Produced between 1961 and 1963,
the "EJ" was
the first of a bold new shape for the Holden. Gone were
the fins of the previous EK model, and a new flat boot
and lower roofline was created to keep pace with the
more modern looking Ford Falcons.
The EJ was designed
from the Opel Kapitan, but incorporated some American
influence, particularly in regard to consideration of
aerodynamics.
The trusty "grey" motor was
carried over from the previous model, albeit with a
few refinements.
The EJ was the first model to introduce the new luxury
"Premier" model, with innovations such as full leather
interiors (dropped after two years), bucket seats and
a console with controls for the two speed fan heater.
The Premier also featured metallic paint, a push button
AM radio and arm rests on all four doors (sedan) and
came standard with the Hydramatic 3 speed automatic
transmission.
A number of factory options were fitted as standard equipment,
such as a hand brake warning light, glove box light and
luggage compartment light (sedan).
The steering wheel,
gear selector, heater switch and turn indictor switches,
previously only in grey, were now all color coded white
for an up-market appearance.
The brakes were now duo servo and the front suspension
was improved along with the Hydramatic. Interestingly
when the new EJ was being tested around Australia the
only camouflage used was the removal of the Holden badges,
replaced with those from Opel.
The EJ also retained
its two commercial offerings in the Utility and Panel
Van. The 1,000,000th Holden was an EJ Premier, and it
was produced on 26th October 1962.
