1977 Holden HX V8 Utility

Description

Replacing the HJ in July 1976, the HX series was Holden’s second facelift of the successful HQ, and was chiefly notable for new low emission engines designed to meet strict anti pollution laws. Cosmetic changes were limited to front and rear sheet metal, with a new grille design, along with revised interiors and a revamped model line-up. The two-door coupe was dropped briefly, being replaced with the limited edition LE in August 1976, while front disc brakes were standardised across the entire range. Holden also expanded the commercial range, with the basic one-tonner, ute and panel van joined by more upmarket Kingswood variants aimed at aspirational tradies, while the Sandman made a welcome return. If any Australian vehicle symbolised the sensational Seventies, it was Holden’s Sandman, a sporting package available to customers of the commercial range of utes and panel vans from 1974 until 1980. The Sandman package consisted of bold graphics, including the ‘Sandman’ script emblazoned across the tail-gate on the HX, plus a host of features designed to appeal to a younger crowd, including the sports instrumentation, sports steering wheel, bucket seats and Rally road wheels sourced from the Monaro. Options included automatic transmission, power steering and air conditioning and as a marketing tool, the Sandman proved very successful for GM-H, lifting the price well beyond what would normally be spent on a basic panel van or ute. For additional grunt, the Sandman could be ordered with the 5.0-litre V8 and equipped with a limited-slip diff. Holden’s panel vans proved remarkably popular with customisers, who came up with some amazing paint jobs, body modifications and fully decked-out interiors and the Sandman will forever be associated with the thriving surf culture of the day and has since become an Aussie icon.