FE-FC Holden Discussion Forum

 ??? hey. im doing a report on Holden vs Ford and would love to get some info on personal choice and why. please dont hesitate to email me on any ideas you may have. thans

How about providing an email address?

Anyway it's more interesting if responses are posted for others to read.

Here are my cars and reasons

::)Company Car - Ford AU2 Wagon - coz I don't like Commondores (or is that "d" supposed to be a "wh"?)

8)FE Sedan - coz you can't beat that style.

;DLC Torana - a great hoon car and my very first car.

;)'66 Ford Galaxy - big old cruiser, it's like driving around in a nice comfy lounge chair.

Here's mine........

I own currently own three cars;

1995 Ford XR8 - Handles great, perfect sound (ford V8's make beautiful noise), quiet inside, smooth and comfortable. Purchased new in 1995 only has 45000 km's. Will keep this till I die.

1959 FC Holden Special (the 'poo mobile') - Owned this for 20 years. Has done about 450 000 miles. ;) Classic style, made of real steel, has great 'character'. Doesn't stop too well, doesn't go that fast, doesn't handle very well, but when you are driving it you feel on top of the world. They'll dig a big hole and bury me in this one, or it will rust out and I'll fall through the floor and die anyway ;D

1994 Subaru Liberty Wagon - Use this as an everyday car, about 45 000km's per year. Safe in wet or dry because of the fact it is a 4WD (but not a converted truck  ;)), handles itself well in all conditions, goes OK and the boxer engine sounds pretty good, kids can smash it about and I don't care too much. If they smash the two above they leave home, which is a fairly serious threat when they are only 4 and 5 years old. ;D
Keep this one until I update to a later model Subaru Wagon. (which will be soon)

I have owned an LJ Torana road car (stinky's right about these making great 'hoon' cars), LJ Torana drag car, re-built an LJ Torana GTR from ground up, VJ Valiant (Valiants are cool until the steering box or front end falls off, BTW a silver E49 or an E55 Charger are my dream cars), and I have had plenty of Ford, Holden, and Toyota company car's and van's.

Dad alway's had Ford company cars but owned Valiant's and Holden's. When I was younger I was a Holden man, probably because of their success at Bathurst when I was growing up. Dad sold an absolutely perfect low milage EH just after I turned 16 - what a bastard, I wanted that car  :'(  (He got $2500 for it in 1980 which was TOP[/i] dollar for that time.)

I still haven't let him sit in my FC, old grudges die hard. ;D

Some people blindly love Holdens or Fords and that's OK because their passion is important, but I now think people should try to appreciate all cars for their good points, and understand the fact that every model or make also has its bad points.

Look forward to reading other people's comments.

Good Luck with your report.

In my opinion Ford is just a 4 letter word starting with F.
My grandfather never owned one, my father never owned one, I never will and my son will be disinherited if he ever owns one!!!!!
I have had 23 various FE and FC Holdens since I was 16 and currently my non FE/FC car is a superb Panther VS Berlina and also a VH work hack
Commodores rule the race track, the sales charts and look a whole lot better the the current model FOULCANS.

I work in an Australian manufacturing company and am a firm believer in buying Australian made.  If we all buy imported stuff then I and half the rest of Australia are out of a job and this great country goes down the drain.
I don't car whether its cars or canned tomatos.  Buy Australian !!!!!!!!!!!

Ken

 ;D Good on you KEN,
                                 I am a holden man thru and thru, except for my 1950 Buick but that is GM also. I am restoring a FE special sedan,for the wife, and i am restoring a FE ute for myself. I drive around in a VK commodore,alway's had holdens and alway's will have holdens. Ken is right ford is a four letter word starting with f. But i can think of a 4 letter word also starting with S and ending in T :o. But hey each to there own or this would be a boring world if we were all the same. ;)

REGARDS SPIDER

I do believe that Fords are Australian made too. They might not be Australian owned, but then neither is Holden! :P

Well done on the purchase of the XR8 there Craig. ;)
An excellent value for money car, that will be unique in years to come, unlike all these HSV models around with their look-a-like twins.

just remember those early falcons, like the XK - XP`s and the GT era. these were and still are very nice cars .
those GTHO`s were the fastest .

good to see there`s another subaru enthusiast out there .


get over it !  :P

p.s coolaride`s other daily driver is a 99 WRX , maybe we should line our cars up ,hey Craig ? ;)



can someone tell me what this word is ?  ;D

Ahhh.

