FE-FC Holden Discussion Forum

Hi, my father has owned a FE windowless panelvan for over 30 years.  It has a 186S engine in it, absolutely NO rust at all. Been garaged since the day he bought it. We've been told that the original windowless van is quite rare, but we're not sure how rare.  Can anyone help me with this? We'd like to know how many (if known) are out there, and how much the old girl's worth.  Not as if he'd ever sell it, it's mine soon!!  ;D

Jodes.     The FE panelvans are not worth that much so I was thinking if your interested  :-[ I will give you 3 slabs of beer and will throw in a bottle of bundy for the van just to get it out of your shed so you have plenty of room for another project.  :D :D :D (like drinking)
                                                                                     Grubby.

Jodes, take no notice of that Grubby bugger; he's trying to rip you off! It's worth much more than he says - I'll give you 6 slabs of beer and TWO bottles of Capt. Morgan, and just so as you know we're not all theives on this forum, I'll chuck in a fresh crayfish as well...

cheers,
Honest Jack

Since there were only about 5020 FE vans made they have always been considered rare even when new. Windowless versions are obviously now more desirable since a lot were professionally converted for specific use when they were a working vehicle and others were customised by the van movement in the 70's.
As to how many windowless FE vans are still left in existence - This is a pretty tough assignment to answer. I have records of 29 FE vans that I think are still on the road or are not far from on the road. Maybe half these are windowless. But then there are many more out there (like yours) which are hidden away in sheds.
Can you post ID plate details and chassis number so that your van can be included in the register please?

Ken

Jodes,

IMHO since the van has been modified ie. 186s motor, the value surely would have decrease significantly. jack_fc & GMVAN's offers seem very reasonable, bordering top dollar.  ;D :D ;D  Nether the less, if it does end up on the market I'm sure we can come to an arrangement where I reckon I could match the other offers as well as some cash, say maybe $100.  ;)

Cheers

I only have a crappy fc windowless van, i know of one fe and 3 fc vans here in NZ only two on the road mine and the fe.
Cheers
Clint. ;D

Jodes, I personally know 2 FE windowless vans, and they're both very fine examples - one in Geelong (Tony H) and one in Adelaide (Kathi aka NosFEratu on here...)

By now, you're probably getting the message that out of ALL the FE/FC models, FE windowless vans are the rarest...  :)

Because of their scarcity, there would have been very few sales over the last few years; therefore hard to judge its value. Of course, its current condition will have a huge impact on its value also. But fair to say that it would probably be worth considerably more than any other (non-windowless van) FE/FC in similar condition.

And re VAN059s offer; I'll match that and possibly throw in a little extra...    like an arm or a leg  ;D ;D ;D

cheers, jack

Jodes As for Jack's offer  I will give my first born, two legs and an arm and a little extra $$$ just so the van doesn't have to live in that cold southern climate ... ;D ;D ;D ;D......FC427.....

 ;D ;D ;D  You guys are funny buggers! Thanks heaps for all your help! I always knew that the FE was special, but as you all seems keen as cats, now i KNOW for sure she's a real gem!  I'll ask the ol fella to go get the numbers off her for ur records mate, no worries.  All I have to do now is sit back and wait for the FE to be all mine (wicked laugh) he he he

  HOW ABOUT SOME PIC'S JODES OR YOU JUST TEAZ'N US! PS; LEAVE YOUR ''OLD FELLA'' ALONE. ;D

Yeah ive got one fe van but i have two fc vans as well as a further collection of fb,s and fcs and fe,s wagons utes vans etc
regards fatboy

fink fc, im allowed to call him an ol fella, his nickname for me is fart! i'll dig out some pics and post them as soon as i can guys

Yeah the missus and I share ownership of an unmolested*windowless 1957 FE van. Should be back on the road quite soon*.

*unmolested = apart from lots of rust in sills, front subframe/floorpans
* quite soon = 2-3 years

Slowly, slowly the bird builds its nest :D
R.

