1976 Holden HX Sandman 5.0 V8 Panel Van

One vehicle epitomised the 1970s to Australians more than any other and that machine was Holden's Sandman. Offered as a package to customers of the commercial range of utes and panel vans between 1974 and 1980, the Sandman will forever be associated with the thriving surf culture of the period and remains a cultural icon today.

 

The Sandman offered here was based on the HX series Holden introduced as an update of the HJ in July 1976, with a range of new engines designed to meet strict new ADR anti-pollution laws. This vehicle is powered by the 308-cid V8 engine producing 216bhp at 4800rpm and offered plenty of performance. The Sandman package had bold graphics and a host of options to enhance their appeal to young 'mostly male' buyers and also proved popular with customisers, with projects ranging from the mild to wild.

 

From a set of mag wheels to the most amazing custom paintwork, body mods and fully decked out interiors, the Sandman has seen it all and Holden’s revival of the name for a concept vehicle that toured the motor shows a few years ago has seen a resurgence of interest in the real thing.