The early Holden, 3/4 the real thing.................... just a poor man's CHEV ;D
.


(http://photo.starblvd.net/airchief/2-2-1.jpg)

hey there air-chief  , nice flash kit  ;)

is that another tilli product ?    ;D

Hi.
I have owned approximately 12 Holdens of various vintage, the earliest being the FC ute I just purchased, & the toughest being a genuine HQ GTS 350 Coupe (I LOVED that car, but sold it & bought a house).
I have 3 Holdens at the moment & must say I love them, BUT, I do appreciate ANY classic or interesting car.

I have owned a VJ Valiant (Good solid reliable car), a Morris 1100 S (DON'T laugh!! This was a VERY worked car that THRASED more than a few Holdens & Fords my friends owned :P) that would run to 115 MPH!!! :o (VERY SCARY I admit).

I also have a 99 Nissan Pulsar SSS. 105 KW racer. This thing was the bees knees until you lined it up with a REX.  I still get a kick floggig the youngsters in their mobile Xmas trees. ;D

My dream car is a Shelby GT500KR Mustang.

But I will say that I am a bit Holden biased. I have never owned a Ford, but there is no real reason not too, it is just none of the ones I wanted were available when I was car hunting.

Also, that crack about the HSV cars is a bit odd ???. Of course they look the same, they ARE all Commodores to begin with!! How different do the Tickford cars look??? To finally get a Ford to beat the Holdens, Tickford have to buy Mustangs & re hook them.

Also, you have to admit, Holdens are a bit better at the engineering side of things at the moment.
The best way to gauge the popularity of a certain car is to go to an Auction. Down here Commodores & Camrys sell very fast for a high price. Falcons DON't!! They are going for up to $5000 cheaper than the Commodores. Used car dealers won't touch them.

Anyway, I probably have pissed a few people off >:(, but this is the way I see things.
Regards,
4hammers

 :)The 50's were an era of nostalgia......chrome was the thing....I bought an FC just for that....chrome....Aussie icon..... these things will never go away...I love hearing the older blokes say..." I used to have one of those ".... When I was young , I was totally Holden...you know, because dad had them...then Bathurst in the 70's ...now I can appreciate those early model Falcons, even if they don't have as much chrome as the FC's...I think they do up real well. :D

Air Chief,
yes you are right, Falcons are made in Australia, as well as a few of the Toyota variants, and yes they are all foreign owned.  As far as the "buy Australian" whinge goes - this means buy the product which is made in Australia.
I would rather see someone else (not me) driving an XR8 or a Camry rather than a Hyudai for instance.

Whatever product you buy - the profit goes offshore - at least you have the choice of keeping people employed!
Think about it !!!!

Ken

I totally understand the buy Australian slogan, however if the item that I wish to purchase is foreign made and it suits my needs better  I'll still purchase that item.  Buying Australian is not always buying the best quality or value for money.



What its meant to mean is: You spend your hard earned $$ on a HSV and within 12 months the market is flooded with look-a-likes. Not very unique looking anymore.



Where do you think Holden's motors come from????

That's the problem with any Holden/Ford debate, it doesn't matter with what intent the debate starts, it will always divide, and because we are for the FE/FC cause, maybe it is not a good thing that we do not get divided.
Maybe I am wrong?

Regards
Jason.  ???

Well, my first car was an FC Holden, as was my second. I had a HZ Holden Statesman for a while and my everyday car is my wifes Ford Laser. The FC worked hard everyday for many, many years and she deserves the rest. I can park the Laser in the street at work and not worry too much about it. I will never part with my FC, but my other dream is to own a 1928/29 FORD Hot Rod. Then I will be happy!!!
Regards
Alex

[/quote] From AIRCHIEF
What its meant to mean is: You spend your hard earned $$ on a HSV and within 12 months the market is flooded with look-a-likes. Not every unique looking anymore

You Might be spending your hard earned $$ on a HSV, and the market is flooded with look alikes. No different to a the 100s of GT look alikes, HK,HT,HG, Bathurst monaroes look alikes. They might look the same but unless the NUMBERS MATCH to identify as a GT,BATHURST MONAROE or whatever, its worth DIDDLY SQUAT. So they might look the same, but it's the difference beetween $30,000 for genuine to $3000 for a look alike. Thats just my opinion ;)

Ah. Healthy discussion, just what we need :)

I've seen many older and newer cars rebirthed. In the end its a set of numbers that makes it original.

