Australian Cars Issue 29

COLLECT ALL THE LEGENDARY AUSTRALIAN CLASSIC CARS

Immerse yourself in the thrilling history of Australian automotive engineering with the Holden FE Special Sedan, a true milestone of national pride and modern ambition from 1956. When the FE was unveiled in July 1956, it made front-page news all over the country — and the first examples to be parked on city streets were mobbed by crowds of admirers. YouTube

With its fully Australian-designed body, the FE introduced a more angular style and was longer, lower, wider and more powerful than the immensely popular FJ model it superseded. Unlike its predecessors, the FE was designed locally by an Australian team — the resulting car was much sleeker than the earlier models. Under the bonnet, the 132ci Grey Motor received an additional dose of horsepower thanks to larger valves and improved cylinder heads, while the gearbox was paired with a column-shift 3-speed, and the car gained new pendulum-style brake and clutch pedals, hydraulic clutch actuation, larger brake drums, and recirculating ball steering. At the top of the range, the Special Sedan stood apart with its signature chrome spears along the flanks and a two-tone dashboard featuring a radio with horizontal slats adorning the centre section. The FE range also introduced a fresh new selection of single and two-tone fashion colours, restyled interiors with a more up-to-date dashboard design, a 12-volt electrical system, twin tail and stop lights, and electric turn signals on Special sedans.

The numbers tell the story of a nation smitten: sales for the FE reached just over 155,000 cars during its 22-month lifespan — in 1957, Holden held an extraordinary 42.7% share of the Australian new car market.

This precise 1:43 scale replica captures the very essence of the legendary FE Special Sedan — an emblem of a confident, modern Australia stepping boldly into a new era.

The Holden FE Special Sedan is meticulously reproduced in high-quality die-cast metal, with details faithful to the original that capture its sleek lines, distinctive chrome spear trim, and iconic two-tone period colours. Rubber tires and swiveling wheels add a touch of realism to this treasured model.

Each piece comes accompanied by a captivating magazine filled with articles from that era, offering a fascinating glimpse into the history of Australian automotive, sourced from the archives of the renowned publication Wheels.

Features:

• Faithfully reproduced model at 1:43 scale
• High-quality die-cast metal for exceptional durability
• Precise detailing for maximum authenticity — including the signature Special Sedan chrome spear trim and two-tone livery
• Rubber tires and swiveling wheels for heightened realism

Relive the golden era of Australian motoring with this timeless model. Add the Holden FE Special Sedan to your Australian Cars collection today!