Build Date: 1956
Make: Holden
Model: FJ
Body Type: Panel Van
Transmission: 3 Speed Manual
Exterior / Interior: Aviation Surface Orange / Dusty Beige
Engine Type: 6 Cylinder
Odometer: 387 Miles Showing
VIN / Chassis No.: 619364A
Engine Number: L314802
Fuel: Petrol
As rare as rocking horse teeth!
1956 Commonwealth Department of Works Holden FJ Panel Van, one of a kind!
This vehicle has an amazing story to tell, it was purchased in the early 1980 by its current owners, making them only the third owner since it was specially ordered directly from GMH for the Commonwealth Department of Works back in 1956.
All Government FJ vans were painted in colours not available to the general public, when ex-government vehicles were auctioned off, most purchaser’s repainted them because they did not like the government colours. Fortunately, the owners who purchased the FJ from the auctions did not do a bare metal respray, but simply put a layer of green over the top of the orange, allowing its present owners to see the original colour in a number of hidden areas of the van, as well as being able to strip off areas of the green to reveal the original orange , the only known authentic example of this rare colour.
The style number of the department of works panel van was 2104 S6, where as the style number for the Department of civil aviation was 2104 S5. This explains how, on the body plate of this particular van, S6 appears in the style number and S5 in the paint number. The only FJ van to carry the ‘S’ style designation on their body plates were the final run of the vans manufactured between September and November 1956. The engine serial numbers on these late FJ Panelvans carried the prefix ‘L’ as FE production had commenced.
FJ panel vans are not exactly common, but ex-government FJ van survivors are very rare. This van is in fact, the only one that is known to exist.
A stunning and painstaking restoration commenced in 2007 and the FJ was returned to as close to original as possible.
Engine was fully rebuilt in 2007 and has done 387 miles since.
All factory fitted side windows, drivers, passengers, corner vent, rear door are original glass, and each have the manufactures stamp. The timber boards have been restored and painted in copper green wood preservative with original bars to preserve the originality of this example.
Driver’s compartment partition is an extremely rare find, listed as RPO265 on the ID tag, meaning it was an optional extra which was fitted at time of manufacture. This itself is unique to have it stamped on the ID tag (see attached documentation regarding this). Comes with original workshop manual, folder containing original photos and documents, commonwealth driver hand book, and Department of works docket. Also included is an old stock battery of the era for display.
Turning heads with its bold orange paint, this vehicle presents itself beautifully and it’s an absolute credit to its current owners to the attention to detail and level of care taken throughout the restoration process.
It has been proven in the AEHF shows winning -best panel van 5 times, Best Stock FJ eight times, Grand champion, best interior, best restored and entrance choice twice and at the GM Day – best FX FJ original twice.
It’s also been featured at the Motor-ex Melbourne in 2020.
This FJ has featured in Don Loffler’s (author & historian) 2010 book Holden Treasures (books supplied) and attached is a letter of authenticity from Don, who has heavily researched and has been able to fact check details throughout the restoration process. Don has also extended an offer to the future purchasers to contact him for any further information required &/or explained.
A solid investment car that would suit the collector or museum.
This vehicle is located in our facility in Melbourne, for further information please contact Mason Hibbert 0455 191 035 or Jason Todd 0400 321 919.
To protect your investment vehicle bidders should consider at a minimum replacement of fuel, oil, fluids, filters and thorough brake inspection as vehicles may have been stationary for some time. Vehicles are sold as is off the floor – unregistered. Please check photos carefully for vehicle condition. No warranty expressed or implied, sold with all or any faults, and where applicable sold with Australian Government Import Approval. JC02
