![]() “The name should be easily pronounced and preferably identifiable as Australian… (and) the consensus of opinion is that the name should be CANBRA – the phonetic spelling of…Canberra,” said GMH Managing Director Harold Bettle. As the launch date approached, GMH’s departments submitted suggestions for the name of the first locally massed produced car. But can you imagine feeling the same way about something called the CANBRA?ĭuring its development, the 48-215 was know simply as the ‘320’. The word Holden defines Australian motoring and inspires a sense of loyalty, affection and pride. General Motors-Holden’s (GMH) – its technical and manufacturing expertise advanced through wartime mobilisation – accepted the challenge. Plans for the development of the 48-215 moved into gear in 1944, when the Australian Federal Government asked manufacturers to submit proposals for the production of an Australian car. Taking advantage of the 48-215’s success, some black marketeers sold their places in the queue for £100 or more. Demand so far outstripped supply that the waiting list stretched through 1949 and beyond. Australians took the Holden straight to their hearts, commencing a love affair that continues to this day. This first Holden, designated the 48-215 and fondly know as the FX was a six-cylinder four-door, six-seater sedan. The car was the first Holden, destined to become Australia’s first successfully mass-produced car. On 29 November 1948, 1200 people, including Prime Minister Ben Chifley, watched an ivory colored motor car appear from behind silver curtains to the strains of a ten-piece orchestra and enthusiastic applause. Prime Minister Ben Chifley releases the 48/215 on November 29, 1948 DVD’s and Photos – DVD’s and Photos taken by. ![]()
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