Holden Sandman

Holden Sandman
1974 Holden HQ Sandman panel van
Overview
ManufacturerHolden (General Motors)
Production1974–1980
AssemblyAdelaide, South Australia (Elizabeth)
Brisbane, Queensland (Holden Acacia Ridge Plant)
Body and chassis
ClassFull-size
Body style
LayoutFront-engine, rear-wheel-drive
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission3-speed Holden Tri-Matic automatic
4-speed manual
Chronology
SuccessorHolden Ute (VU) SS (sport utility)
Holden Commodore Sandman (nameplate)

The Holden Sandman is a sports coupé utility and panel van produced by Holden from 1974 to 1980.[1]

The Sandman featured elements from the Monaro GTS, including gauge cluster, steering wheel, bucket seats, and a fully furnished interior, vinyl stripes, and wheels. The guards featured a "Sandman" logo painted on B pillars, and Sandman written on the tailgate. It utilised a 4-speed manual transmission or an optional 3-speed 'Tri-Matic' automatic, both controlled through a console mounted gear stick.[2][3]

The HQ and HJ Sandman models were available with the following engines: GMH '173' I6 at 118 bhp (88 kW), GMH '202' I6 at 135 bhp (101 kW), GMH '253' V8 at 185 bhp (138 kW), GMH '308' V8 at 240 bhp (179 kW).[4][5]

It was released in the following series: HQ (1974), HJ (1974-76), HX (1976-77), HZ (1977)[6]

Sandman concept

At the 2000 Sydney Motor Show Holden unveiled a Sandman Ute concept based on the Holden Ute (VU). The interior and exterior was designed by Mambo Graphics.[7][8]

  • Sandman concept exterior
    Sandman concept exterior
  • Sandman concept interior
    Sandman concept interior

Holden Commodore Sandman

See also: Holden Commodore (VF) § Limited editions

The Sandman nameplate was revived in 2015 for a limited edition of the Holden Commodore (VF) SportWagon and Ute. It was available in SV6 and SS V Redline specifications. It featured 20-inch wheels, Sandman decals, and optional orange sheep skin seat inserts and shag carpet cargo rug in the SportWagon.[9]

Reception

It competed with the Ford Sundowner, Surferoo and Chrysler Drifter.[10][11] It was popular among surfers.[12]

Legacy

A postage stamp of the sandman released.[10] A 1974 HQ Sandman panel van featured in Forza Horizon 3.[13]

References

  1. ^ Brogan, Matt. "Enter Sandman - carsales.com.au". carsales.com.au. Retrieved 17 September 2025.
  2. ^ HOLDEN SANDMAN REVIEW, Trade Unique Cars, 21 March 2014
  3. ^ Brogan, Matt (20 June 2015). "Enter Sandman". carsales.com.au. Retrieved 1 January 2026.
  4. ^ "1974 Holden HQ Sandman brochure" (PDF).
  5. ^ "1974 Holden HJ Sandman brochure" (PDF).
  6. ^ Costello, Mike (27 March 2015). "Holden Sandman name returns". Drive. Retrieved 1 January 2026.
  7. ^ Sharma, Gautam (13 November 2000). "Holden goes back to the future for its Sydney Motor Show concept car". GoAuto. Retrieved 1 January 2026.
  8. ^ Dowling, Joshua (27 March 2015). "Holden Sandman returns". CarsGuide.
  9. ^ Bober, Isaac (27 March 2017). "Holden Sandman returns… sort of". Practical Motoring. Retrieved 1 January 2026.
  10. ^ a b Burrell, David (5 June 2014). "Holden Sandman turns 40". CarsGuide. Retrieved 1 January 2026.
  11. ^ Margeit, Rob (3 December 2023). "Sun, surf and… sex, Australia's panel van culture once rocked our beaches". Drive. Retrieved 1 January 2026.
  12. ^ Joseph, Noah (30 March 2015). "Holden wagon brings back the spirit of the Sandman". Autoblog. Retrieved 1 January 2026.
  13. ^ Biggs, Tim (26 July 2016). "Forza Horizon 3: Iconic Holdens join other Aussie classics in latest car announcements". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 1 January 2026.
allikas: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holden_Sandman