1962 Holden EJ Wagon 5.0

Vehicle Overview

Holden introduced the EJ lineup in 1962, and despite sharing its underpinnings with the previous EK model, it had a revolutionary design for the Australian brand.

While at first sight, it looked like a brand-new vehicle, the 1962 Holden EJ relied on the same technical platform as the 48-215 model that was introduced in 1948. GM tried to cut development costs for this car, and what it did was mostly a re-skin of the EK. Just like its predecessor, the EJ was available in a few bodywork versions: sedan, station wagon, panel van, and utility vehicle. However, the overall look, the design language, and the interior were heavily updated so customers wouldn’t feel that they got the same vehicle as before, even though under the hood, the EJ had the same engines, transmissions, suspensions, and even wheelbase as the outgoing EK.

Gone were the tall front wings of the EK lineup, and customers loved the flat front nose of the 1962 Holden EJ. Its new headlights were placed lower and flanked the tilted-forward grille adorned by thin horizontal slats. The bumper below it was chromed and featured two vertical elements that improved the vehicle’s protection. At the lower side of the front fascia, on the apron, the automaker placed the turn signal lamps.

From its profile, the flat nose was followed by a steep panoramic windshield fitted with electric wipers. That was a huge improvement in Holden’s compact-sized segment. The long roof 1962 Holden EJ Wagon featured a slightly sloped-down chromed trim that adorned the car’s sides, making a visual connection between the headlights and the taillights. Behind the rear doors, the automaker placed a third row of windows next to the luggage area. Then, finally, at the back, Holden installed a raked-forward tailgate with a twin-opening system. The lower panel was hinged at the bottom while the rear window opened upwards.

Inside, the compact-sized 1962 Holden EJ Wagon was appropriate for any family, and the car became popular with taxi drivers due to its low price for the Business trim level. In addition, the automaker offered the vehicle in two other grades, named the Special and the Premier. The best-equipped version featured carpeted floors, cloth bucket seats, a radio, and more chromed parts. At the same time, those who wanted just basic transportation could get the EJ Wagon with bench seats on both rows, with seating for up to six passengers. Fronting the driver was a simple dashboard with minimal dials, such as the speedometer, the fuel level, and the coolant temperature gauges. In the back, the folding bench seat could expand the trunk space, transforming the car into a light utility vehicle.

Under its skin, the 1962 Holden EJ started its career by using the same 2.5-liter Grey engine as its predecessor. In 1963, the automaker introduced a fresh 2.8-liter Red powerplant that delivered more power. Both versions featured six cylinders and were paired with either a three-speed manual or a three-speed automatic transmission.