Replica automobile [Holden Special FB Fire Control Car]
Maker and role
General Motors Holden Limited, Manufacturer
Production date
1960
See full details
Object detail
Accession number
2004.591
Production period
Description
1960 Holden Special FB Station Sedan converted to a fire car and painted red. It has a white border on the sides to compliment the red colour. The roof is fitted with 2 sirens and a red revolving light in the centre between the 2 sirens. A long antenna protrudes from the centre just behind the red light. On either door is painted "Fire Dept." in gold with the New Zealand Fire Service badge on top of that, just below the window sill. The interior is fitted with 2 full seats and a large boot space at the rear. The wheel rims are painted red and fitted with chrome-plated hub caps. The bumpers and front grill are chrome-plated. The rear end has a tail-fin protrusion with chrome strips on top of the fins. The tail-lights are vertical in keeping with the flow and design of the fins. The instrument panel is fairly simple with a round speedometer in the centre calibrated up to 120 mph with a gauge on either side. The steering wheel is large with a sunken horn represented by a semi-circular chrome ring. The car is a right hand drive with the gear shift lever on the wheel and not on the floor.
Manufacture: Holden FB Special station sedan 229 assembled in 1960 in Petone, Pōneke/Wellington
Engine: 6-cylinder 2.260-litre petrol outputting 55kW
Gearbox: 3-speed manual
Manufacture: Holden FB Special station sedan 229 assembled in 1960 in Petone, Pōneke/Wellington
Engine: 6-cylinder 2.260-litre petrol outputting 55kW
Gearbox: 3-speed manual
Brief History
New Zealand’s first dedicated Fire Control Car was put into service in 1960 by Auckland’s Chief Fire Officer, Gordon Drummond, who carried out this position between 1956 – 1963. Drummond had the then-new car fitted with sirens, a red revolving light between them and a radio antenna on the roof.
The car delivered senior officers to serious fires as a mobile command centre, carrying information including maps locating water supply. It was used by Drummond’s successor, Lloyd Wilson, from 1963-1970 and attended multiple events all over Auckland. The Holden then occupied the same role for Auckland’s Southern Command between 1970-73.
In 2002, MOTAT’s Road Transport Section found an identical vehicle to recreate the iconic control car, a straight example with surface rust and a seized motor. The motor was removed and reconditioned in Auckland, while the body went to a panel beater in Hikurangi, who also painted the car and fitted the sirens and beacon.
The car delivered senior officers to serious fires as a mobile command centre, carrying information including maps locating water supply. It was used by Drummond’s successor, Lloyd Wilson, from 1963-1970 and attended multiple events all over Auckland. The Holden then occupied the same role for Auckland’s Southern Command between 1970-73.
In 2002, MOTAT’s Road Transport Section found an identical vehicle to recreate the iconic control car, a straight example with surface rust and a seized motor. The motor was removed and reconditioned in Auckland, while the body went to a panel beater in Hikurangi, who also painted the car and fitted the sirens and beacon.
Marks
FIRE DEPT. Painted
HOLDEN Maker's Plate
SPECIAL Maker's Plate
HOLDEN Maker's Plate
SPECIAL Maker's Plate
Media/Materials
Credit Line
General Motors Holden Limited. 1960. Replica automobile [Holden Special FB Fire Control Car], 2004.591. The Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT).
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