1974 Holden HQ Sandman Utility

Announced in July 1971, Holden's HQ represented a radical departure from the outgoing model range and was entirely new in almost ever y way. Built around a perimeter chassis - the first seen on a big Australian car - the HQ featured modern styling, new suspension with coil springs all round to improve the ride and handling, better passive safety through the use of padding inside and stronger panels outside. The engines, transmissions and steering were also new and buyers could specify ventilated front disc brakes. Both sixes (173/202-cid) and V8s (253/308/350-cid) were available, with a choice of transmissions ranging from a 3-speed column shift manual, 4-speed console-mounted manual, 3-speed Trimatic or Turbo Hydramatic 400 automatic. Three basic models were offered, the Belmont, Kingswood and luxury Premier, along with panel vans and utilities. 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 Holdens 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 package comprised the GTS dash, with full instrumentation and unique steering wheel centre, bucket seats, GTS stripes and Sandman graphics, plus V8 drivetrain (either in 253-cid or 308-cid guise) that transformed the basic ute or panel van into a stylish, high performance marketing triumph.