Holden 48-215

The Holden 48-215, also known unofficially as the Holden FX is a mid-size, six-cylinder sedan which was produced by the Australian automaker, General Motors–Holden's Ltd between November 1948 and October 1953. The 48-215 was the first model from General Motors–Holden's to bear the Holden name.

The design was originally penned in the United States by Chevrolet, but was not used because it was deemed too small for the U.S. market as it developed after the war. Instead the design became the basis of only the 48-215 model. Development of the 48-215 began in 1944. Three prototypes were built by hand in 1946 by American and Australian engineers at the General Motors workshop in Detroit. Months of durability and performance testing were undergone in the US before the three prototypes were shipped to Australia. Registered as JP-480, prototype no.1 is the only survivor of the three test sedans which became the definitive model for millions of Holden cars. The sole surviving prototype, Holden Prototype Car No. 1, is part of the National Museum of Australia collection.

In the absence of an established supplier base in Australia for auto-making, new forging facilities had to be set up for producing crankshafts and a new foundry was set up for major castings. In order to hasten the project to production some simplifications were incorporated. There were no direction indicators, there was no provision for heating or demisting, and at the rear there was only a single, centrally positioned, tail lamp. Because of the mild climate in most of the populated areas of the country, it was found possible to save weight and cost by using a relatively small 6-volt 11-plate battery. Interior trim was minimised: weight reduction was pursued "with great vigour" and, in view of the 2247 pound (1020 kg) weight in "running trim", a success.

The Holden was released for sale to the public in 1948 at Port Melbourne, Victoria, by the then Australian Prime Minister, Ben Chifley. The car was marketed simply as the “Holden”, without a model name. It had a 132.5 cu in (2,171 cc) cast-iron straight six engine which produced 60 hp (45 kW), connected to a three-speed manual transmission. It managed the 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) sprint in 18.7 or 27.7 seconds. Sources differ. It also had a dust proof body, and a small 37 ft turning circle.

The 50-2106 coupe utility, based on the 48-215 sedan, was released in January 1951 and in July 1953 the "Holden Business" sedan, essentially a taxi version of the 48-215, was added to the range. The 48-215 and 50-2106 models were replaced by the Holden FJ series in 1953.

• The first Holden 48-215 sedan off the production line.

• An advertisement for the 48-215 from 1948. Note that it was marketed simply as the "Holden".

• Holden 50-2106 Coupé Utility

• Queensland launch of the vehicle, 1948