I'll put it this way. You build yourself a modifed FE or FC. Just the way you want it to be different (paint, wheels, motor, etc.)Then someone comes along and copies it.  
Not really unique any more is it. ;)

 :) That is true airchief,,We are all guilty of that, whether it is from another FE,FC or a car from the latest street machine. You will look at something and think thats a good idea, how can i adapt that to my car. But everything is unique, there is going to be something that will set your car apart from the others,whether its noticeable to the public or not,if you have modified something to your car yourself then its unique, Unless someone copies it perfectly inch by inch ;)

YES, I like a good discussion!! ;D ;D
What I mean't by the crack about "Re-Hooking Mustangs", is this.

When was the last time a Ford won Bathurst using a Aussie built car, with an Aussie built Motor, while going up against an Holden (Which are ALWAYS assembled in OZ. As opposed to the Sierras) with an an Aussie built motor. ;)

I will re-affirm my like of ANY Classic/Interesting car REGARDLESS of make. But I LOVE early Holdens. I do like Fords, but am making a legitimate point regarding engineering. :)

Keep those replies coming,
4hammers

unique - of which there is only one.
             having no like or equal.

                              ;D

;DIf where going to get technical: unique- being the only one of its kind. It comes via French from Latin unicus (only,sole),which was derived in turn from unus(one). But in modern english, it is used rather loosely to mean 'unequalled,unparalelled or outstanding.' ;D ;D
How about we say just DIFFERENT  ;D
Nothing like a good discussion  ;) ;)

I love my FC :D
I love my XR8 :D
I love a cold VB :P
I love the sound of a V8 Supercar of any make :)
I love fat women (woops now I am just getting carried away ;D)

Keep it up guys its great reading and I've learnt so much about the word unique.

All we need now is michaels57 to reaffirm his love for HQ's!!!!

Hmmmm ???

Spider is a Lingwistical Genius (SEE if you can find THAT in your Funk & Wagnell's!!!) ::),

Craig A is a pervert (Fat chicks??? :-/, But likes good beer ;D)

But one thing we ALL have in common, is

WE ALL LOVE CARS!!! ;D ;D ;D ;D

DEAR TRYELLE

JUST TRYING TO GET PEOPLE BACK ON TO THE ACTUAL TOPIC AT HAND IE:WHY HOLDENS ARE BETTER THAN FORDS [OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT], I HAVE ALWAYS OWNED AND DRIVEN HOLDENS, INCLUDING A HQ AND A HX WHICH I LOVED DEARLY AND ONLY SOLD FOR LOVE.

CURRENT STABLE INCLUDES A VN WAGON AND MITSUBISHI TRITON 4WD DUAL CAB NOT TO MENTION "EFFIE" WHOM I AM IN THE PROCESS OF BRINGING BACK TO LIFE. WHY? THE WAGON BECAUSE OF KIDS, THE UTE BECAUSE OF LOAD SPACE,AND KIDS, AND THE FE BECAUSE YOU CANNOT BEAT A GENUINE CLASSIC OF THAT ERA [TRY FINDING A 1958 MODEL FALCON]. MY WIFE WANTS AN EH WHICH I MIGHT GIVE SOME THOUGHT TO AFTER I HAVE FINISHED EFFIE'S RESUSICITATION.

ALL IN ALL MY REASONS ARE LARGELY OF A PURELY EMOTIONAL NATURE AS MOST FORDS HAVE NEVER REALLY TURNED ME ON WHERAS HOLDENS ALWAYS HAVE.

DENIS

PS: I AGREE WHOLE HEARTEDLY WITH KEN RE BUY AUSTRALIAN AS MY OWN JOB DEPENDS ON IT. SO IF YOU NEED PAINT BUY BRISTOL, IT WILL KEEP MY FAMILY FED. :'(

Two years ago!!!!!
The car and the motor are built by the race team which won, based here in Australia.

sorry Denis , i just painted my bathroom and used Haymes paint .
but it does say Australian made and owned.
i guess thats one good thing.  ;)

next time i`ll buy Bristol  ;D

p.s in the mean time i hope your family doesnt starve  ;D

I guess we could all see this sh*t-storm coming from the subject line. The original question was about personal choice and why. Maybe we better get back to that before it's gets nasty.

