first holden made in australia

The first Holden made in Australia was the 1948 Holden 48-215—better known as the FX—built at Fishermans Bend, Melbourne.

It rolled off the line on 29 November 1948, hailed as “Australia’s own car,” with the Prime Minister doing the honours—because subtlety wasn’t in fashion.

The FX packed a 2.15‑litre inline-six, about 45 kW (60 hp), a 3‑speed manual, and rear-wheel drive—hardly a rocket, but tough as a pub countermeal.

That humble start kicked off local mass production and a national love affair with big boots, bench seats, and big dreams.