Hot Holden pictures

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Holden models are generally identified not by year but deliniated by initials signifying their series & model sequence

Pictured below at Sandown Park raceway is an avalanche of first-generation Holdens - original-model 48/215 (more commonly known as the 1948-on 'FX') leading, with updated 1953-55 'FJ' to the left

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Despite their comparitively small OHV 6cyl, early Holdens (nicknamed Iron-Horses or 'Humpys') were light and fast in their day - mid-80mph stock yet 30mpg

Hot-up gear abounded including aftermarket hemi-heads and even exotic Waggott DOHC conversions, Jaguar & Riley 4speed gearbox adaptors etc. Thus equipped, their performance belied the Humpy's 'old world' styling. This FX pictured below at the famous Bathurst race circuit recorded 132mph down Conrod Straight

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Holden built one of their best in the 1963-4 EH series, featuring new-generation 3 litre I-6 engines riding on a 105" wheelbase. Clean styling, torquey engines and very direct steering gave a great feel behind the wheel. Australia took EHs to heart, buying 250,000 in about 18 months

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First in a long line of high-performance factory 'specials' was the EH 'S4' which again through light weight proved competitive in the 'Improved Production' class against the big twin-cam Jaguar 3.8 litre Mk2s and early Mustangs of the day. S4 improvements over regular EHs included a forged crankshaft, factory-blueprinted head, heavy-duty drivetrain etc.

With similar mods to what was seen in warmed-over street cars of the era, this EH S4 below hit 130mph, again at Bathurst

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Gotta love the old skool cars.