Australia vs Australia — 1948 vs 1953
| 48-215 FX | FJ Special | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 60 hp | 60 hp |
| Torque | 105 lb-ft | 103 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 2,171 cc | 2,171 cc |
| Top Speed | 80 mph | 81 mph |
| Weight | 2,251 lbs | 2,332 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,642 mm | 2,540 mm |
| Length | 4,420 mm | 4,420 mm |
| Units Produced | 120,402 | 169,969 |
| Value (Excellent) | $80,000 | $80,000 |
| Collectibility | 9/10 | 8/10 |
| Rarity | 7/10 | 5/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1948 Holden 48-215 FX brings stronger collectibility to the table, and the 1953 Holden FJ Special answers with higher top speed. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
Holden has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 1948 Holden 48-215 FX with the 1953 Holden FJ Special highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1948 Holden 48-215 FX producing 60 hp and the 1953 Holden FJ Special delivering 60 hp. The 1953 Holden FJ Special claims a higher top speed at 81 mph compared to 80 mph. Both trade at comparable values on the collector market, making the choice between them largely one of personal preference.