Yeah, but truth be known, you just want any excuse to get a hook or a wooden peg leg! Tis a pity you don't have access to your "one legged" feathered friend anymore...  aaaaaaay Calico Jack?   ;)

And, yep Jodes as you've probably gathered by now, most people that have one will take a lot of convincing to part with them! They're one of the nicest body styles around - but I could be a little biased!   :)

your not biased, your right!

I had one... sold one... Look at the smile on Glenn's face!!

Probably a good thing, Kathi... I manage to get myself into enough trouble with two legged non-feathered birds already...  ;)

HEY JODES,BACK TO YOUR ORIGINAL QUESTION,''WHATS IT WORTH''.IF WHAT YOU SAY IS CORRECT ''IT'S RUST FREE'',AND IT'S NOT A BOGGED UP REBUILD,THEN MY OPINION IS THE VALUE IS AROUND THE 8-12K MARK.
IF I SELL YOU A FC GRILL AND INDICATORS FOR THE VAN, NOT ONLY WOULD YOU FATHER BE STOKED THE VALUE WOULD THEN BE PRICELESS.  GAZ.

Was going to mention how they always improve over the original, hence why the FC has to be better, but didn't want to start any arguments on this forum  ;D ;D ;D

Name the changes that made the FC van better over the Fc van then... can you get more than 10?
Real changes that is...  :P

No probs, I'll start with the obvious ones first:

1. Indicators - with the new design of the indicator housing it allowed an increase of approx. 25% or 30lx over the old FE design
2. Front Grill - the FC was the first Aust. built vehicle to use a wind tunnel to best design airflow into the radiator opening. With the wider design of the FC Grill, this testing allowed a decrease in cd (coefficient drag) for the opening, resulting in cooler operating temperatures
3. Price - price at release for the FE was (in pound) 1142.00 and for the FC (in pound) 1110.00, representing more bang for bucks
4. Engine - compression was lifted for the FC providing more power. FE 6.8:1 = 70bhp, FC 7.0:1 =72bhp
5. Steering - Turning circle was decreased in the FC, allowing it to become a popular choice amongst the criminal minded, for quick getaways in the other direction. FE = 37ft, FC = 36ft 6in
6. Paint - with the release of the FC model, Holden changed the interior paint from a lead base to a acrylic base, providing a safer environment for the rugrats to chew on
7. Leg Room - it was common knowledge that while the FE was a comfortable mode of transport for work duties, when it came to packing the family in to take them to church on a Sunday, the kiddies in the back struggled with legroom. The release of the FC rectified this when it gained an additional 0.7" in length over the FE
8. Lucky Draw - while not common knowledge, one out of approx. 40 000 FCs sold had a golden ticket in the glove box rewarding the owner with a trip to Willy Wonkas Chocolate Factory. Of the 5 winners, there has only ever been a reported sighting of 1. He was, allegedly, walking around Kings Cross at 4 in the morning mumbling something about FEs.
9. Release Date - at the release of the FC, the FE was anywhere up to 2 years older. It just made sense to buy a FC, hence the reason 36 563 more FCs were sold than FEs
10. Street Cred - quarter mile FE = 22sec, FC = 21.6sec! Enough said. 

am I havin a laugh?? am I what! I'm glad you only asked for 10, JB. It could have been a real mess otherwise  :D :D :D

Very smooth reply VAN059 :D

LOL, there were a couple in there that i didn't know... especially the legroom.

Gotta love the vans!

Cheers
JB

Thanks for the informative differences between FE and FC although it doesnt convince me to "upgrade".

Cheers
Paul

:) I'd like to think the less chrome on the FE not only makes it a classic but would make it more aerodynamic and the less weight, hence make the power to weight ratio enough to prove it was before it's time and the better choice !!!???  maybe that's why the price of the FC was reduced below the FE  ????

It's just a thought ???   :P  :P  :P

"Have A Great Holden ( FE ) Day !!!" :):):)



FE 4 ME