The FC created a major milestone in the history of GM-H
when on the 22nd of October 1958 it became the 500,000
Holden to be produced since the FX (48-215).
It was also
the first time Holden had produced more than 100,000 units
in a year and its market share was over 50% with its
nearest rival being just half this.
As with the introduction of the FJ, Holden had learnt
that to revise or "facelift" a model half
way through its life would maintain interest and therefore
sales.
And so the FC was simply an improved version
of the FE, and following the FX to FJ formula it sported
more chrome and a more elegant grille, which incorporated
the parking lights (in all models) and indicators (Specials
only) at either end of the lower bar.
Once again chrome fins were mounted on the rear guards,
and extra brightwork was added to side panels for the
Specials.
The interior now featured better seat and
door trims and a new vertical-bar radio-speaker grille.
The FC's interior trim featured more pleating than
the FE's by using narrower strips on the seats.
The
drivers seating position was improved and the new steering
wheel with a half horn ring (instead of the FE's full
ring) made for better visibility of the instruments.
GMH didn't stop there, and added extra
"hooding" around the instruments to help
cut down on distracting reflections.
Two-toned paint styling on Specials was made possible
by stainless steel side flash trims separating the colors.
Over the period of this model 3 different permutations
of car color were employed. There were minor changes
to the engine to improve torque and some refinement to
the suspension and brakes to improve the vehicles driveability.
Wheels magazine claimed the FC Holden as "a worthy continuance
of the combination of features which made the previous
model so popular...the designers have steered an excellent
course through the paths of compromise...Holden has far
fewer faults than many cars with higher price tags and
imposing overseas origins".
