FE-FC Holden Discussion Forum

"Shayne" sent me a link to a few photos he came across on the National Archives Site, with a message that there were more similar. Well, when I saw this pic, I almost wet myself with excitement. I immediately recognised this location as Fishermens Bend in front of the Social Centre and thought "Launch pic".

(http://naa12.naa.gov.au/scripts/ShowImage.asp?B=11793138&T=P&S=1)

I have never seen any pics taken at the launch of the FC before. I searched around and found even more.

(http://naa12.naa.gov.au/scripts/ShowImage.asp?B=11450583&T=P&S=1)
(http://naa12.naa.gov.au/scripts/ShowImage.asp?B=11793139&T=P&S=1)
(http://naa12.naa.gov.au/scripts/ShowImage.asp?B=11793117&T=P&S=1)

I must thank Shayne for his research, and for bringing these pics to light. My interest in them is so great, I think I might order some prints from NAA.
Whilst following the leads, I also came across some other interesting pics that I will share later. Also some other great shots unearthed by Shayne.
Regards
Alex

hi alex    great photos of a great occasion
 looking forward to seeing others
             cheers trev

Great photos - the first one is quite unusual.  It's a pity that there's not more detail on the left hand side, as I'm guessing there was a ute and a wagon lined up there.

It's very interesting that the wagon should have a '59 style paint scheme.  I was under the impression that '58 wagons had roof/insert/tailgate all the secondary colour, and that '59 models had just the insert/tailgate.

Maybe this is a one-off, or perhaps there was variation in the way each of the factories did them?  Ken?

cheers
RET

Another great lot of pics.  I love these original looking pictures cant wait to see more as then come up

MICK

G'day guys...
Great find...!! I don't recall ever seeing FC launch pics before either.... Can't wait to see what else you've found...!!

Any chance of posting "that" link here maybe...??

Cheers
Les.... ;)

Gday All,
Les, there isn't really a simple way of posting a link here, except to the search page of the National Archives Site.  I'll post it here, and you just type in your own search parameters (eg Holden, and years 1956-1959)

http://naa12.naa.gov.au/scripts/PhotoSearchSearch.asp

It is quite tedious to search through the list, and lots of the pics aren't actually shown, only listed.  I've requested that they post a few more on their website, so they may do that.  Perhaps a few more keen people could do the same thing.  The other thing is that a lot of the dates are wrong (they must be dates the records were filed or donated etc) and some descriptions are very vague.  They are receptive to suggestions for improvements though.

I find it interesting to spend an hour or so looking through their collection, and have copied a heap of pix (not just old holdens) along with the Archive numbers for future reference.

Happy searching, it is an excellent site, it just takes a while to find things, bit like fishing around in my shed for car parts!

Hi Shayne & Alex
Thanks for the great Photos and the link. I was in there the other day and found some really great period photo's.

Keep them coming.

Cheers Jim

Hey RET.
I thought the same as you re the wagon and that perhaps it was a later pic. But the models in the pics are the same in 3 of them, so you would have to conclude it is the same day. Interesting, hey!
Regards
Alex

Hey FC008, speaking of photos , how about posting or emailing me some pics of your car, haven't noticed them on the forum , just love the colour scheme.
                                       Cheers Rusty

Wow, well found Shayne, and well followed up Alex.

Wouldn't these be amazing shots in colour! What colour do you think the FC sedan is? Maybe Red?

Great post, thanks a million guys.

Cheers,

Craig.

Another round of fantastic photos alex and co they are quite simply out of this world and so RARE. I have never seen any launch pics at all re the FC range and these are certainly worth the wait. Craig i would guess that the color scheme is red and white or variations of. Ken what do you think? and what is the story with the late model color scheme on the wagon? Good call Richard it is a shame that the first picture is not more panoramic as it would have showed the whole model range. A great post maybe more will turn up on the great archives site.
Brett

Very confusing indeed as all my research shows early wagons with the roof in flash colour.
SPECULATION - obviously these are very early cars and it is maybe possible that GMH changed their mind on the wagon colour scheme and only a few early cars were painted this way until the sedan changed in 1959.
I think it was possibly not liked that the 2 colours met without a chrome stripe in between them.

I think the colour is too light for red, I think it is more likely to be the famous (infamous) poo colour - Corsair Tan
Ken

In the "Station Sedan" pic there is a triangular sign with a Holden lion on the wall which i always thought was introduced for a later model Holden. ???
Does anyone know anything about this sign? ;)
Regards ACE 8)

Found this engine shot from what I believe to be the same day as the other shots outside the Social Centre.
(http://naa16.naa.gov.au/rs_images/ShowImage.php?B=7582115&T=P&S=1)
Regards
Alex

Wonder if the VZ VE series will be viewed in the same way in 50 Years time?

ha, ::)
    that's if there new owner's live that long after buying one, as the seat beat's are already in fail :o mode.
maybe the series 2 owner's will do it for them once holden correct it. ;D.

whats that thing hidden behind the left hand side bonnet spring in the shot of the engine bay?    ??? ???

Is it a washer bottle?    8) :o :o

Hey earlee.
Ain't nothin' there but hinge...
Regards
Alex

right - I must be a dickhead!   8) :o :o