50 20/08/2023, 11:19 am
7=D
6=E
5=F
4=G
3=H
2 = J ( I is not used )
1=K
2 years ago 2 Reply
AussieChallenger
Another reason they might have gone to the "E" for the EK was it appears Holden were
going down with their lettering, FJ - FE - FC - FB - then "FA" brings up connotations, just like
Chrysler & the Commodore didn't have "VD".
One advance which was mentioned in this �rst article was the introduction with the EK
was removing the Vacuum Wipers, anyone who drove those earlier cars like me shouted
"What took you so long"!
2 years ago 2 Reply
FFALCON
Ford though still hadn't got the message. The XK Falcon still had vacuum wipers and
astoundingly was released with only a two speed auto.
2 years ago 3 Reply
AussieChallenger
From a mechanics point of view the vacuum wipers gave us another maintenance job in
that the pumps tended to leak oil and needed to be �xed, a bit �ddly but still a job.
2 years ago 3 Reply
Lexfan
If the FB was not motivation enough, the EK certainly gave potential Holden buyers a reason to buy a
35 of 50 20/08/2023, 11:19 am
Valiant, Falcon, Austin Freeway or an imported car instead, and never visit a Holden dealership again.
...and that's just what my father did - went from an FC straight to a 1963 push-button auto Valiant
and never owned another Holden through to his last purchase in 2004.
2 years ago 3 Reply
DavidBurrell
Great story Lexfan, and a familiar one back from the early 1960s when car buyers were given
the opportunity of a real choice of a family sized car.
2 years ago 1 Reply
MarkOastler
Another thought-provoking article David with your usual great selection of images. I’m also
impressed by the depth of specialised knowledge shared by Shannons Club members in their
responses to these reviews. They are just as interesting to read as the articles themselves, which is
why this website and its community is such a great destination for automotive enthusiasts.
2 years ago 5 Reply
Blinkie1
That motor must have been fully worked and then some David. It would of been screaming down the
straights with the pedal to the metal!
2 years ago 3 Reply
SilverCloud
The more I read your article the more intriguing it gets Retro.
Without the EK, the FB would have remained on the market until mid-1962 as it ended up when the
EJ was eventually released. However, as I recall the folks in Detroit had a �t when they saw Alf Payze's
proposed EJ, then intervened and re-did it, which all added to the time of the EJ release. The photo
you include taken late 1958, shows that Holden had the designs for the new FC, the FB in almost �nal
form, and the planned EJ (in prototype). No EK was then included as they had the EJ. Based on the
1958 date, it is possible that the planned release for that EJ may well have been sometime in 1961.
The Modern Motor pics of an EJ utility and van looking like the production models in the March 1960
36 of 50 20/08/2023, 11:19 am
edition might support that proposition.
Could it have been, therefore, that Detroit’s intervention and subsequent delay was one of the issues
(along with the others you noted) that then prompted the hasty EK facelift which you describe and
the EK was in fact released on or about the original release time for the EJ?
What I �nd intriguing is that Holden had decided that the FB wouldn't get the usual facelift like all its
predecessors and planned to jump from the FB to a new and quite di�erent model in the EJ, even as
it was initially designed. It is most unusual in the GM scheme of things but not without precedent as
GM revamped the entire US line in 1958 then completely new models again in 1959.
Is it possible that Holden didn’t bother with the larger 144ci engine as they already had plans for the
new red engines and so why go to the additional expense?
2 years ago 3 Reply
Blinkie1
It certainly sounds highly likely there Silvercloud, moreso your last sentence.
2 years ago 2 Reply
FFALCON
The Holden Red motor was a scaled down copy of a Chevrolet 6 cylinder. The design process
was begun around 1958 which would account for why Holden didn't proceed with the 144ci
development of the grey motor. In any case the Grey had probably reached the limit of its
development and would have required a major Re-Design in order to extend its useful life.
2 years ago 3 Reply
AussieChallenger
