1955 Holden FJ Blown Sedan for sale

The FJ Holden is one of the most iconic Australian cars ever built. It represented a golden era post world war two when Australia designed and manufactured their own cars. They were built by Aussies, for Aussies and they were designed and built to withstand our climate and conditions. For this reason, they sold very well and many of them still exist today. This example however, is far from ordinary and a long way from what it looked like when it left Holden’s factory in 1955. Having undergone extensive modification during a no expense spared 6 year build process, no single nut or bolt was left untouched.

The story started 40 years ago, when the current owners mother purchased the car as the second owner from new. She drove the car to work every day for years before passing through the hands of her children. The car sat in a paddock on the family property for a number of years before one of the sons (who currently owns the vehicle) decided he couldn’t see the car sit around and made the decision to restore it.

Initially the plan was just to put a V8 in the car and get it tidy but things quickly escalated into a full show quality build. Starting with the body, the rear guards were widened and both front and rear guards welded to the body. The body was shaved smooth removing the door handles and trims then adding a flush mount fuel filler and door poppers. Custom indicators were moulded in front and rear and a plate recess was moulded to the boot lid. The original single centre mounted tail light was retained as a nod to the original design. The quarter glass was deleted in favour of one piece front glass and the centre windscreen divider removed. The front and rear bumpers were subtly modified for a smoother look. The bonnet was modified to allow the engine to poke its head up and hint at something serious underneath. Months were spent in final paint prep tidying up welds, door gaps and undercarriage making sure everything was perfect. entire body including underneath the car was then shot with Gun metal grey metallic paint that sits smooth as silk over the whole body of the car.

Underneath the car utilises the factory FJ chassis that was extensively modified and incorporated a 10 point hidden roll cage which extends through the fire wall and connects to the front subframe. The front suspension is a Rodtech independent front end with coil overs and a commodore steering rack. In the rear leaf springs with coil over shocks and Caltracs keep things in control. A front engine plate keeps everything in place under the bonnet.

Under the bonnet is where things get serious. It was always going to be a tough blown small block V8 and a dart block was chosen as the starting point. The engine build included 23 degree heads, roller cam, MSD digital 7 ignition and a 6/71 DBS Blower making 14lb of boost. The engine has previously run a 9.1sec ¼ in an altered drag car during testing before being put in the Jay. The transmission is a Bob Grant built turbo 350 automatic trans. The custom drive shaft connects to a KV Race fabricated 9” housing with 3.5 gears and Tru-Trac limited slip centre. Stopping power is provided by Willwood disk brakes on all four corners.

Inside the car is a stark difference to the performance focused mechanicals and is a sea of plush cream leather trim. The dash fascia is the original style with a custom fascia and Autometer gauge set. It also retains the original column style automatic shifter to keep things classy. A billet steering column, steering wheel and custom pedals add some chrome. The custom 10 point roll cage is hidden well and barely noticeable inside the car unless you are searching for it. Power windows all round add a touch of luxury. The car is also fitted with central locking with proximity sensors for keyless entry.

The Jay is perfectly stanced over a set of genuine Convo Pro wheels measuring 15×6 with 185/65 tyres up front and 15×8 with some meaty 275/60’s in the rear. All in all, the build quality of the car is incredible. The body is a smooth custom while still retaining its original charm, inside it’s super plush and comfortable but on the road its an absolute weapon in every way. Featured on the cover of Gasoline Magazine on completion in 2013 and having travelled few miles since, this has to be one of the most badass FJ holden in the country.