The FE Holden was the product of a product modification that made use of a car body that was of Australian design. This came about after eight years of using the same general shape and design, as the previous models the FJ Holden and 48/215, which made use of a 1940s blueprint. The FE Holden was in production from July 1956 to April 1958, having a total unit of 155,161. The look that was used on the FE Holden brought about a more modern feel to Holden cars. The sloping style boot and tall round bonnet of the older Holden series’ were replaced by a hatched grille, hooded headlights, roomier interior, a lower roof, flat boot and bonnet, a wider track and a longer wheel base. The cars also had the Holden badge located at the front center of the bonnet. The name of the model was also found on the rear quarter panels of the car.

At first, the FE Holden series started with the Holden Standard Sedan, Holden Business Sedan and the Holden Special Sedan. The FE Utility Vehicle was then released in 1957. In March of 1957, Holden released the Holden Standard Station Sedan and the Holden Special Station Sedan, which marked the first time that Holden integrated a wagon into its range since 1948. What completed the FE series was the introduction of the FE Panel Van in May of 1957, bringing the total to seven models for the series.

Aside from the redesigned bodywork, the FE Holden also made use of only one fitted windscreen piece, a larger rear window, enhanced steering, a 12-volt electrical system instead of the 6-volt electronics of previous series’, not to mention wider wheel rims and the front stabilizer bar. The latter improvement caused the car to have better and safer handling. Another improvement was the change from the pendant type pedals to the floor mounted type that is more common these days. All of the models in the FE series made use of a 2262 cc in-line six cylinder engine and a 3-speed manual transmission gearbox that enables the car to go from zero to one hundred km/h in 20.4 seconds. This speed was possible because of the larger valves and the increased compression ratio of 6.8 to 1, which resulted in a boost in power output from 45 kW to 53 kW.

A few new things that the FE Holden introduced were the new color schemes and revamped seating and dashboard, better sound insulation. The dashboard also contained a large radio speaker grille that was mounted at the center. The cars also featured full-circle horn ring, altered instrument and control arrangement and a larger lockable glove box. Other alternative features included the windscreen washers, reversing lights and demisters.

As for the Special models, they also included front and rear blinkers, the latter acting as the flashing stop light. All these innovations made the cars seem more personalized, thereby pleasing the customers more.

The FE series was succeeded by the Holden FC in July of 1958. The FE Holden Car Club in Victoria is among the many that celebrate the glory that is the FE Holden.