You can mudsling, name call and quote figures and history all day, but you won't persude anyone to change their personal choice.

If I am wrong, I apologise, but aren't the Ford V8's imported from the US & have been since the XE (Or there-about's) ?? :-/
That race team may have RE-BUILT the motor, but it was originally a US import.

Ford DO make some kick-ass components, like the Top loader gearbox, & how many Holdens are running a 9inch diff? STACKS!!!!

I am not bagging the Fords, but trying to make a point. Don't forget Air-Cheif, my dream car is a Shelby GT500KR Mustang. :-*

 :)Favourite Car well I have to say FC Holden, I have owned many a Holden, ford, Valiant, Mini Minor and even a Vanguard but I still love my FC.
Current stock in the shed, 1 x 1998 SS Commodore, 2 x FC Holden Sedans and 1 x 1994 Commodore Wagon, plus the work supplied Holden Combo van.
As to V8 supercars never brand use a motor available to the general public, the Ford’s use a US nascar block as a basis and the Holden’s use a narrow V Chev block also supplied from the US. Apart from the general body shape neither vechile is really representive of what the average Joe blow can drive.
John M ;)

Hey 4Hammers

Each to their own.

Holden import their V8 as well these days. Ford just showed them the way ;)

I drive a Holden as my everyday car, given the $$ I would like to be driving a different make of car.

If it weren't for HRT I think many more V8supercar races would be won by the Ford guys.

air-chief 8)

Just to add

Favourite Car, well now thats tuff. Theres so many I would love to park in the driveway.  HK Monaro, a GT, 57 Chev, XR8. the list in my head seems endless.

At the moment I have parked in the driveways/garages are:
EK sedan totally original, that never sees the light of day.
FC sedan( not mine ), doing some work before it goes. Hint Hint. :-*
 FC Ute, Project to be started. Major Mods ;D
VL Calais, local runaround
Mazda Beaver tail, work horse.
Corolla, the little womens.

See No Fords! :o
And who knows whats around the corner :D

This is what sits in the garage next to the Poo Mobile.

(http://www.eposode.com/fc%20test/my_xr8.jpg)

No bias here ;D ;D ;D

 ;)HI TYRELLE
  YOU WON'T FIND A FORD PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY!
  I BELIEVE HOLDEN VEHICLES ARE BETTER ENGINEERED, BETTER  APPEARANCE, BETTER QUALITY, BETTER RESALE VALUE THAN FORDS.
HOLDEN VX AND FC OWNER.
REGARDS ACE. 8)

Well,

It has to be holdens  !!!!!! I have had 3 FC`s,1 HR, several Torana`s, VC valiant, 36 Plymouth, VR and VN commodore.XY falcon.

The commodores are crap, terrible brakes,dreadful handling in stock mode,The valiant up to the chargers out performed out handled any standard six holden or ford.

The old Plymouth I have had for 22 years it will be part of my estate when I die. For its time reliable safe only better was the V8 ford. As much as I love my FC and Plymouth if I had a choice of a new car now it would have to be a Subaru, or Honda.

Sorry guys Commodore and ford do nothing for my taste buds any more. They need to improve build quality for starters before I will even think about buying another new holden or falcon.

Regards ChrisB   8)

Whats That Colour??? Is it a new shade of Poo? :o

Mine would be the AUII if I could get the cash together for it :'( :'(


Still wrestling with that scanner >:( >:( have the pixs soon

Sorry but I agree with ChrisB.

If you are a devout Holden or Ford man and looking to purchase a new car take the time to go to your local Honda or Subaru dealer. In my humble opinion (and over the years that of Wheels, NRMA/RACV, Modern Motor) the Liberty is a MUCH better car than the current or recent past Holden, Ford, or Mitsubishi. Ok its a little smaller and has less power, but has standard 4WD, lots of power stuff standard, is extremely well built and finished (compare Subaru and Honda paint to Ford/Holden), is a similar price to a base model AU or VX, and retains resale value. It obviously won't tow a caravan or boat like the AU or VX but is much more fuel efficient. Smart choice is Honda or Subaru, emotional choice is Ford or Holden.

