There are many significant milestones in the story of the Holden car. From the very beginning in 1946 when the first example was hand-built in the U.S.A., through to the day the car first went on sale to the public. Many more would feature as the Holden went on to become Australia’s top selling car in just three short years and remained in that position right up to when production ended three decades later. In addition to significant milestones, the all-important production totals for the various models are presented along with yearly sales figures.
|
1946 |
August 30 |
19525 #1, the first American-built prototype car, is completed. |
|
1947 |
August 22 |
The first Australian-built prototype is completed. |
|
1948 |
September 25 |
The first Holden engine #1001 is started up. |
|
1948 |
October 1 |
The first production Holden car is completed. |
|
1948 |
November 29 |
“She’s a beauty!” declared Prime Minister Chifley at the unveiling. |
|
1949 |
January |
Volume production of the Holden car commences. |
|
1949 |
February 24 |
First delivery of a Holden car to a retail customer. |
|
1949 |
February 25 |
The Holden car goes on sale. |
|
1951 |
January |
Holden utility is introduced. |
|
1951 |
December |
Holden, the nation’s top selling car with 21184 registered in 1951. |
|
1953 |
May 19 |
100,000th Holden produced. |
|
1953 |
July |
Holden Business sedan is introduced. |
|
1953 |
October |
The ‘new-look’ FJ is released with the Special model added. |
|
1954 |
November 26 |
First export Holden arrives in New Zealand. |
|
1956 |
January 19 |
250,000th Holden produced. |
|
1956 |
July |
FE Holden released. |
|
1957 |
February |
Station Sedan (wagon) added to the line-up. |
|
1957 |
June |
1,000,000th ‘Body By Holden’ produced - an FE wagon. |
|
1958 - 59 |
|
Holden achieves 50% of the new car market. |
|
1958 |
May |
FC Holden release. |
|
1958 |
October |
10,000th export Holden produced. |
|
1958 |
October 22 |
500,000th Holden produced. |