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2015 Shannons Melbourne Spring Classic Auction
Lot
40

1976 Holden HJ Sandman Panelvan

$14,500

Sold

Specifications

Engine In-line 6-cylinder, 3300cc
Gearbox 4-speed manual
Body Work Panel Van
Colour White
Interior White
Trim Vinyl
Wheels Steel disc
Brakes Disc/drum

Description

This lot is no longer available

Holden's Sandman remains one of the most iconic Australian vehicles of the sensational Seventies, a dress-up package that brought a touch of style to the commercial range of utes and panel vans between 1974 and 1980. Forever be associated with the thriving surf culture of the day, the Sandman is now one of the most collectible Holdens made in the period, with survivors rarely coming on the open market. The Sandman offered here was based on the HJ series Holden, an update of the HQ model introduced in October 1974, with improved equipment levels, more options and revised sheetmetal. The HJ Sandman package consisted of bold graphics plus a host of features designed to appeal to a younger crowd, including full instrumentation, sports steering wheel, bucket seats and Rally road wheels lifted from the Monaro. Options included automatic transmission, power steering and air conditioning. As a marketing tool, the Sandman proved immensely successful for GM-H, pushing the final cost of many a panel van or ute well above the basic list price. For additional grunt, the Sandman could be ordered with a V8 (in either 4.2 or 5.0-litre guise) 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, but these days finding an original Sandman is the dream of many enthusiasts and values have soared in recent years.