To FE or FC?

[Rodders]

Hi, I've always admired the lines of the FE & FC Holdens. Having visited this site for the first time, I now find I want to know more about these cars with the intention of buying one in very good condition.

I have, of course, a lot of questions, but if someone can answer this one, then I'll be able to find most of the answers myself.

I'm looking for a book which details everything about these cars such as Original model specs, Body styles , Accessories etc. One with plenty of pictures & photos.
My interest is in originality.
Is there such a book available and if so, where can I get a copy?

Also, I don't mean to start any arguments, but which car is more collectable, the FE or FC?

[Effie C]

G'Day
Too late for the debate, check out this string

http://www.fefcholden.org.au/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi?board=general;action=display;num=1019049202;start=

As to books, I have a few but not close by, try some of the motoring book sellers.

But why waste time just but an FC as like all things we all learn by our mistakes and the second version is always better than the prototype(FE)

Good Luck and buy an FC you won't be sorry
John M

[brads59]

Hi Rodders,
                 I know for sure that if you keep coming back to this site and checking your post,someone will be able to help you out.Thats great your thinking of buying an FE/FC.Why not become a member of our site.
As for which car to buy well thats entirely your choice.
I personally like the FC for its updated chrome and grille style and so on,but I am quite partial to the FE standard.
Again the choice is yours.
Welcome and im sure youll find this site as valuble as I and others have found it.
Good luck and keep us posted. .
Cheers BRAD

[craiga]

Also, I don't mean to start any arguments, but which car is more collectable, the FE or FC?

IMHO, if its a "collectable" your after, the list should maybe look like this:

FE219 Standard Wagon
FE217 Business Sedan
FC217 Business Sedan
FE2104 Windowless Van
FC2104 Windowless Van
FE215 Standard Sedan
FC215 Standard Sedan

Some colours and special builds are also rare (Army, Post Office etc), then a choice of FE or FC Special Sedans and Wagons, and Utes.

What does everyone else think of the order?

Cheers,

Craig.

[slim]

Great list, Wish I had 1 of each of them, Oh well at least I have one off the list. And great order there in . But do you think he will be able to find any off the list in good  order, registered under $8000.  Happy Shopping. P/s Id buy an FC if I were you !

[RET]

Rodder,

Welcome to the site.  Hope you find it useful.

All the answers regarding FE or FC you'll ever get are going to be subjective.  At the end of the day, the two vehicles are vurtually identical, and I don't believe that either is more collectable than the other.

I've owned both, and I lean towards the FE.  But maybe that's simply because I've only had an FE for about 10 years.  I couldn't have answered the question in the days when I had (at least) one of each

And Craig (like the new icon, BTW), I'd swap the 2nd and 3rd entries on your list, and have the FC standard wagon before the FC standard sedan.  That'll be 2c, thanks

cheers
RET

[rodders]

Still tryimg to track down a book. I've tried a few specialist book shops but I guess they were just not "Special" enough! I'm in Melb. Would greatly appreciate advice on where to get a book(s) from. Hey, I've already cleared a space in my garage for a car but I want to be armed with the right information before I hand over any cash. Thanks.

[RET]

Rodders,

Seems your original questions got missed in the argle-bargle about which model is better.

You'll find details of all the FE and FC accessories here.

As far as body-styles go, there are three sedans, two wagons, ute and panel-van:

Sedan:
* Special - by far the most prevalent - most usually two-tone, although single-tone was available
* Standard - the "Belmont" of the day - minimal exterior chrome, vinyl trim - one colour only
* Business - more or less the same as the Standard, with a couple of very minor variations (such as taxi-bar as standard equipment, light switch on pillar rather than next to light itself on roof) etc.  Rare as rare, was dropped completely during the FC's lifetime.

Station Sedan (wagon):
* Special - same trims and finish as Special Sedan, typically two-tone.
* Standard - ditto for Standard Sedan - rare as rare in FE, still uncommon in FC

Ute: trim and finish equivalent of Standard Sedan - one colour only
Panel Van: trim and finish equivalent of Standard Sedan - one colour only

Hope that's some help.  I don't know of a book that will help you particularly.  "History of Holden since 1917" is quite good, "Heart of the Lion" is more textual than tables of facts and figures, but an excellent read just the same.  "Australia's Own" is OK.  None of them specialise on FE and FC, and AFAIK there isn't a book out there that does.

Also, if you contact GM-H they will send you a copy of the "Holden Heritage" book, which has plenty of good pics and facts and figures.  You can even order it on-line from their website, and it's free!

Maybe you should get along to a Vic club meeting and talk to the gurus there.  Meeting details can be found here.

Hope all that is some help to you,

RET

[JB]

Hi guys,

Maybe that poses the question whether or not the gurus of the site plus anyone else interested should write a book. All of the information, photo's and wealth of knowledge gathered from this site would make an interesting read. Could be done in a similar form to the FJ book kicking around at the moment.
Thoughts anyone?

Cheers
Jason.

[Effie C]

I've heard on the grapevine that guru Ken is actually writing "The Book" on FE FC's, we are all awaiting with baited breath for it.
John M

[Rodders]

Hey RET, thanks for the info.  Very much appreciated.
That will get me started.
I'm looking to sell my MGA (if anyone is interested) to fund purchase.  Will join the local (Victorian) club as I get closer to purchase.
FC Specials? Are restored ones easy to find in Melb. The "For Sale" looks a little light on at the moment.
Where is the best place to find them?

[Effie C]

Will join the local (Victorian) club as I get closer to purchase.

Where is the best place to find them?

G'Day Rodder
It would probably be best to join club now and that way you will get to see all the news letters from other clubs with their for sale sections. Also "It is better to be inside the tent pissing out , then outside pissing in"  ::)in other words the grape vine is easier once you are within the loop and word gets around that you are seriously looking for a car.
Good Luck and welcome to the great FC owners world
John M