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• Auction House:
  Mossgreen
• Sale Name:
  Collectors' Cars, Motorcycles & Automobilia
• Sale Date:
  19 Jun 2016 ~ 3pm
• Lot #:
  46
• Lot Description:
  1959 HOLDEN FC SPECIAL SEDAN
  Single family ownership since new. Chassis No: FC61874/M; Engine No: J150932; This vehicle will be sold unregistered.
• Notes:
  The singularly most recognisable Australian automotive production is the Holden and the very first was the FX model, launched in 1948. Five years later, its successor, the FJ, was launched. It was so popular that waiting lists were long and many canny buyers made large profits on-selling their new acquisition immediately in the used car market. These models are both affectionately known as the Humpy. So intrinsic was the birth of the Holden to motoring in Australia that a team consisting of Australian racing drivers Tony Gaze, Lex Davison and Stan Jones successfully completed the 1953 Monte Carlo Rallye in an FX Holden with everything down to the pencils being made in Australia. Patriotism was high and the post war economy boomed and, in 1956 Holden commenced exports to Malaya, Thailand and North Borneo. The Dandenong production line had been opened in 1956, providing many jobs and by 1957, Holden's export markets had grown to 17 countries. By 1959, Holden employed 19,000 workers country-wide. In Australia, Holden held over 50 percent of the market share by this time with the revised FC model that followed the FE. Although the FC series was essentially the same car as the FE and the engine carried over from this series, the camshaft was altered, the compression ratio was increased and the torque was improved creating a more pleasurable cruiser. All FC models were powered by a 132-cubic-inch (2.2 L) six-cylinder engine producing 72 brake horsepower (54 kW). Other mechanical improvements were made to the suspension, brakes, gear linkages and the steering box. The new model also featured upgrades to the radiator grille, body trim and interior. A Wheels Magazine article stated: 'its designers have steered an excellent course through the paths of compromise required by modern practices. The Holden (FC) has far fewer faults than many cars with higher price tags and imposing overseas origins'. The FC Special Sedan gained glamorous appeal with some features appropriated from the 1955 and 1956 Chevrolet with generally more chrome to the side mouldings and grille and eye catching two-tone paintwork. H-O-L-D-E-N letters were proudly emblazoned across the leading edge of the bonnet. The dashboard was changed to accommodate an optional transistor radio introduced in 1959, accompanied by a half-circle steering wheel horn ring and a cowl around the instruments to improve distracting reflection. The FC Special included the interior 'Elascofab' vinyl armrests to the front doors and courtesy lights. The driver's seating position was adjusted accordingly. After the production of 191,724 vehicles, the FC was replaced by the FB series in January, 1960. This 1959 Holden FC Special Sedan presents in barn find condition having been held in one family since it was purchased on 24th November, 1959 by WW1 veteran, Vincent Smith and his wife Leila. Vincent Smith served with the 40th AIF Battalion. Raised in 1916, the battalion was recruited completely from Tasmania as part of the 10th Brigade, 3rd Division. During the war the battalion served in the trenches along the Western Front and had the distinction of having two of its members awarded the Victoria Cross. The original Owners Certificate has been retained and the receipt of sale shows it was purchased from Preston Motors Pty. Ltd on 24th November, 1959 for £1,085:14:9. According to the vendor, the ownership subsequently passed to Leila, in 1960 and then to her daughter, Shirley in 1965, who went for her driver's license in the car. An apparent engine change took place to a 1963 EJ Grey motor bearing the engine number J150932. It is the 29,414th Special Sedan manufactured in Melbourne. The livery is described as Two-Tone Royal Marine over India Ivory. The interior is Venetian Turquoise with Parchment Ivory. In otherwise original condition this iconic piece of Australiana and the car of choice of one of our cherished Diggers, presents an opportunity to own a piece of Melbourne's history that has remained within one family for 57 years. This vehicle was assembled in Melbourne during November, 1959 and last registered in 1986. The car will be sold with the original owner's certificate, original purchase receipt from 1959 and the original set of number plates, HBV 733 with transfer paperwork.
• Estimate:
  A$8,000 - 12,000
• Realised Price:
  *****
  

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• Category:
  Automobiles & Accessories

This Sale has been held and this item is no longer available. Details are provided for information purposes only.