Car number 5...Holden FE 1957 model

In 1957 Holden produced the FE model, it was a major departure from previous models, it was very "chevy-like' and it was an instant success. A number of variations were made. a station wagon, a utility, a panel van and of course a sedan. The FE models were built on a longer wheelbase than the FJ series Holdens which they replaced and they featured totally different styling, the FJ models having used a body shape carried over from the original Holden 48-215 series introduced in 1948.

A single piece windscreen was now fitted and other improvements included a 12 volt electrical system (replacing the previous 6 volt system), improved steering, a front stabilizer bar and wider wheel rims. All models used a 2262 cc in-line six cylinder engine, coupled with a 3 speed manual gearbox.

Engine improvements over the FJ included the use of bigger valves and the lifting of the compression ratio to 6.8:1, which increased the power output from 45 kW (60 hp) to 53 kW (71 hp).

The one I had was a standard sedan, the bottom of the range, the next one up was the 'special' (you can see a 'special to the left in the photo above) and where it had a radio (called wireless' back then) and a heater mine have neither but it was mine. I brought this car in Murray Bridge, South Australia. Not long after I brought it the meat works I worked at reduced the number of staff and of course I was one in the number.

My mate Tom, who also found himself 'between jobs' talked me into taking a trip.

 

Tom had grown up the lower New England district of NSW, his folks lived in Singleton and he wanted to go and see them...I had no plans at that stage, we had been paid off by the meat works so we chucked our gear in the back and off we went.

My Brother Des didn't have any idea of what he would do but he figured he would try for work in Adelaide, some 80 km away...we said our goodbyes and parted company, I was never to see Des again.

Our trip to NSW was good but we didn’t find a job, mind you we didn’t try very hard either.

After about a month of spending time with Toms many relatives in NSW, including camping in an old church owned by Toms uncle in Broke, we returned to SA. Tom had had a girlfriend in Murray Bridge and I think he missed her some, again, I had no plans so back we went.

By this time this old Holden was not running so well...the bankroll was getting down and I didn't want to spend too much money on her....sold her to a wrecker in Adelaide and I left that city on a northbound train....I had Perth WA in my sights...eldest brother Jim was there....