WAAAAY BACK.... Holden use to do an absolute base model poverty pack car, often referred to as a Businessman's Sedan.
Enter Jan 12th 1960 and the brand new FB Holden, a time when Holden held around a 40% market share.
The code for these cars, was a "219" and they were deemed a commercial car and all were produced in Adelaide and the body shipped to the various plants.
These cars, were so basic, they weren't fitted with even indicators.... true thing.
Indicators on a 219 were a dealer fitted accessory and most of them were fitted out with blinkers.
In the late 70's, I owned a sedan with no indicators..... you still reach for them though.
These FB's and all the rest of the 219's, came with painted tail light surrounds, painted dash fascia, a simple chrome spear on the front guards.
These were the base models of all the base models.
In the run of the FB, they build approx. 6,000 sedans and 3,000 wagons early on in the model run.
I'm, in the next couple of days, taking delivery of a real "crusty demon", a 1960 FB 219.... build number 85. wagon.
Its been build in Adelaide as I said, then shipped to Brisbane where it received its firewall forward fit out and then became chassis # FB 2163 B.
Now, when Holden was building these things, all numbers started at 1001, making this FB, the 1,163rd FB off the assembly line.
The lowest known survivor in the 219 model, is number 170, making the one I've got, a little bit special.
I should know later today, if I have been successful in buying an EK wagon as a doner car for the FB.
The poor old FB is stripped to a shell and is mounted on a frame with castors.
I have all the bolt on panels coming with it, but no driveline at all.... no front end... nuttin.
The word "patina" doesn't even go close to describing this wagon, but it is savable.
The EK, has everything and is complete...... it is a crusty demon as well.
These 2 cars will be offered up as one unit for sale in the coming weeks...... it won't be for the faint hearted though.
I'll pop up a shot or two when I can.