Chronicles: 1956 Year In Review

1956 was the year the 250,000th FJ Holden would be built, but there was even bigger news. By now the Holden was well and truly established as market leader, but the design was starting to look dated. In response, the all new "FE Holden " was introduced. Featuring a more modern stream-lined appearance, the Australian- designed body was both bigger and roomier, and featured a longer wheelbase and wider track. A lower roofline and flatter bonnet and boot complemented the new look.

The FE series also introduced the first Holden station wagon. FE improvements included a one-piece curved windscreen and a larger rear window, these changes combining to provide an amazing 40 per cent improvement in visibility.

There was also a new 12 volt electrical system (replacing the six volt 48-215/FJ system), a hydraulically operated clutch and a slightly more powerful 53 kw version of the well-proven 'grey engine'. This power gain was achieved by increasing the compression ratio to 6.8:1 and by fitting stiffened head pistons and larger valves.

Many new exterior colour schemes were available and a new dashboard helped modernise the interior. Smaller wheels and a slightly wider track contributed to improved handling and contemporary road-testers noted a marked improvement in the quality of fit and finish. Sales figures went from strength to strength.

GMH were to open their new Dandenong (Melbourne) plant, with a floor space of over five hectares and the capacity to build some 152 bodies and assemble 168 vehicles per day (although it should be noted that further expansion of the facility would lift production capacity to over 400 Holdens per day).

Naturally the General continued to expand, this time purchasing land at Lang Lang, 90km from Melbourne, and establishing their proving ground. At the same time, CKD (completely knocked down) Holdens were packed and shipped to New Zealand for local assembly.

Speaking of land aquisition, an American company acquired 600,000 ha of land near Esperance, Western Australia, for the development of 700 odd farms. The company's scheme failed, however the land was subsequently opened up for general selection and many new farms were established in the area, providing an extremely lucky windfall for some.

The MGA was to make its first appearance in Australia, while in the US tests were performed on an all new shock absorber system. The new double-acting pneumatic shock absorbers were designed to control ride height and body roll. Pat Flaherly won an action-packed Indianapolis 500; while the Renault Thriftmaster at £762 was Australia's cheapest new car.

And at a time when take-away food chains were non-existant, there were still the more traditional fast foods available to the public. Naturally Fish and Chips were a regular favourite, but for ease of distribution, particularly at sporting events such as the footy, nothing came close to the good old meat pie.

Meat Pies would become an institution during the 1950's, after one Mr. McClure baked the now famous "Four 'N Twenty" in the Victorian regional town of Bendigo in 1947.

The following year he entered his recipe at the Royal Melbourne Show - it was an instant hit. A factory was soon established in suburban Kensington (Melbourne) for their manufacture, and the rest is history. Can you remember the Four 'N Twenty commercials? Commercial #1, Commercial #2.

Formula One Championship: Juan Manuel Fangio (Argentina) / Ferrari

NRL Grand Final:

VFL/AFL Grand Final:

Melbourne Cup: Evening Peal (G. Podmore)

Wimbledon Women: Shirley Fry d. A. Buxton (6-3 6-1)

Wimbledon Men: Lew Hoad d. K. Rosewall (6-2 4-6 7-5 6-4)

The Movies: