FE-FC Holden Discussion Forum

G'day everyone.

I couldn't keep this to myself any longer.

Attached is a photo of what I believe to be the only extant FC Holden prototype, which I have recently acquired. It shows a number of changes from the final design, although they appear to have setted on the paint colours. It also has a previously unknown four cylinder engine of the same capacity as the grey (it appears the Starfire wasn't the first). To keep it secret it was not registered as a Holden.

It looks like Cajerridoc missed this one 8)

(http://i25.tinypic.com/315btli.jpg)

More to come

Cheers
John ;)

What a great find. More photo's please. Whats its history /ownership history?

Hi Johns

Yes, please provide more info and photos and, no offence to your prized acquisition, but I think GMH made a very wise decision on the final styling of the FC! 

Kathi  8)

They must have made two!  ;)
(http://www.users.bigpond.com/spacemaster1/cars/snapshot/ms0017a.jpg)

Hi Stinky

Yeah - but do you have that one in your garage?????

Kathi  8)

Hi all

Thought it looked familiar, just did a quick google on "Standard Vanguard 1957". 
http://www.motorbase.com/vehicle/by-id/1123/gallery.ehtml

It looks like GMH might have used the Standard Vanguard Vignale (1957 - 61) as a "concept/prototype car" for how the FC might look. Still reckon the FC looks far better !

Kathi   8)   

 ;D ;D ;D The FE was the prototype for  FC ;D ;D ;D

Hi Ace

Now some FE owners would say that GMH didn't really know how to improve on the FE so, as was usually done in America, they took something that was perfection and just added extra chrome!   

And yep, I'm waiting for it ......   :-*

Kathi  8)

Kathi
I will not get in to the whole First Edition V First Classic debate, however I will say I am so glad they made improvement to the prototype known as the FE and came up with the refined and elegant FC.

Truth be knows Johns car was most likely registered as a F%#d or some obscure euro car. GMH made a wise decision on that one. The phrase  "ugly duckling" comes to mind for some reason.

Cheers Jim

"Lest We Forget"

Hi Jim

It's all a matter of taste and opinion! It's just like most artistic creations, it's what is left off/out that is most important and gives it the wow factor - added "bling" is not required on perfection!  :D

And, a lesson in economic history - if it wasn't for the credit crunch and economic downturn in the mid 50's there might not have been an FC as GMH would have gone straight from FE to FB.  It's obvious that GMH could not afford the investment to produce the Chev '57 styled FB within the usual lag time of American releases and therefore just revamped the FE by adding more chrome in an attempt to fool the masses!   ;)

And again, I await more!  :-*

Final comment - we also all know that black is used to disguise things that are hard on the eye.  So, as my car is black, I therefore contradict everything I've said!   ;D

Kathi  8)

And, yes "lest we forget"

MMMMMMMMMM chrome 8).

Shiney...me like shiney :D

are you selling it already?

this just popped up on evil bay

Item number: 160233916996 
 
appologies if ive stuffed something up here   :-\ :-\

And another Spacemaster appears ........FC427......

First of all "Lest We Forget"  I cant wait to teach my kids the ANZAC Legend.  It MUST never die.  John, that thing is a bloody Hillman of somesorts.  At least give us a few more details?  Ive seen a few prototypes in books disguised as OPEL's but this looks like a bloody Hillman

if i really liked FE/FC holdens (not that i don't) i'de be ashamed to say that's where they came from
no offence but that thing's horrid

Forgive my ignorence here on all things FE/FC but.....

Are you sure that someone isn't pulling your leg a bit? Stick a few Holden bits on and claim it is a prototype? Was the Holden factory also producing Vanguards at the time? Could some of the workers have had a bit of a laugh with the badging?

Again, I am ignorant but......

Hi Paul

I think very much that Johns has done this to spark some discussion - I had the distinct feeling it was a Vanguard when first looked at it but thought "no it's ANZAC Day not April Fool's" (add to that the fact I'm a newbie here and don't "know" a lot of people's personalities yet) hence my first responses.

It wasn't that uncommon then, as is now, for mock ups to be produced, so I allowed myself to fall a little...... but my attempt at suppressing my skepticism failed me and I searched for "Vanguard 1957" and script on the front door definitely says Vanguard (when enlarged). 

Anyway, it's been some fun and it does prove that there are so many makes and models out there that use similar styling elements then and now!   ;)   And FC's definitely look much better - OMG did I type that? - regroup - No, it's OK to say that cos I'm not comparing an FC to an FE!  ;D

And good luck with your search for another car!

Kathi  8)

Nice looking car, John.

At the risk of sounding like an old fart, styling has been borrowed and copied throughout the history of cars.  Can anybody tell the difference (except for colours) on some of today's models when you are cruising down the highway ???

Anyway...

Here is the FC Prototype from the GMH Archives as reprinted in Shane Birney's 1985 book "Australia's Own".


(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2088/2442151462_fc7c5fdd9b.jpg)

... and here is the FE Prototype, registered in Victoria and dressed up to be an Opel Kapitan to fool the public.

From the same source as the pic above.

(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3232/2441326087_eb2b0808d0.jpg)

It's a shame they didn't retain the front bar.

Lucky me!

at leaet a one peice bumper would have been cheaper to chrome

Hi Shayne

You don't sound like an old fart to me, there have been very few true original styles and designs in the automotive industry or in many other industries either.

I'd seen the FE prototype but can't recall the FC.  The flash and the whitewalls really give it a great classic custom look........ now if it was just dumped a bit! ;D 

Kathi  8)

not that i don't like the stainless on an FC, but i do like the stainless on that prototype pic 8)
but you couldn't 2 tone :( other than different colour roof

You shoulda got a coupla years newer model, then you'd have a Phase III that'd ereally get up the noses of the blue oval boys.

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