The Grey was a Post War engine originally designed for the Americans but Australia was
looking to build their own car and the American market was trending to larger cars so we
inherited it and strengthened it for our harsher conditions back then. The 4 main bearing
crank was outdated with the 7 main bearing cranks being used in all new 6 cylinder
engines. The early Fords and Slant Sixes did still have 4 main bearings. When a Grey was
modi�ed main bearing supports or strengtheners needed to be used as they broke
37 of 50 20/08/2023, 11:19 am
crankshafts otherwise. The solid lifters were also being replaced by hydraulic lifters
reducing maintenance also.
2 years ago 2 Reply
SkylarkCustom
Hardly a scaled down copy. The Chevrolet has in interal oil pump, starter on the opposite
side, and the distributor is much further forward on the block.
2 years ago 3 Reply
FFALCON
Yes I experienced a few broken Grey crankshafts in my time. As you say the Grey only had
4 main bearings which meant the crank was not optimally supported, leading to
crankshaft whip and ultimately breakage. The Gray originally had a relatively low
compression ratio for which the 4 bearing bottom end was adequate but over time the
the compression ration was raised leading to crank breakages.
2 years ago 3 Reply
FFALCON
The Red was indeed a scaled down copy of the Chevrolet 6, not an exact copy as you
contend but it was a direct copy of the Cylinder block, cylinder head etc. I have seen
copies of internal Holden documentation stating that to be the case.
2 years ago 3 Reply
DavidBurrell
The EJ was delayed by a couple of months because of the US intervention, but that happened in
1961 so it had no impact on the EK development as far as I've been able to ascertain. My
research pinpoints the "production" EJ, as Holden then thought it would be, in the GM design
studios for �nal approval by Bill Mitchell. In my Design to Driveway book series I wrote that
"internal GM Styling documents reveal that on August 22nd, 1961, GMOO requested, probably
at Mitchell’s insistence, that GM Styling 'evaluate Holden’s EJ proposal' and develop a counter
38 of 50 20/08/2023, 11:19 am
proposal or make re�nements. The project was given the code XP769, and one of Mitchell’s
trusted designers, Stan Parker, was assigned to work on the car. Note the use of the words
'Holden’s proposal'. It is a polite corporate message that the EJ had not been approved in the
USA. On September 15th, 1961, the correspondence references that work has started on
revising the EJ, using the “metal test car” as a styling buck with an objective of having the work
�nished by 18th October."
I've attached a pic of one of the US design ideas for the EJ, dated 9th September, 1961.
2 years ago 1 Reply
Lexfan
If I hadn't known better I'd have identi�ed this as an EJ with fancy wheel trims!
2 years ago 2 Reply
SilverCloud
39 of 50 20/08/2023, 11:19 am
Thanks Retro that is equally intriguing as you noted the FB, without the EK, would have
been around for a couple of years with no facelift and then replaced by the much more
dramatic EJ. Something very odd took place at the House of Holden that is for sure.
2 years ago 2 Reply
DavidBurrell
Yes, Lexfan, the US design changes were subtle. I've done a quick comparison image of
the EJ that was sent to the USA for approval, and one of the the US ideas, and circled the
main design theme changes. The thicker C pillar was not implemented because, I think, it
would have cost too much to change so late in the development processes. I suspect the
tooling dies for the roof and pillars had already been con�rmed at this point. The more
pointed rear fenders were also not implemented. Again, I suspect because of the high
cost to change such a large pressing. And at the risk of moving o� topic, I've always seen
the EJ as a less ornate version of the 1961 Chevrolet sedan. Which means it was totally up
to date with US design trends. And that was because of the foresight EJ's chief designer,
Alf Payze. He is one of Holden's unsung heros.
2 years ago 3 Reply
FFALCON
I think the Chev like styling suited the shorter wheelbase EJ better than the longer Chev.
But being more familiar with the EJ, that's probably a bias on my part.
2 years ago 1 Reply
40 of 50 20/08/2023, 11:19 am
AussieChallenger
I was just thinking through a few other things regarding why I bought the EK and what I had intended
