The FJ was the second model of an "all Australian car" manufactured by Holden and was based upon the established 48-215 series, commonly referred to as the "FX".

The FJ, of monocoque construction, broadly followed the silhouette of its predecessor, but featured a bolder horizontal styled front grille, along with comfort and decoration upgrades in a new sedan model named the 'Holden Special'.

The sedan, in Standard, Business and Special trim levels,[3] and a coupe utility were announced in October 1953 and were followed by a panel van derivative in December of that year.

[6] In 1955 the car underwent a mild interior facelift for the Holden Special sedan, along with a variation in paint and trim options.

There are nearly 20 specific FX-FJ Holden Car Clubs of Australia with members committed to preserving them.