10,000th Export Holden = FC

[customFC]

Here's another pic discovered by Shayne. I dug up a few extras. Great shots of FC's on the wharf awaiting shipment overseas, including the 10,000th Export Holden, an FC.



An interesting point that Shayne pointed out, was the whitewall tyres on a new from factory car. Probably wanted the 10k car to look it's best.
These are more National Archives pics.
Thanks again Shayne for doing the research.
Regards
Alex

[nicko]

where did we export them too,besides New Zealand

[Shayne]

Nicko,
here is a link to the Export History page on Holden's website.  It's a bit vague, but it's possible that FC/FB/EK models were exported to Singapore, New Guinea, Malaysia, and Thailand, as well as of course, New Zealand.   I have seen pictures of FJ's in New Guinea in 1954, so they would be pretty early exports also.
Undoubtedly some of our history buffs will have more info on this.

http://www.holden.com.au/www-holden/jsp/corporateinfo/exports/exports.jsp

Cheers Shayne.

[Ed]

Whilst on holiday I spotted a nice HR cruising the streets of Bangkok.

Cheers

Ed

[customFC]

Fiji was another destination for export Holdens.
These would not have been destined for New Zealand though. NZ had an assembly plant opened during the FE period, so FC's would have been sent over in CKD (Complete Knocked Down) form.
I have seen pics of FE/FC's in England and the USA, but these would have been in limited numbers for assessment and promotional use.
Regards
Alex

PS perhaps this would make an interesting thread........pics of FE/FC's in different countries........would this interest anyone?

[Hewart]

I'd definately like to see a thread like that...!

Cheers
Les..

PS: Nice export pics too.... I've not got that far into my seach of the archives yet....! I had been there a year or so ago, and only half the pics I'm seeing this time were there before.... I like the colour pic with half-build FCs sitting out the back of the assembly shed with covers over thier engines....!! Have you seen that one too...??

Keep 'em coming Alex and Shayne... cheers.

[Shayne]

According to Shane Birney in his book 'Australia's Own- The History of Holden', by the late 1950s Holden were exporting to 55 different countries.  I won't bore you with the complete list, but it includes Tahiti, Jamaica, Greece, Chile, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Malaysia and South Africa.

There is a photo of an FE in Kenya (the caption in the book says FC unfortunately), and there is also an advert for Australia's own Car, the Holden- The Jackaroo that packs a wallop, from a Kenyan newspapter featuring the same FE.  

There is a pic of FE taxis in Malaya, and FCs in Fiji.  

[HAD 708]

These archive pictures are fantastic! Well done Shayne and Alex they are a credit to you both. We had a cover picture on one of our more recent newsletters of a Holden add for both sedan and wagons that were promoted in  South Africa.
Brett

[Spinner]

Slightly off-model,  

If you look carefully at the cars in the background of some of the street scenes in 'Good Morning Vietnam' you'll see a HQ or two.

[customFC]

How about an FE in Malaysia.

Regards
Alex