

The first Holden panel van was 
the FJ model released in 1953. Its powerful engine and load capacity made it 
quickly popular as a work horse for local tradesmen, while its wide bench type 
front seat meant it could be used for family outings on weekends.
The 50’s was the major era of post World War 2 reconstruction in Australia and 
the beginning of a consumer boom in household fittings and appliances such as 
refrigerators, clothes washers, automatic stoves and other labour saving 
devices, The delivery of a family’s first refrigerator created great excitement 
not just for the lucky owner but often for interested neighbours.
Many of the household brand names known in the 50’s earned a solid reputation 
for quality and performance. These trusted brands are 
fondly remembered by past users while their latest model products are bought 
with confidence by today’s shoppers.
 
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    MA L L E YS established a solid reputation with their big capacity, tumble action, automatic clothes washers. Some specialised installation work was required before the machine could start making life easier for Mum on washdays. | TGS01. FJ Holden Panel Van. Top Gear. FJ Holden Panel Van. © 1995 Top Gear Pty Ltd. Made in China. Top Gear Pty Ltd. Top Gear. FJ's At Work. | 
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    HOTPOINT offered a wide range of 
    quality small appliances from toasters to irons, jugs, kettles and mixers. 
    The brand also appeared on the latest design refrigerators which offered to make hot summers more bearable with plenty of cold drinks and ice blocks for the kids.  | 
    TGS01. FJ Holden Panel Van. Top Gear. FJ Holden Panel Van. © 1995 Top Gear Pty Ltd. Made in China. Top Gear Pty Ltd. Top Gear. FJ's At Work. | 
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    METTERS was already a respected maker of stoves with their famous Early Kooka” brand. In the fifties they offered new sleek styling and automatic models which cooked the roast while the family was out. | TGS01. FJ Holden Panel Van. Top Gear. FJ Holden Panel Van. © 1995 Top Gear Pty Ltd. Made in China. Top Gear Pty Ltd. Top Gear. FJ's At Work. | 
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    LUXAFLEX ® was always the first name to mind for the family seeking quality blinds or awnings. Whether the preference was for 'light control’ Venetians, or practical Holland blinds, their “Measure and Fit” home service always produced pleasing results. | TGS01. FJ Holden Panel Van. Top Gear. FJ Holden Panel Van. © 1995 Top Gear Pty Ltd. Made in China. Top Gear Pty Ltd. Top Gear. FJ's At Work. | 
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    SIMPSON is a legendary name in 
    durable clothes washers and home appliances. Many a mother swore by her 
    green enamel howl wringer model washer which worked so well for endless 
    years before being upgraded to a later Fluid Drive auto model.  | 
    TGS01. FJ Holden Panel Van. Top Gear. FJ Holden Panel Van. © 1995 Top Gear Pty Ltd. Made in China. Top Gear Pty Ltd. Top Gear. FJ's At Work. | 
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