1961 Holden EK Special Sedan

Description

The EK model was a face lift of the FB, Holden's third generation car, which was launched in 1960. The styling was in keeping with then-current American trends, incorporating a wraparound windscreen and even rear fins (albeit far more restrained than those found on GM's US models). The new Holden had put on weight over the previous FC model, so the trusty grey motor was bored out by 1/16th of an inch to raise the total cubic capacity to 138-cid, while the compression ratio was lifted to 7.25:1, giving an output of 75 bhp. The brakes and clutch were also improved. In May 1961, the FB gave way to the EK, whose major significance was the introduction of Australia's first automatic transmission - the imported three-speed Hydramatic with column shift. Minor changes from the FB included a wider grille with the turn indicators at either end, and electric wipers instead of the previous vacuum-operated type. The model range included Standard or Special sedans and wagons plus the utility and panel van. A total of 150,214 EK Holdens were built before the model was superseded by the EJ series in July 1962.