to do to it.
First up the Grey Holden engine didn't have an Oil Filter �tted standard, incredible really but a By-
Pass could be optioned, I �tted many after market �lters (some people �tted dunny roll �lters). I
adapted the Valiant Slant Six oil �lter re-routing pipes inside and through the block, it was a lot of
work but gave the bottom end more cleaner oil. The EK & EJ had a 3 1/16" bore over the FB's 3" which
had made the FB slower over the FE/FC being heavier. I didn't know about the 144ci version which I
assumed was a 3 1/8" bore, I took mine out to 3 3/16" which gave it 149ci, going any further tempted
the integrity of the bore. I used to search out the EK & EJ blocks as they appeared to have thicker
bores for racing engine build ups, some very early Greys (FX) I had seen go out to 3 5/16". I rebuilt
many Grey engines back then as De-Coking and Re-Ringing was still being done but seemed to fade
out after the EH, better fuels & oils became available. The Grey did respond to modi�cations but the
Red Six & Valiants Slant Six introductions pushed the aging Grey motors slowly out.
2 years ago 2 Reply
FFALCON
In 1955 Repco produced a 12 port cross�ow cylinder head for the grey motor along with a
manifold to mount twin carbies. The conversion was used mostly by those racing the FJ and the
like but could also be purchased by the ordinary man in the street. Not sure the exact
horsepower these converted greys put out but I recall reading somewhere that the �gure was
around the 110 HP mark.
2 years ago 2 Reply
DavidBurrell
Those old grey engines could be made to deliver almost 200bhp in the hands of people
like Hedley, Chris and Phil McGee of McGee Cams fame. Here's Phil McGee �ne tuning
Johnny Stewart's Trackburner speedcar on the in�eld at the Sydney Showground
Speedway in the early 1960s. Stewart is casually smoking a cigarette.
41 of 50 20/08/2023, 11:19 am
2 years ago 3 Reply
AussieChallenger
I remember that the Melino brothers �tted a Phil Irving head to a FC ute complete with 6
Amil carby's racing at Fishermans Bend, they cleaned up. The tailgate was supposed to
stay shut but as soon as the �ag waved them away it dropped down reducing wind
resistance.
Also there was a FC racing at Redline & Brookland Speedways in Vic with a Phil Irving
head, he had 2 down draft Stromberg 97's.
2 years ago 2 Reply
DavidBurrell
Aussie Challenger, here's the comparison chart from the Holden product planning document
dated April 1960, which compares the FB/EJ 138 cubic inch engine with the 144 cubic inch
proposal (low and high compression). The Holden 144 would have produced 90 bhp, the same
as the Falcon's 144 engine. Holden gave up that competitive advantage by not introducing the
144 in the EK and the EJ.
42 of 50 20/08/2023, 11:19 am
2 years ago 3 Reply
AussieChallenger
A great article which brought back memories. My �rst road car was a EK Ute that performed very well
for me but was written o� 6 months later unfortunately. My second road car was a EK Special Sedan
Automatic, I bought the auto especially because the �oors were di�erent at the �rewall not having a
removable panel because they were larger with the automatic. I intended to modify this car �tting a
MGB 4spd gearbox with a modi�ed engine. After about a month of driving with the auto, it was a joke
behind the Grey but behind the Red Six it was OK. I �tted the original 3 speed manual from a Grey
due to �nancial restraints and never ended up with a 4spd. The EK was a heavy car but did respond
to suspension modi�cations, I toured around Australia with it only updating it when the Chrysler VG
Pacer was released.
2 years ago 3 Reply
FFALCON
I doubt the FB bodied proposal for the EJ would have sold. The rear sheet metal looks at odds with
rest of the body and the frontal treatment resembles a mishmash of various GM styling themes. The
grill most reminiscent of the grills �tted to GM trucks of that period.The front indicator/ parker units
resembling in shape those �tted to contemporary Vauxhalls and Opels. And the headlights and in
particular, their positioning, look like an afterthought on the part of the designer.
2 years ago 3 Reply
43 of 50 20/08/2023, 11:19 am
DavidBurrell
I'm not surprised the FB bodied EJ did not go beyond a very rough clay model. My
