Andrew Standley
THE PROTOTYPE
While in York W.A. during Christmas 1997, I discovered a vehicle which looked like a 48-215, but was amazed when I read the notice describing this vehicle. Here, thanks to The York Motor Museum, I have the text of that notice.
HOLDEN 48-215 (FX) PROTOTYPE
1946
Australia
6 cylinder OHV 2160 cc
The first Holden rolled off the production line in Melbourne on 29 November 1948.
Before production started on the 48-215, General Motors-Holden's built three prototypes in Detroit and shipped them to Australia in 1946. Two more were built later to thoroughly test local conditions ahead of full production start in April 1948.
This vehicle is one of the three prototypes built in America.
It was registered as a Chevrolet sedan on 1 September 1947 as a 1946 model in the name of General Motors-Holden's Ltd, Fisherman's Bend, Port Melbourne, registered number KJ400.
The car was advertised for sale in 1980 as:
"Prototype Holden KJ400, handmade in the USA 14 months before Australian production. Initially registered as a Chevrolet . Magnificent grey metallic paint, hand welded panels. Copies of original registration papers and original 1946 registration number. A unique foundation stone of Australian motor industry." |
The vendor was Allan Clarke Approved Cars, Coburg, Victoria, and in July 1980 this very rare vehicle became part of the York Motor Museum Collection.
I hope to have some photos of the car soon, so re-visit often.
The York Motor Museum is located 97km East of Perth, Western Australia, and has an enormous collection of vehicles. It is well worth a visit if you are ever in this part of the world.
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