Holden EK
| Holden EK | |
|---|---|
 Holden EK Special Sedan | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Holden (General Motors) |
| Also called |
Holden Standard Holden Special Holden Utility Holden Panel Van |
| Production | May 1961 to July 1962 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Mid-size |
| Body style |
4-door sedan 5-door station wagon 2-door coupé utility 2-door panel van |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 138 cu in (2.3 L) 6-cyl |
| Transmission |
3spd manual 3spd automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 105.0 inches (2667 mm) |
| Length | 181.8 inches (4617 mm) |
| Width | 67.0 inches (1703 mm) |
| Height | 59.9 inches (1521 mm) |
| Curb weight | Standard Sedan: 2471 lb (1121 kg) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Holden FB |
| Successor | Holden EJ |
The Holden EK series is a motor vehicle that was produced by Holden in Australia from 1961 to 1962.[1] Introduced on 2 May 1961, the EK series was a facelifted version of the Holden FB, which it replaced.[1]
Model range
The EK range consisted of four-door sedans in two trim levels, five-door station wagons in two trim levels,[2] a two-door coupe utility and a two-door panel van.[3] The six models were marketed as follows:
- Holden Standard Sedan [2]
- Holden Standard Station Sedan [2]
- Holden Special Sedan [2]
- Holden Special Station Sedan [2]
- Holden Utility [3]
- Holden Panel Van [3]
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Holden EK Standard Sedan
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Holden EK Standard Station Sedan
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Holden EK Special Station Sedan
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Holden EK Utility
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Holden EK Panel Van
Changes
The EK was a minor facelift of the superseded FB series, with obvious changes limited to a new grille and body side mouldings.[1] Other changes included a revised interior trim, electric wipers, a new heater unit and the addition of a bonnet lock as an option.[4] The only significant mechanical change from the FB was the introduction of the first automatic transmission to be offered on a Holden.[4] Marketed as the Hydra-Matic, it was a three-speed unit which was fully imported from the United States.[4] It was only offered on the Holden Special models.[4]
The carrying capacity of the Utility and Panel Van were increased from 8 cwt to 10 cwt by fitting upgraded springs.[1]
Engines
All EK models were powered by a 138 cubic inches (2,260 cc) inline six-cylinder engine having been bore out .061" over the earlier models 3" bore, producing 75 brake horsepower (56 kW).[5]
Production and replacement
After a production run of 150,214 vehicles,[1] the EK was replaced by the Holden EJ series in July 1962.[6] The EK was also sold in South Africa, where it was marketed as the car "built for a country like ours." Due to its rugged nature, it was very popular with farmers in South Africa.[7]
References
- 1 2 3 4 5 Norm Darwin, 100 Years of GM in Australia, 2002, pages 232-233
- 1 2 3 4 5 "Holden, Australia’s Own Car" (GMH sales brochure for Holden EK Sedans and Station Sedans)
- 1 2 3 "Holden, Australia’s Own Utility, Australia’s Own Panel Van" (GMH sales brochure for Holden EK Utility and Panel Van)
- 1 2 3 4 Tony Davis, Aussie Cars, 1987, page 81
- ↑ Holden EK Technical Specifications Retrieved from www.uniquecarsandparts.com.au on 13 February 2010
- ↑ Norm Darwin, 100 Years of GM in Australia, 2002, pages 234-235
- ↑ Wright, Cedric, ed. (August 1968). "A car owners' report: Holden (1960-66)". CAR (South Africa). Vol. 12 no. 7. Cape Town, South Africa: Central News Agency Ltd. p. 28.
Further reading
- Norm Darwin, The history of Holden since 1917, 1983
External links
| Holden, a marque of General Motors, automobile timeline, 1948–present |
|---|
| List of Holden vehicles † HQ–WB Statesmans not marketed under the "Holden" brand, but rather the separate "Statesman" brand. |