understanding of the proposal was that it was based on a "what if" question. That is, Holden's
senior executives asking the question "what if we just did a mild face lift? What would that look
like and would it sell?" The answer, as you say, is no.
2 years ago 3 Reply
Blinkie1
Thanks David as always another beaut read. You can certainly see the 56/57 era of the Chev/Old's in
the styling of the EK. It was a beaut looking ride I thought with plenty of bright work both in and out
2 years ago 2 Reply
FFALCON
The EK in reality was nothing more than an emergency stop gap on the part of Holden. Whilst its true
Holden with its massive market share had probably become complacent, it is also true that given the
plans and �nancial situation of its rivals Ford and Chrysler, Holden saw little need to be releasing a
new design. The Falcon was not even part of Ford Australia's thinking, being only brought in as a late
replacement when Ford Australia abandoned its plan to produce a face lifted / modi�ed version of
the Zephyr. And Chrysler Australia due to its dire �nancial situation was stuck with producing the
slow selling and outdated Royale. The Valiant only came to Australia in the end because Chrysler
Australia desperately needed something which would generate sales. Added to that, Australia in
1961 was undergoing a severe credit squeeze and it would have made sense to Holden executives at
the time to release a face lifted/ modi�ed version of the FB rather than an entirely new model which
undoubtedly would have been higher priced that the FB and which may not have sold as well due to
prospective buyers having di�culty obtaining �nance to do so.
2 years ago 3 Reply
DavidBurrell
As you say, FFalcon, the EK was a hasty stop gap. The American Ford Falcon was approved for
production in April 1958.An Australian team saw it soon after and made the decision to
terminate development of a revised Zephyr and replace it with the Falcon. Many of the Falcon
styling proposals are in my Retroautos story which traces the Falcons development. Here's the
44 of 50 20/08/2023, 11:19 am
link:https://www.shannons.com.au/club/news/re...
2 years ago 2 Reply
SilverCloud
Another very interesting and revealing article Retro, thanks for the insights. I recall the introduction
of the EK and as a boy at that time it was very di�cult to distinguish the di�erence from its
predecessor. Who knew about the internal bonnet release and the switch to electric wipers. The slow
slurring of the auto changing gears after it crawled o� from the lights brought a new sound to young
car-mad ears. Nothing like that from Ford or Valiant.
The changes made remained consistent with the previous model updates from the FX to FJ and the
FE to FC so I guess there was nothing unremarkable about what they did.
As you noted Holden still had a fair share of the market and still sold 150 000 EK's in about 13
months which was about the same as the FB (174 000 sold over 16 months). Interestingly, the EJ sold
about the same (154 000) in the same 13 months. Presumably the market had grown over the same
time period so actual percentages had begun to slip...until the EH. I think you are totally correct in
identifying complacency as having settled right by this time and would a�ect Holden for decades. I
suspect that Holden itself was not much di�erent in that respect to the parent company which would
also pay the price for its complacent attitude and lassitude.
I love the body side renderings for the proposed EK. The �rst one in particular had shades of the
1958 Oldsmobile about it and they all re�ected MrEarl's idea of "entertainment". The bumper
upswing at the ends also was tried elsewhere as I recall.
2 years ago 2 Reply
DavidBurrell
Here is a pic of the two main decision makers at Holden between 1953 and 1962. In the dark
suit is Harlow W. Gage. Earl C. Daum is seated. Daum was boss of Holden from 1953-59 and
Gage succeeded him until April 1962. Daum went from Holden to become chief of GM's
overseas divisions, and Gage followed him into that job too. It was Gage who ordered a "luxury"
version of the EK, which has been referred to a a pre-Premier. It was a one o�, but it does show
that Holden could have built a Premier EK by using parts and accessories from the NASCO parts
bin.
45 of 50 20/08/2023, 11:19 am
2 years ago 3 Reply
SilverCloud
