By adding more features, more chrome and a greater range of options to the original Holden, the company created Holden number two; the famous 'FJ'. Gone was the vertical grille, in it's place an elaborate horizontal chrome affair. There were also different hubcaps and bumpers and new bright metal body decorations including small chrome fins on the rear guards.

Although only a faceliffted version of the 48-215 design, the FJ was the car which cemented Holden's position as the country's most popular car. It is now celebrated piece of 'Australiana' and has been the subject of songs and a full length feature film. The FJ used the same power-train as the 48-215 with some mechanical refinements. The features which had made the 48-215 so successful remained the major selling points; Excellent ground clearance, good ride, rugged drive train, energetic performance, comfortable seating for six, low maintenance, fuel economy and unbeatable value for money.

The accessory list was expanded and the choice of colours lifted to twelve. The new Special model featured armrests and a cigarette lighter and was available with a two-tone exterior paint finish.

Before 1953 was out, Holden had released a new variant; the panel van. Production was raised to 200 units per day. For the first time Holdens were shipped to New Zealand, the start of the export trade which continues today.

The 48-215/FJ had a big impact on the race track with its low weight making it the favoured competition Holden long after it had been super-seded. Tweaked by clever race mechanics and driven with bravado, a 48-215 or FJ could hit nearly 200km/s on the fastest circuits.