I bought my XR8 because its a manual V8 and I think it looks and sounds good. However the factory paint is thin in areas and it has had some minor problems in its cotton wool, never driven in rain, 7 year/45 000km life.
(OK all you devout, one eyed Holden guys can laugh at me now, but what was the Holden choice at the time - a VS Series 1 SS or an overpriced ($54000) Clubsport ;D)

My Subaru is 8 years old, has done 195000km's and has had 1 clutch (at 165000km's) and 2 CV boots 2 weeks ago. The paint is still perfect except for some chips on the front. It cost about $30000 new in 1994, and current Redbook is about $13000. The XR8 cost $50000 new in 1995, Redbook is now about $15000 (it always scares me when I look :'( )

Ford Holden = emotional purchase but Australian made
Mitsubishi = nobody buys because there is no emotion
Toyota's are well built and finished but boring as bat shit
Honda Subaru = Quality, value

From what I have read Holden and Ford aren't scared to admit their challenge is to keep up with the Japanese and Europeans. All power to them, for the good of the motoring industry in Australia, I hope they do.


We love our old Holdens for obvious reasons but the new stuff is a different story.

 ;)WHO REMEMBERS WHAT THIS TOPIC IS ABOUT??????????????
 REGARDS ACE 8)









HOLDENS' BEST FORGET THE REST!

Goodonya, Ace.   Seemed to me at the start that this question was aimed at having a stir and it got the desired result.  Why else put such a question on a HOLDEN board!   In my humble opinion, (and not being a cunning linguist), both Holdens and Fords as produced in Aust. are good vehicles for what they are designed for. I have owned both, but now apart from my beloved FE, drive a Nissan Pathfinder 4x4 which also is a good vehicle,  apart from being underpowered.  Cheers!  Sheriff.

i also like datsuns . ever since my mum drove me around in her yellow datsun 120Y with a vinyl roof.
those were the days.
i felt so special and lucky to be seen in it every day.
everyone was so jealous and i was so popular at school.
everywhere i went people knew my name.

"hey theres the kid whose mum drives that datsun , come and talk to us" they would say.

aah memories.

what the hell am i doing owing two fc`s and a wrx .
anyone know where a good straight 120Y is ?

coolaride  ;D

YES, I know how you feel, Coolaride!! ;D

My Mum had a Red 120Y with a vinyl roof. Man, the looks we would get  :o. I even remember the number plate, BB 3370 (TAS).Heads turned everywhere we went, especially when she gave it a bit of a blurt. The note that issued from the single half inch system was spine tingling!!! :o

You wouldn't happen to know the build number of you Mum's car would you? I am after the compliance plate details, as I think Mum's was a special build.

I am glad I am not the only one to appreciate the virtues of the MIGHTY 120Y :P :P

4hammers :D

thanks coolaride for the promise of helping to feed my family but were you really fair dinkum about yhe 120y?
were all those other children laughing with you or at you? i can understand a taswegian being excited by such a vehicle but an australian?

hope i havn't got too far away from the original topis


denis

Don't worry about the original topic, lets hear about those Mums taxis fron the 80's.

Mine had a 180B Dark Brown with the white vinyl white and Poo Brown interior.

Hi Denis,
This is the Tasmanian here. I think you may be a bit confused :-/
I am assuming we are taking the piss out of our Mums cars.
Also, if you are to knock Tassie & say we aren't part of Australia, maybe you should start using the capitals when you write Australia.

I have to admit, I have travelled the world spending time in Europe, Asia & have travelled Australia & the only people I have ever come across who think Tasmania is not part of Australia (or refuse to accept it), are RATHER CONFUSED!!! :-*

TASMANIA Rules ;D ;D ;D
4hammers

Just searching through the topics and had a read , It's good to see everyone's passion shining through !
Wanted to add that mum's taxi was a 38 Ford Club coupe ,327,No mufflers ,Chocolate brown and (Cantgivemaways}Aunger mag's
The comment's about the 120y's arent that bad ,When a car has no mufflers and Stands out like dogs balls
You cant hide !
Try to keep a low profile {I dont think so}I dont know how many kids have yelled out Mummy look at that big Volkswagon
Needless to say I dont think what you went to school in it's schoolboy nature to knock it..

