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The 48-215, known as the FX, came out in 3 model stages - the Pre 50’s Series 1950-1952 then the 1953 Series. The Pre 50’s had the rear door lock buttons at the rear of the door, while the 50-52 models saw the rear door lock buttons moved to the front of the door.
Model specifications
Engine: 2.15 Litre six-cylinder
Transmission: Three-speed, Manual gearbox
Dimensions (basic Sedan) Length 4370mm; wheelbase 2616mm; width: 1702mm
Identification: Chrome Grille with vertical slats; the word ‘Holden’ across centre front of bonnet and across boot; split two-piece windscreen; no front or rear turn indicators and one centrally mounted rear stop-light with body-coloured surround.
Total Number Built: 120,402
Reference: Davis, T. Kennedy, E. Kennedy, A. (2001).Published by Public Affairs Department in association with Marque Publishing Company. The Holden Heritage.
The 53 Series (Final of the FXs) introduced a complete new improved drive train and the introduction of telescopic shockers whereas previously an knee action shocker system was used. There was also the introduction of the Business Sedan (Also known as the Taxi Model). The 53 Series is commonly known as the FX override. This drive train was the drive train seen on the Early FJ’s.
Even though the FX was released on 29th November 1948, dealers were restricted in selling the cars to the public until February 1949. Therefore the cars produced prior were often used as dealer demonstrator vehicles, which makes a 48 plated vehicle very rare.
Back in 1999 I was lucky to find a 1949 model, produced in the first half of the year. It all started when my father was driving a truck carting rice for a nearby farmer to the mill in an outback town in the Riverina and he spotted the car in a nearby paddock. Six months past; Dad and I had spoken about the car; we said one day we will follow it up, but as it was near a back road and could be seen clearly from the road, we assumed that it would be too badly rusted.
One day in January 2000 we followed it up. After driving from farm house to farm house for about 2 hours, no one was able to tell us who owned the land or the car, but as the saying goes, at the last house we visited we found the owner of the farm and the car.
After being welcomed and over a cuppa I acquired the car, A few days later we collected the car. Over the next four years I cleaned & acquired all parts, had all the rust professionally removed and researched the originality of the vehicle. I’m pleased to say that to my knowledge I restored the car back to 99% of the original specs; pretty good considering this car was nothing but a body and a few unrecognizable parts that I attempted and successfully rebuilt. On 14th August 2004, we took the car on its maiden voyage of a 3km round trip.
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