FE-FC Holden Discussion Forum

Here are a couple of pics a found recently in a little booklet about the Holden Proving Ground at Lang Lang....

(http://photo.starblvd.net/hewart/3-4-3.jpg)

(http://photo.starblvd.net/hewart/3-4-4.jpg)

The centre spread... an artists impression...
(http://photo.starblvd.net/hewart/3-5-2.jpg)

and the cover... (yes I know FB, but a couple of the pics were FEs) ;D
(http://photo.starblvd.net/hewart/3-4-2.jpg)

Cheers
Les....

... and a couple more pics, but I can't remember were I found 'em... sorry..

(http://photo.starblvd.net/hewart/3-4-5.jpg)

(http://photo.starblvd.net/hewart/3-5-1.jpg)

Cheers
Les....

nice shots les

Some great photos there, Les.  Keep up the good work.

These are really interesting because when the FE was released, Lang Lang wasn't finished.  So the car wasn't really 'proven' in the same way that later models were.  It was most likely driven around at night and/or out in the boonies like the 48 and FJ.  This limited testing showed itself in the number of modifications made structurally to the FE in early '57.

The testing of the FE was done somewhat retrospectively, and there were a whole raft of body changes made in about April of 1957 to improve the vehicle's rigidity.  Presumably this came about after Lang Lang was finished in late '56 and proper stress testing could be done.  That may well be what these photos have captured.

I've got some schematics from GM-H Service Bulletins showing the reinforcement done to the bodies, which I can post here if people are interested.  (I'm fascinated by this early FE stuff, but that doesn't mean everyone is...)

cheers
RET

Hi Richard,
I for one, would be interested in seeing the body modification details and service bulletins.

Regards,

Geoff_K

G'day Richard...
Glad you like the pics....! As for the other info you've got... bring it on... I'm always keen to learn more.... I guess all that testing and the improvements you mention, makes for a better FC too in the long run...;D

Also, if the FE had already been tested in the streets.... maybe they were testing the testing ground...? ;)

Cheers
Les...  

Nice shots,The FB seems to have a different colour combination.On my computer it looks yellow with a red flash.I dont think I have seen those colours before

Cheers Geoff

The FB.
That FB photo is the one used in the "History of Holden" Jigsaw puzzle. In that it looks to be a creamy white with poo flash.

Cool pics Les.
I have LOTS of pics taken at the proving grounds from lots of publications, and a few Holden pics released for the 40th anniversary. When I find some time I will load them to a photo album and share them.
Here's one I came across on the National Archive site.
Regards
Alex

Would be interested to know what the body changes were between the FE and FC .
Were the FC's built better ;D, there seems to be more on the road than FE's.
FE's are very rare in WA.
Is it like comparing the HD and HR?, don't see many HD's.
VB commodores, where are they?
VN's are starting to get thin as well.

Regards  Seb 8)

Great pictures guys keep them coming.
Cheers,
Graham

Seb,

There were fewer FEs to begin with than FCs: 155,161 FEs produced, as compared with 171,924 FCs.

As for the FC being a better car, that's a whole different can of worms.  Best not to open it :-X

To be fair though, the FE was a whole new car with its share of teething problems.  As I mentioned, it was released without the level of testing that the 48 had (in US and here), and certainly everything released since has been given the Lang Lang treatment.  But once the niggles were sorted, the platform was used for FC, FB and EK models, so it must have had something going for it.

I'll scan the pics of the chassis strengthening this week and post them.

cheers
RET

RET,
My comments  regarding the FE V's FC were made with my  :P tongue firmly in my cheek.
Can't wait for the pic's.

Seb ;D