One of the best things about the FJ Holden was that, unlike the 48/215, it could be seriously optioned. For
example, the 'Special' featured armrests, deluxe leather
seat trim, front door courtesy switches, chrome instrument
surrounds, black knobs with chrome inserts, dash facia
grille extending to the glovebox, rear passenger assist
straps, window winders, a cigarette lighter and (for the
first time) came in a two-tone finish. Raising the profile of the FJ (particularly for its
reliability and strength) were people such as "Gelignite Jack"
Murray, who raced the FJ around Australia in the
Redex and
Ampol Trials - as well as in exotic overseas events
such as the Monte Carlo rallye.New Zealanders could also join in the love affair we Australians
were experiencing, with shipments to the
"land
of the long white cloud" commencing in 1954.