National Archives of Australia
Media release
Australia’s own … the FX Holden – 4 January 2007
Australians are a patriotic bunch and it’s been coming down in bucket loads with the Ashes now back on home soil! And we’re fiercely loyal when it comes to our cars. The traditional rivalry between Ford and Holden is instilled in us from the time we take our place in the baby capsule in the back seat of the family V8.
The National Archives of Australia has uncovered a letter sent in 1943 from JR Holden to future Prime Minister Ben Chifley that proved to be history in the making.
‘Not only did this letter set the wheels in motion for the company to start production on the immensely popular FX Holden, but it also symbolised the blossoming of Holden from a simple parts manufacturer into an icon,’ said National Archives curator, Johanna Parker.
‘During World War II, Holden’s car production had been brought to a halt and replaced by munitions production to assist the war effort,’ Ms Parker said. ‘JR Holden was concerned that once the war ended, he would have no work for his staff, bringing an end to Holden in Australia.’
His solution? Get his workers to start building the first-ever ‘Australian car and utility to cater expressly for Australian conditions’. Three years later the FX Holden, affectionately dubbed ‘Australia’s first car’, was born.
The National Archives of Australia invites media to join Johanna Parker and Colin McPherson, Convener of Holden FX-FJ Nationals, on Thursday 4 January to discuss the significance of this letter and the rise of Holden to be national icon. An FX Holden will also be on display in front of the Archives building in Canberra.
| What: | The birth of the FX Holden |
| Where: | National Archives of Australia, Queen Victoria Terrace, Parkes, ACT |
| When: | 11am, Thursday 4 January 2007 |
| Who: | Colin McPherson - Convener, Holden FX-FJ Nationals
Johanna Parker - Curator, National Archives of Australia |
Contact information
Media enquiries:
Marylou Pooley
Strategic Marketing Manager
0412 646 298
