Few cars sum up 1970s Australian car culture like the Holden Sandman. Surfboards on the roof, a mattress in the back and a big Sandman script on the side – it was the panel van every young bloke wanted. Today good Sandmans are collectable, and plenty of standard vans and utes are being built in Sandman style.
A short history of the Sandman
- 1974 – HQ: the Sandman name first appeared late in the HQ run, as a sporty panel van and ute aimed at younger buyers.
- 30 October 1974 – HJ: the Sandman option (XX7) arrived with the HJ commercials. A second option pack (XU3) followed in September 1975.
- 1976 – HX: the Sandman carried on with the HX facelift and the new emissions engines.
- 1977–1980 – HZ: the last of the original Sandmans, now with Radial Tuned Suspension.
- 2015: Holden brought the name back on a limited run of VF Commodore SS and SV6 utes and Sportwagons.
Sandmans were built at Holden's Elizabeth plant in South Australia and at Acacia Ridge in Brisbane. They competed with the Ford Falcon Sundowner and Chrysler Drifter, but the Sandman is the one everyone remembers.
What came in the Sandman package
The Sandman borrowed much of its gear from the Monaro GTS:
- GTS-style instrument cluster, steering wheel and bucket seats
- A fully trimmed interior
- Vinyl body stripes and sports wheels
- Sandman script on the B-pillars and tailgate
- Console-mounted shifter for the 4-speed manual or optional 3-speed Tri-Matic auto
Engines ranged from the 173 and 202 sixes up to the 253 and 308 V8s, depending on series.
Is it a real Sandman?
Because tribute cars are common, check the build and option codes on the body and ID plates before paying Sandman money. A Holden club or Sandman register can help you decode them. A tribute van can still be a great car – just make sure the price reflects what it is.
Restoration tips
- Rust: check the rear quarters, wheel arches, tailgate, floor and around the windscreen. Vans that lived near the beach often have hidden rust.
- Interior: GTS-style trim, dash parts and seats are getting expensive. Buy them when you see them.
- Side vents: original vents are often cracked, faded or missing. New reproductions are an easy way to lift the look of the van.
- Stripes and decals: reproduction Sandman decal kits are available. Match the style to your series.
- Gauges: if you fit aftermarket gauges to a GTS-style dash, you lose the indicator and high beam lights built into the factory speedo and tacho. Our GTS dash pilot light guide explains the fix.
Sandman-style side vents
We design and 3D print side vents for HQ to WB panel vans and utes in Australia, from durable engineering-grade material:
- HQ–HJ Classic Sandman Style – raised Sandman script in orange, blue, red, green or white (HQ and HJ only)
- HQ–WB Sandman Style – honeycomb mesh, plain or with the Sandman logo
- HQ–WB GTS Side Vents – red and white GTS detailing
- Custom Text Side Vents – your own text, with a design preview before we print
And for the keys, there's the Holden Sandman keychain.
Not sure which series your van is? See our HQ to WB identification guide.