In 1944 Holden’s Managing Director, Lawrence Hartnett, noticed that overseas cars were being imported that were not adapted to the unique Australian conditions. He set out a plan to build the ideal Australian car after the war had ended.
The Holden 48-215 gets its name from the ‘48’ representing the year it went into production and ‘215’ being the size of its motor, 2.15 litres. The replacement that came in 1954 would see the 48-215 get the unofficial name of the Holden FX.
The very first Australian built prototype was complete at Fishermans Bend, Melbourne, on the 22nd August 1947. The very first Holden engine was started up on the 25th September 1948. The very first 48-215 left the assembly line on 1st October 1948. It was a Gawler Cream colour like the one on display today.
The 48-215 was officially launched on the 29th November 1948 by the Australian Prime Minister at the time, Ben Chifley. The 48-215 offered reasonable performance and fuel economy in an affordable package and it was also better suited to Australian conditions than most of its competitors.
In 1998 when Holden celebrated its 50th birthday, Bunbury Holden owner Mike Fagan bought this 48-215 from Bendigo Holden. He wanted to show kids that came into the showroom what cars were like back then and how far Holden had come.
Specific Model
Manufacturer
Holden
Top Speed
0-100 km/h 20.0 seconds
Engine
2.15 litre (132 ci) inline six ohv
Power
45 kW (60hp)
Transmission
Three speed manual column shift
Body Type
Brakes
Carburetor
Dimensions
Displacement
Fuel System
Kilometres
Layout
Steering
Suspension
Torque
Tyres
Weight
Wheelbase