Thanks Retro, what good company men they look too. No �ash gear for them that's for
sure. The idea of a luxury Holden kind of �tted with the idea of the "low priced" vehicle
moving up in class, with the paradigm already set with Chev's introduction �rstly of the
Bel-air and then the Impala. It must have also occurred to Gage that the greater the
luxury the greater the pro�ts from the same basic car. I guess it made sense in the end to
introduce the Premier with a brand new model, the EJ, rather than a jazzed up EK.
2 years ago 2 Reply
46 of 50 20/08/2023, 11:19 am
GarageofAwesome
I'm almost certain the pre-Premier came up on eBay a couple of years ago with a fairly
optimistic starting bid of $1,000,000. I thought I'd screen-shotted the advertisement,
because it was pretty aggressive in a 'I know what I've got' kinda way, but alas I couldn't
�nd it. Cheers!
2 years ago 1 Reply
rosco01
Thanks for sharing Retro. I was facinated to read how the EK came to be. My manual
Tartan Turqoise/Snowcrest white (roof) EK225 turns 60 on the 7th August next month. My
sister's late father in law drove the vehicle from the showroom �oor of Bill Patterson
Ringwood on this day in 1961. I have two photographs of the car after it arrived home at
29 James St, Ringwood - where it lived until the old chap passed away and I took
ownership on 26th October, 1972 - next year, I will have owned the dear old thing for 50
years. After purchase, I drove the car home to my then residence on "L" plates - I was 17
years old. I passed my driving license exactly on my 18th birthday and the dear old car
has been my loyal partner in all my driving life. I would like to post two pix of the car on its
arrival home on 7th August 1961... if it is appropriate. The vehicle has been insured with
Shannons for some 30 years now. I have o�ered it for use many times as a wedding car
and I have also had the honour of transporting vets in the Melbourne Anzac Day march
for a few years... sadly no long open to us. Kindly advise. Frats,
Rosco
2 years ago 1 Reply
DavidBurrell
Yes, rosco01, please add the photos of your '61 EK. It s a rare car that remains with one
family since new.
2 years ago 1 Reply
rosco01
As requested, two pix of the car the day the old chap brought it home to 29 James St.
Ringwood on 07 Aug 1961 (60 years ago), and one pic of the original registration
47 of 50 20/08/2023, 11:19 am
certi�cate. I have obliterated the registration number in all pix...
2 years ago 2 Reply
48 of 50 20/08/2023, 11:19 am
rosco01
And two pix of the car when I drove it home on "L" plates to Donvale... 26th October,
1972. Apologies for the very faded colour - Kodak Instamatic 126 cartridge camera using
colour negative �lm and printed.
2 years ago 2 Reply
rosco01
And 11th Nov 2007 tarted up for a wedding.
49 of 50 20/08/2023, 11:19 am
2 years ago 2 Reply
DavidBurrell
Thanks for adding the photos rosco01 !
2 years ago 0 Reply
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EK Holden: Never meant to be - 60th anniversary - Shannons Club https://www.shannons.com.au/club/news/retroautos/ek-holden-never...

EK Holden: Never meant to be - 60th anniversary

At best the EK only regained that backwards half step.

There was no mistaking an EK with HydraMatic.

Thanks to a number of previously secret Product Planning Submissions, covering the

The second is outlined, in retrospect, within Holden’s long-range Forward Product

The submission document went through multiple updates as the EK program

Chrome, chrome and more chrome.

But I can see where opportunities were lost.

Complacency always leads to lost opportunities and here are my observations.

Another variation of trim and paint from early 1961.

Luxury: At a time of increasing a�uence, Holden’s product planners ignored the

is a stunning amount of money to give away so easily to competitor companies.

View Retroautos Articles

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That two door looks real sweet zodiacv8.

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A wonderful story adoecke, thanks for sharing it with us.

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Here's an EK Van in working clobber - installing TV antennas in the bush.

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Loved the clip Mark, thank-you for that. Memories...

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