The Holden Story

The EJ was the most thoroughly tested Holden of the seven Holdens released before 1962.

The EJ model was released at the end of July 1962 but on November 1960, eight EJ prototypes began tests at the GMH Proving Grounds at Lang Lang. The EJ tests began only seven months after the release of the EK.

The EJ range comprised of a Standard and Special sedan, Standard and Special station sedan as with the EK . . . but with a new addition. This was the Premier Australia's first luxury car.
All the EJ range used the 138 Cu. in. six as in the FB-EK models. However modifications were made to improve the efficiency of the engine.

The whole car was re-styled through many million man hours of work.

Safety was one of the highlights of the range. All models were equipped with safety belt anchorages, the instrument panel had full length foam rubber padding and braking was improved. Duo-servo brakes replaced the semi-huck units used since the 48/215, drums were heavier and these changes provided shorter stopping distances and lighter pedal pressure. The front suspension was beefed up and the engine re-located to assist with front end strength.
Both the gearbox and steering box were lubricated for life. A new manual gearbox was introduced. The transmission now had a cast iron case and the clutch had a die cast aluminium housing.

The Hydramatic automatic transmission was modified. Gears and bearings were altered to give smoother performance, greater flexibility and quieter operation.

The new body was more spacious. The EJ styling was clean and streamlined. There was a new curved windscreen and sloping front pillars to give a straight through look and improve visibility.

The car had a new grille with twin ventilators, new headlight surrounds and flatter bonnet. The roofline was lower with a cut off at the rear and new compact tail light cluster. The spare wheel was now tucked under the boot floor to assist with both load space and spare wheel access.

The seats had foam rubber padding. Foam rubber was also used in the hooded panel over the instruments. The speedometer was changed to a pointer type. The steering wheel was still dished but the horn rim was replaced with padded buttons.

Some new electrical gear such as a handbrake warning and reversing lights and electric windshield washers, were now options for the range.