1963 Holden EJ Special Sedan

Ushering in a new era of modernity for the 1960s was the EJ Holden announced in July 1962, replacing the upright lines of the FB/EK series with lower, wider and squared-off styling that was again a combination of American and European influences. The last vestiges of separate front and rear wings were gone, replaced by a sleek full-width grille, greater glass area and more interior space. The cabin architecture of the EJ was also new, with rubber padding on the fascia and a larger glovebox. Mechanically, the EJ remained much as before, retaining the trusty 'grey' motor with a choice of either a three-speed manual or Hydra-matic automatic transmission. New twin-servo brakes were a useful new safety feature, along with safety belt mounts for the first time and stronger front suspension. The electrical system was upgraded with a thermal circuit breaker and the spare wheel mounted in the boot to improve luggage capacity. Expanding the model range, Holden developed a more luxurious model, badged the Premier, that boasted items like a white steering wheel and console buttons, four-door armrests, chromed wheel trim and bonnet ornament, gold/red badges on the boot lid and front guards along with whitewall tyres. The EJ built on the success of previous Holdens and the 1,000,000th car was built during the life of the model, a period that also saw the opening of new plants in Elizabeth, South Australian and Fisherman's Bend in Melbourne to meet demand.