FE / FC

 

1. The FE
2. The FC
3. How to tell the difference

The FE

The FE Holden, released in 1956 had many new and improved features over its predicessor . A new bigger body style and an improved motor made it a hit straight away . The first station wagon was released in 1957 . 1957 also saw the end of the FJ Commercial vehicles and the start of the FE range .

Some of the new features included :

• Full width , one peice winshield , new lower bonnet , boot and belt line gave the FE a 40% increase in glass area
• Modifications to the motor saw the horsepower increased .13 inch wheels fitted
• Improved brakes and clutch . The Pedals were also moved from 'Through the floor' position to the Pendant position . The master cylinders were also moved from the floor to the firewall .
• Upgraded to 12 Volt electrical system . Tail lights were moved to the rear quarter panels . The top red lens used for the stop lights also acted as the indicator lens while a smaller white lens below was fitted for optional reversing lights . Front indicator lights were fitted on the 'Special ' sedans but were not fitted to the commercial vehicles .
• Interiors were totally restyled . The dash retained the large round speedometer but the fuel gauge and tell tales were now housed in an more square gauge frame , 1 either side of the speedo . The starter switch was now incorporated into the ignition key switch ( Replacing the seperate button starter on the FX-FJ )


• Windscreen washers , screen demister were offered as optional extras while a cigarette ash tray and lighter were std fittings .


• Ute given a 3 piece rear window and all bumper bars are made in 3 pieces to make replacement cheaper .

The FC

The FC was almost identical to the FC mechanically . The motor was given a little beef up in horsepower , the body , like the FX to FJ , was given a dress up with the addition of lots of chrome . The main parts affected were the grille and indicator lights and the side trimings . More elaborate 2 tone paint schemes were used on 'Special' models .

• There were no major changes made to the FC . Mostly just decorative . Orange indicator lights were fitted to the rear light cluster , Transitor type radios were fitted for the first time .

Well the sedan and station wagon from the side are reasonably easy to tell apart . The FE was a fairly basic looking vehicle with just a single chrome strip on the front gaurd .The Standard model FC also had a single chrome strip but it was much shorterr than the FE . The FC 'Special' had fairly extensive chrome work and usually accompanied by 2 tone paint work . Apart from this it was very hard to tell the difference But what if your looking front on .
Again its easy! The FE has a badge mounted in the center front of the bonnet (see below ) where as the FC had the word HOLDEN across the bonnet .