The FB Holden, released in January 1960, set the scene for the EK to follow. The obvious American influence of big-finned and chrome-encrusted Chevs, Cadillacs, Plymouths and the like influenced Holden's marketing gurus to employ these characteristics in their design of the new model - inovations such as flash new dashboard, wrap-around windscreen and authentic dog-leg windscreen pillars, all so prevalent on its '50s American cousins.
In 1961 the EK was born, signifying the first major engineering change made by Holden in 15 years. This was the announcement of a US - built Hydramatic option available only on Special models. During a 14 month lifespan, EK sales totalled 150,000, but could have reached 180,000 if the government had not initiated a credit squeeze.
Its resemblance to the well loved '57 Chev gave it the title of "The poor mans Chev".
Model Range
EK 215 Standard Sedan |
|---|
EK 219 Standard Station Sedan |
EK 225 Special Sedan |
EK 229 Special Station Sedan |
EK 2106 Utility |
EK 2104 Panel Van |
Introduction Year: 1961
Model Range: Standard sedan, Special sedan, Standard station wagon,Special station wagon, Panel van and Ute.
Engines: 2.26-litre 6-cylinder , 56 kW
Transmissions: 3-speed manual gearbox and 3-speed Hydramatic automatic transmission
Performance: 0-100 km/h: 24.9 secs. ( auto)
Standing 400 metres: 23.2 secs. ( auto)
Total Production: 150,214
Base Price: $2102 215 model
$2340 225 manual ($236 extra for Hydramatic)