My first car was a pristine XY Foulcan,I seen the light early and got a HJ Dropped it on its guts primered it tinted the windows and cut the exhaust's off before the diff to give that deep throaty rumble
but when the back window blew out at 80klm's and almost took out a motorcyclist ,Iknew then that it might be a bit too rusty
I followed on with a 73 Camaro,HQ coupe(still have} Corrola P/Van,VH Bommadore,64 Parisienne,EK Ute, FB Wagon,and a 56 Beetle
"I love FC's and EK's"

MMMM      Holden vs Ford      ,   got both , and had both

Started off with a'61 XK Falcon at 17  then 440 Cortina "L" , 72 & 74 XLE Cortina's (I found very under-rated cars , 250 CI 4 sp. would hang in with GTR's of the day, 120+ MPH stock) XY wagon , HQ premier wagon, 308, Statesman front (beaut car, but somebody wanted it more than me ,was never found)  '80 XD ,S-pack wagon work car (sold this to buy a house) undercoated HQ sedan , HQ panel van 600,000 miles 3 motor's and 3rd owner, BMW (E-1400 Blue Mazda Wagon) for work , 85XF wagon (sold at 350,000 k's)   still have 85 XF fairmont wagon (155,000k) (wifes) 86 XF wagon (208,000 k's)  still lot's of life left in both cars . .... Wife had a '61 Mini when I met her , then a LJ  4cyl Torana (YUK) then '79 Escort Ghia 2 ltr ,with h/duty shocks , 2" exhaust  6 1/2 Aunger hotwire mags (all her idea, she's a rev-head too).
      WHAT I really LOVE is when I take my DAD for a drive (He's 83 and had his licence cancelled due to health reasons ,3 yrs ago) . but He still has his car ,so I take him out in it .    IMAGINE THIS =                               1974, XB , Futura , 302 , 500 Holley, 7" chrome 12 slots , stainless steel twin exhausts , WITH 129,400 ORIGINAL K's on the clock, always been garaged (with a soft cloth over it )  and never been "Bent" , MAN I love driving that thing . He said "One day this will be YOURS" .
     BUT  "I LOVE MY FC 192"  Reason = THE LOOK , plenty of bolt-on go fast parts , and all the "head turning" when ever I have it out of the garage.Would sell the Mrs , before I sold "The FC".

So , after all this rambling on , both Holden and Fords have been good to me , so I sit on the fence. hehehe
Normd

Well I think it's time for a girl's opinion!

I love FE holdens :-* There, now that's said!

I grew up with my grandfather's FE station sedan as our family car.  I remember going to kindergarten and school in it, and even going on family outings in it when I was a young teenager.  I now own this car, it is still registered with the original rego.  It's my dream car and my life ambition since I was a kid has been to restore it.  This is pure, sentimental love!

I also own an FE special sedan called TC who is a beauty.  One owner 71000 miles and in great nic.  What a spunk.  This is vehicle appreciation coupled with sentimental love!

As the everyday car we recently traded from a Subaru Impreza (sorry only an RX!) to an Outback - mmmmm nice car.  Wouldn't buy anything today other than a Subaru for value for money, quality, drive and handling, resale value, and just generally that subarau s**ts all over anything else available.  This is called recognition of a good quality reliable everyday vehicle - with no love or sentiment!

So, having said all that, a REAL car is one with chrome bumpers and a metal dash - irrespective of whether it is a ford, holden, morris, VW, chev etc etc.  No new car today can ever match those cars and isn't that why we're all really here in the first place?  I think this is just called being born in the wrong era!

So the guy who posted the question should really clarify whether he is talking about new cars or REAL cars because they're two completely separate arguments.

And just for the record, I remian absolutely and hopelessly in love with my FE holdens.....I really must apologise to my husband one of these days!

Cat  ;D  

I reckon your husband must be mad to allow that kind of carry on!!

Well PTB,
Why not out your money where your mouth is  :o ....Holden or Ford?

I think holdens have got more character.
Sure ford made good diffs and gearboxes,but hey id die in my FC HOLDEN.